Leave Your Legacy in the Humanities
When you include the Minnesota Humanities Center in your estate or gift plans, you help ensure future generations will explore the rich cultures, voices, and places that make our state unique.
At MHC, we believe strong communities are built when people understand their stories, honor one another’s experiences, and stay connected across generations. By planning a gift now, you join a community of Minnesotans who leave more than an asset: you leave a legacy of curiosity, connection, and shared understanding.
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Contact Us Ann Mayers |
Ways to Give
1. A Gift in Your Will or Trust
A bequest allows you to make a future gift without affecting your finances today.
2. Beneficiary Designations
Name the Minnesota Humanities Center as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance policy, or donor-advised fund.
3. Gifts of Stock or Securities
Appreciated securities offer a smart way to support MHC while minimizing capital gains tax.
4. Named Endowments & Legacy Funds
With a generous future gift, you can create a named fund to benefit a specific program. Legacy gifts like this provide lasting support and reflect your vision for Minnesota’s cultural future.
5. Other Options (Gift Annuities, Charitable Trusts, Gifts of Real Estate)
For donors seeking income for life, transfer of real property, or more complex planning, we’re pleased to partner with financial advisors and trust officers to design planned gifts tailored to your goals. We’re happy to work with you and your professional advisors to find the right fit.
Many donors choose unrestricted gifts, allowing MHC to respond to future opportunities and community needs where support is needed most.
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Tools & Resources Legacy Giving Guide A practical, no-obligation guide to get you started:
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Planning Checklist
- Review your current will or trust
- List the people and organizations most meaningful to you
- Consult your attorney or advisor about beneficiary designations
- Decide whether you’d like your gift to be designated or unrestricted
- Let us know if you’ve included MHC (so we can say thanks!)
Disclaimer: Sample Bequest Language is provided for information purposes only. Minnesota Humanities Center does not provide legal or tax advice. We encourage you to consult your attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional when making estate plans.
Sample Bequest Language“I give to Minnesota Humanities Center, a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of Minnesota, whose principal office is 987 Ivy Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55106, Tax ID 41-1322769, the sum of $______ (or ___% of the residue of my estate) to support its general purposes (or a designated program or fund).” |
Humanities Legacy Society
Membership is offered to anyone who has included the Minnesota Humanities Center in their estate or gift plans.
How to Join
If you’ve already included MHC in your estate or gift plans, please complete our brief form below or notify us by email at ann@mnhum.org so we can welcome you to the society.
Membership Benefits
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For Professional Advisors
Thank you for guiding your clients toward meaningful and well-planned philanthropy. The Minnesota Humanities Center is a 501(c)(3) organization organized under the laws of Minnesota.
Legal Name: Minnesota Humanities Center
Tax ID: 41-1322769
Address: 987 Ivy Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55106
We welcome conversations with your clients about effective legacy giving alternatives, including bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, trusts and more. Please feel free to contact us for additional materials or to discuss specific arrangements. Our Gift Acceptance Policy is available on request.
FAQs
Do I need to be wealthy to create a legacy gift?
No. Anyone who cares about the Minnesota Humanities Center’s mission can leave a legacy. A modest gift can be as meaningful as a large one—what matters is your intention to support future generations.
Will I need to rewrite my entire will or trust?
Not at all. In most cases, you can update your will or trust with a simple amendment (codicil) or include MHC as a beneficiary in a retirement plan, which does not require rewriting the document.
Can I change my plans later?
Yes. All legacy gifts to MHC are revocable unless specified otherwise. Your circumstances, assets or priorities may change—and we respect that.
Can I direct my gift to a specific program or purpose?
Certainly. While unrestricted gifts give us the most flexibility, you may designate your gift to support an area such as the Learning From Place: Bdote program, the Native American Book Series, or another specific initiative. Contact ann@mnhum.org to talk through your ideas. Thank you for your vision.
What happens after I make a legacy gift right now?
If your gift is already planned, please let us know by completing the form below or contacting us directly. That helps us express our gratitude, welcome you to the Legacy Society, and ensure your wishes are documented and honored.
