Heritage Society

The Heritage Society recognizes alumni and friends who generously make a bequest or a planned gift of any amount for the benefit of Illinois State University. The Heritage Society is currently over 500 members strong, representing over $100 million in documented planned gifts to benefit the University. Countless scholarships, professorships, and program-specific and unrestricted support funds have been created through planned gifts. The commitments help ensure a bright future for ISU students, faculty, staff, and programs.

We automatically welcome individuals into the Heritage Society once they have documented a commitment to Illinois State University. A Statement of Intent form is available for you to complete and return to [email protected] or to a Development professional you are working with at Illinois State. The most common planned giving vehicles designated by Illinois State donors include:

• Bequest;
• Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designation;
• Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation;
• Charitable Gift Annuity;
• Charitable Remainder Unitrust;
• Life Estate Reserved (Real Property).

The details of your plans are confidential. We do not release gift information or publish your name without your consent. You may also decline membership in the Heritage Society or request anonymity. Members of this elite group receive a special acknowledgement from the President and are periodically invited to exclusive university functions.

If you have already included a gift in your will or trust to benefit Illinois State, please click here to complete the paperwork to document your gift and allow us to welcome you to Heritage Society membership. If you would like to learn more about opportunities for supporting the University through a planned gift, please click here to contact a member of the Illinois State Development team.