IHC Road Scholars Judith Heineman & Daniel MarcotteDid you know that in the past year, the IHC made available more than 1,000 high quality public humanities experiences throughout the state of Illinois?

Gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations allow us to present public programs that speak to current issues, that challenge our perceptions and beliefs as individuals and as communities, and that offer us the enrichment of life-long learning. The current downturn in the economy has made all of us carefully weigh our charitable giving plans. Please reflect on the importance of the IHC, as we continue to offer free programming that stimulates our minds, enriches our souls, encourages participation from all members of the community, honors the importance of public service, and fosters civic engagement at its best.

Odyssey Project GraduatesHere are just a few ways to help us keep the conversation going: 

Outright cash gifts: With the troubled state of government funding, charitable gifts are even more crucial to our ability to carry out our programming. Unrestricted contributions allow the IHC to use your gift in the area where it is most needed. You can also designate a specific program to benefit from your gift. Unrestricted gifts of $500 or more entitle you to membership in our Friends of IHC giving club. Click here for more details. You may give a secure gift online, send a check or credit card gift to our office (Suite 1400, 17 North State St. Chicago, IL 60602.3296), or call us and make your gift over the phone at 312.422.5580.

Amazon.com: In addition to our selection of books and more in our Ex Libris - Online Store, we also receive donations with you shop Amazon.com through us. Each purchase you make donates a percentage (from 4% to 15%) of the proceeds to the IHC. This donation, which adds no additional fee or cost to your purchase, is sent directly from the retailer to the IHC and used to help us bring the humanities to Illinois.

Be sure to bookmark any of our Amazon links so that every time you visit Amazon.com, the IHC will get a percentage of your funds! Explore our Shop Online section for more details and gift ideas!

iGive.com: Register at iGive.com, select the IHC as your cause, and a percentage of your purchases from each sale will go to the IHC! There are over 700 stores in the iGive Mall, including eBay, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, and more. Plus, if you shop within 45 days of registering, iGive.com will donate an additional $5.00 to your cause. Click here to get started!Cafe Society discussion

Gifts in Honor or in Memory of a Loved One: You may make a gift in honor of a loved one or someone who has significantly impacted your life, or the work of the IHC. You may also wish to make a gift as a unique way to honor someone's memory. If you have specific ideas or questions about a memorial gift, please contact our Development Office at 312.422.5585 ext 235.

Matching gifts: Many employers offer matching gift programs for qualified nonprofits. Check with your human resources department to see if your gift can go even further.

Capitol Forum participants debate issues in Springfield

Planned Gifts: Bequests are an effective way to carry out your charitable wishes over the long-term, and make an impact on the organizations you have come to believe in. Through a charitable bequest in your will or trust, you may give a specific amount, a specific property, a percentage of your assets, or all or part of the residue (what's remaining after other specific bequests have been satisfied). A simple paragraph may be all that's needed to add a charitable provision to an existing will. Be sure to discuss any plans with your financial advisor(s).

For more information about giving to the IHC, contact Monika J. Collins via phone at 312.422.5585 ext. 235 or email at mjc@prairie.org.

Thank you for your support.