Planned and Major Gifts
Four Gifts That Established a Legacy
The Cleveland Museum of Art exists today because of the generosity of four men who envisioned a great museum "for the benefit of all the people, forever." Jeptha Homer Wade II donated land and Hinman Hurlbut, Horace Kelly, and John Huntington provided funding through their wills to build a magnificent museum, establishing a long-standing tradition of philanthropy.
Today the Cleveland Museum of Art welcomes nearly 500,000 visitors each year, and its collection, which numbers more than 42,000 works of art, is widely acknowledged as one of the finest in the world. Ever since opening its doors to the public in 1916, the museum has also served as a vital educational resource for the community. Each year, educational programs introduce more than 170,000 children and adult learners to the creative achievements of the world’s diverse cultures, encouraging a lifelong love of the arts. And as one of Northeast Ohio’s premier civic and cultural institutions, the museum serves as a catalyst for the region’s economic well-being.
The Art of Giving
Over the years, these impressive achievements have been made possible through the generosity of many individuals in the community. If you’ve been thinking about giving to the Cleveland Museum of Art, this booklet provides an overview of the many ways you can lend support. Your gift can be simple and straightforward or more complex, providing you with additional financial benefits. You can support the museum through bequests, charitable gift annuities, securities, trusts, and a variety of other means that allow you to realize your philanthropic goals while meeting your personal financial objectives. Whichever option you choose, our staff in the Office of Planned Giving can assist you and your financial advisors. Your gift will not only help secure the museum’s future, but can also serve as your legacy to future generations.
Endowments
All of the gifts described below can be used to create your own named permanent endowment fund or to add to an existing fund. Endowments represent a lasting commitment to the museum and the community and are crucial to maintaining the museum’s strength. Endowment gifts can be designated for general operations or for a specific purpose or program.
* Gifts of Art and Other Personal Property
* Gifts of Cash, Securities, and Other Assets
* Gifts of Income: Annuities and Trusts
* Gifts of Insurance and Retirement Assets
* Wills and Bequests
A named endowment fund for general operating support may be established with a minimum gift of $25,000. A gift or bequest of $100,000 may be used to establish a named endowment fund for a specific CMA program or purpose. There is no minimum gift amount for contributions to existing named funds.
Legacy Society
Upon completion of your gift, you will become part of the distinguished group of generous individuals who make up the museum’s Legacy Society, created to honor and recognize those who support the museum through planned gifts. You will receive acknowledgement (unless you wish to remain anonymous) in the museum’s Annual Report and the members magazine, Cleveland Art, a sterling silver pin specially designed for Legacy Society members, a subscription to the Lasting Legacies newsletter, and invitations to all estate planning seminars and a yearly reception and tour of the museum.
For more information on gift options or to schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation, please call the Office of Planned Giving at 216–707–2585. We can show you how the various forms of outright and deferred giving can be incorporated effectively into your plans to produce significant tax savings and income for your beneficiaries.
You can be an important part of the tradition of philanthropy that has sustained the museum since it was first established. Gain personal satisfaction, realize your philanthropic goals, and help ensure that the great collections of the Cleveland Museum of Art will remain free for future generations.
Information on this site is not professional tax or legal advice. Please consult your legal or financial advisor about your specific situation.