Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a planned gift?

  A planned gift is a charitable gift that an individual decides to give at some future date—either a number of years from now or at the time of their death. A planned gift can also come to the Arboretum over a period of years, whereby the donor takes a partial tax deduction for the gift and then receives an income stream for a specified term of years in return for their gift to the Arboretum.

• Can I create income with my gift?

  Yes! The Morton Arboretum offers several Gifts That Pay You Income—including charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and charitable lead trusts. In addition to supporting the Arboretum, you can also provide income for a child, a grandchild, a parent, or a friend through some of these giving vehicles. That income can increase cash flow now and/or during retirement, pay for a college education, provide income for aging parents, or perhaps assist a loved one with special needs. Please contact Jessica Anderson to learn more.

• I am unable to make a current gift, but I'd still like to support The Morton Arboretum in the future. Any ideas?

  An easy and low-cost way to support the Arboretum is to include The Morton Arboretum in your will or revocable trust. By doing so, you generously ensure that the Arboretum’s mission and programs will continue for generations to come. If you have not already done so, please consider putting the Arboretum in your will or revocable trust. See our Bequest Language page for samples of how to do this. You can also designate the Arboretum as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, annuities, or retirement-plan benefits.

• What asset should I use to make my gift?

  While a gift of cash is a simple way to make a gift now, you might want to consider a gift through your will or estate plan. Many estate gifts cost you nothing during your lifetime but can also support your philanthropic priorities. Some of the most popular estate gifts include bequests, retirement funds, life insurance, and charitable gift annuities.

• Can I direct how The Morton Arboretum will use my gift?

  Gifts can be designated to a particular program area at the Arboretum that interests you. Please contact legacygiving@mortonarb.org for language that best meets your philanthropic intentions.

• How will The Morton Arboretum recognize my future gift?

  We would be honored to include you in the 1922 Legacy Society—recognizing individuals who have chosen to support the Arboretum with a gift in their wills or estate plans. In recognition of your generosity, you will receive a 1922 Legacy Society membership pin, acknowledgement as a member of the 1922 Legacy Society in annual recognition listings, and invitations to special events at the Arboretum throughout the year.

• Why should I consider making a planned gift to The Morton Arboretum?

  Your support helps the Arboretum maintain important tree collections and beautiful natural landscapes, offer nature-based learning for all ages, and conduct its work as a world-renowned leader in tree science and conservation. A gift through your will or estate plan will ensure that the Arboretum’s mission and programs will continue for generations to come.

Please contact Jessica Anderson at (630) 725-2146 or legacygiving@mortonarb.org for more information.