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Support the Society

The Washington State Historical Society depends on the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations to support exhibitions, educational opportunities and outreach programs across our state.

Three Easy Ways to Give!

• Email Brenda Hanan at bhanan@wshs.wa.gov to arrange your gift.
• Call our development office to make a donation by phone—Brenda Hanan, 253/798-5899
• Print our downloadable form (PDF), fill it out, and mail or fax it to:
  
• Development Office, Washington State Historical Society
  
• 1911 Pacific Avenue
  
• Tacoma, WA 98402
  
• Fax: 253/272-9518

*Charitable gifts are tax deductible when received by the Washington State Historical Society without the exchange of any goods or services, including but not limited to membership benefits.

Corporate Matching Programs

You can double—and in some cases triple—the value of your donation to the Washington State Historical Society through your employer's matching gift program. Do you or your spouse/partner work for a matching gift company?

Not sure? Check this list of employers with matching programs, or contact the matching gifts coordinator in your company's Personnel, Human Resources, or Community Relations department to obtain a matching gift form. Just complete the matching gift form and mail it to the Society with your gift.

New Changes in Tax Law Make Giving Easier

Thanks to recently passed legislation, American seniors can make the gift of a lifetime by giving their IRAs to charity without federal tax penalty. Now, your retirement funds can go further than ever before!

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 permits individuals to transfer up to $100,000 from individual retirement accounts directly to a qualifying charity like the Washington State Historical Society without recognizing the assets transferred as income for federal tax purposes. In tax years beginning after December 31, 2005, a donor who has reached age 70½ is now allowed to exclude from his or her income tax calculations for certain IRA withdrawals. In most circumstances, these charitable contributions are not tax deductible unless the retirement accounts were funded with after-tax dollars.  This provision is time-limited. It will not apply to any distribution made in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007.

IRAs are typically held by a financial service or trust company. These custodians will likely provide a form that could be used to transfer the IRA directly to charity, with no tax incurred. If you would like to learn more about how you can transfer IRA funds to the Society as a charitable gift, please call Brenda Hanan at 253/798-5899.

For more information on the Pension Protection Act of 2006, visit these sites:

U. S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration
Internal Revenue Service, U. S. Department of the Treasury
The White House Fact Sheet

Planned Giving

Planned gifts allow you to combine your financial needs with your philanthropic goals. These are typically gifts of assets, rather than gifts from income. Planned giving incorporates many forms of financial, tax and estate planning benefits, and is tailored to your needs. Contact your tax or legal advisor, or a planned giving representative for assistance in creating the planned gift that fits your goals. The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation can provide you with resources to learn more about planned giving.

Washington State Historical Society
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
Toll-free 1-888-BE-THERE (1-888-238-4373)