Darlene & Dave Lee, Wausau
Robert B.L. Murphy Legacy Circle Members
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Planned Giving
Leave a Legacy.
Preserve the past. Inspire the future.
Wisconsin has made unique and vibrant contributions to history. Help share those stories with the world. A gift through your will or trust to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation—the nonprofit fundraising partner of the Wisconsin Historical Society—ensures that future generations will benefit from the lessons of history.
CONTACT OUR TEAMSample Language for Your Will or Trust
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation, Inc., a charitable foundation with a current address of 816 State Street, P.O. Box 260050, Madison, WI 53726 (Federal Tax ID: 39-0921093), the sum of ____ dollars [or ____ percent of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate] as an unrestricted gift to support the work of the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Join Us
When you include the Wisconsin Historical Foundation in your will or estate plan, you make a real and lasting difference for the Wisconsin Historical Society’s financial health and future success. Thank you.
Why Make a Planned Gift?
A planned gift to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation through your will or trust establishes a legacy that honors your commitment to history and helps sustain the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society for future generations. Learn more about the work your planned gift can make possible.
Learn More
We want fact-based history accessible to the public. What better way to do it than by supporting the Wisconsin Historical Society? It is comforting to know our remaining money will go to places we care about.
Giving Options
A Plan That Works For You
The Wisconsin Historical Foundation cannot provide you with tax advice or financial guidance. While certain charitable giving vehicles may provide tax advantages, each person’s financial situation is unique. Before making your gift decisions, the Foundation encourages you to consult your own financial and/or legal professional.
Work with your attorney to include the Wisconsin Historical Foundation in your will or trust—one of the most powerful ways to build a legacy for the history we share.
It only takes a few minutes to name the Wisconsin Historical Foundation as a tax-free beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), SEP, or annuity.
A simple gift transfer of appreciated assets from your portfolio to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation helps preserve Wisconsin’s history, may allow you to deduct the value of your gift on your income taxes, and the gift avoids capital gains taxes—enhancing your gift's value.
By donating your appreciated real estate to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation, you support the Wisconsin Historical Society’s mission, eliminate your capital gains tax, and are eligible for an income tax deduction.
Name the Wisconsin Historical Foundation as a tax-free beneficiary of your life insurance policy.
Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) and Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) offer flexible ways to give to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation while still supporting your loved ones.
- A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) allows you to convert appreciated assets (like stocks or real estate) into a steady stream of income—for you, a loved one, or another beneficiary—now, while making a meaningful gift to the Foundation later.
- A Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) reverses the CRT model: the Foundation receives income from the trust first, for a set period. When the trust terminates, the remaining assets pass to you, your heirs, or other beneficiaries you’ve named.
Murphy Legacy Circle
The Robert B.L. Murphy Legacy Circle is an appreciation group honoring and celebrating those who have generously included the Wisconsin Historical Foundation in their estate plan. Murphy Legacy Circle Members enjoy special benefits during their lifetimes—including an annual luncheon with other likeminded supporters of the Wisconsin Historical Society.
2026 Murphy Legacy Circle Luncheons
May 12 | Madison
May 14 | Milwaukee
Make your commitment today to join us!
Join today!
Give with Confidence
The Wisconsin Historical Foundation’s sole purpose is to support the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society by responsibly stewarding generous donor support, according to their wishes. Click on one of the seals to learn more about our high third-party confidence ratings.
Wisconsin Historical Foundation
About Us
The Wisconsin Historical Foundation exists to advance the Wisconsin Historical Society’s mission. Founded in 1954, the Wisconsin Historical Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives grants and donations benefiting the Wisconsin Historical Society and administers the Society’s membership program.
Wisconsin Historical Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 260050
Madison, WI 53726-0050
Federal Tax ID: 39-0921093
CONTACT US
We're Here to Help
Joe Kollar is the Senior Development & Planned Giving Officer for the Wisconsin Historical Foundation. With 20+ years of experience, Joe is here to help you plan your legacy gift, which can take many forms. Passionate about building relationships, Joe will work closely with you and your attorney or financial advisor as you make your plans.
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