GIVING

Overview
As an IRS-approved charitable 501(c)(3) organization, The Orland Historical Society is legally entitled to seek tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Charitable Giving vs. Earned Revenue
Some non-profit cultural organizations can financially exist on earned revenue (admissions and gift shop receipts) alone. However, The Orland Historical Society, like many non-profit organizations, must raise essential operating funds from charitable sources. Currently, earned revenue for the Society represents only 10% of its total operating income.

Ways to Give to The Orland Historical Society
There are many ways to make contributions to help ensure the Society's financial viability, as outlined below:

Membership

Membership is the most basic way to support The Orland Historical Society. Our nearly 100 members represent over 5 states and 2 countries, and share a commitment to Orland history.

Membership to The Orland Historical Society provides an outstanding benefits package. To learn more about membership, or to join, please visit the membership section of our webpage.

Annual Fund

Annual Fund vs. Membership
Many members of the Society ask the question "why does the Society need to ask for charitable contributions above and beyond my regular membership dues?" to offer educational programs to the general public, it would cost the average member $10 per year! The Annual Fund campaign is one way the Society raises charitable contributions to meet the operating expenses of its world-class operation.

Periodically, Red Paint People® issues contain an Annual Fund return envelope. Also, each fall members receive information in the mail about the Annual Fund. However, the Society welcomes Annual Fund contributions any time of the year! Annual Fund contributions are tax deductible; contact your tax advisor for specifics regarding charitable donations.

If you would like more information, or if you would like to speak with Present Wayne Ames, you can contact him at (207) 469-7788.

Estate Planning

The Orland Historical Society is pleased to accept estate planning contributions by way of simple bequests, gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, irrevocable remainder trusts, and as a beneficiary to a life insurance policy. Estate planning gifts can be unrestricted (the Society is granted permission by the donor to use the gift as determined by its Board of Directors) or restricted (the donor limits use of the gift to a specific project or where only interest, rather than the principle, is available to the Society.

The Orland Historical Society can send you an Estate Planning Guide that provides detailed information. To receive a guide, send us an email or call Executive Wayne Ames  at (207) 469-7788

Endowment

An endowment is a restricted fund in which the Society can use only the interest, dividends, and investment appreciation for activities related to the Society's mission. The principle of the gift is never used, which ensures a perpetual source of revenue for the Society. For a museum to be financially stable, most consultants recommend an endowment that provides 30% of the operating revenue of the organization.

Endowment Funds at The Orland Historical Society

Management of the Endowment

The Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the Finance Committee, is managed at the foundation for the benefit of the Society.

For more information on contributing to the Society's endowment, send us an EMAIL orland-historical@att.net or call Wayne Ames at (207) 469-7788

Tax Deductibility of Contributions

Contributions to The Orland Historical Society's Annual Fund Campaign and Endowment, as well as gifts made through estate planning, are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The Orland Historical Society encourages contributors to consult with their tax advisor regarding the specifics of tax deductibility.

The Orland Historical Society also welcomes matching gifts from contributors' employees or other organizations! If your employer requires forms to be completed by the recipient, enclose them with your check.