Why Give

Casa Navarro State Historic Site

The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission is a closely affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to raise private philanthropic dollars to support the programs, projects, and acitivites of the Texas Historical Commission (THC). With thousands of historical properties including homes, museums, forts, battlefields, archeological sites, cemeteries, and more across the state of Texas to preserve and protect, private dollars for public education, intrepretive material, and special project support are essential to the ability of the THC to meet its mission.

Our purpose is exclusively charitable. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. View our IRS letter of tax deductibility (PDF) or visit Guidestar for further organizational information about the Friends of the THC.

All gifts, in all forms, are important to the Friends of the THC. Whether you make a gift of cash, stock, or another asset, you can direct your gift to any area of the THC that is of particular interest to you. The following information explains the many ways you can help support the work of the THC through a gift to the Friends.

How to Give

Fannin Battleground State Historic Site

Cash, Check, or Credit Card
Outright donations made by cash, check, or credit card are the easiest to make. They are also tax-deductible in the year they are given. You may also designate your gift in honor of or in memory of someone special to you.

To make a gift by credit card, download a contribution form (Word) or call Karen Knox, development associate, at 512.936.2189 and provide your credit card information over the phone.

Mail contribution forms and gifts made by check (payable to The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission) to:

Friends of the Texas Historical Commission
P.O. Box 13497
Austin, Texas 78711
Phone: 512.936.2241
Fax: 512.936.0237

For wire transfers please contact Karen Knox at 512.936.2189.

Gifts of Stock
Gifts of appreciated securities and closely held stock can be extremely beneficial—both to you and to the Friends of the THC. You may receive an income tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the securities and reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes. Proceeds from the sale of these assets are directed to any program you wish. Please contact Lisa Avra, executive director of the Friends, at 512.936.2241 to assist you with coordinating a stock transfer.

Corporate Sponsorship
The Friends of the THC work with companies to design a program that meets their specific philanthropic, marketing, and public relations objectives. Gifts are used to support a range of projects including preservation fellowships, awards for excellence in historical preservation, and sponsorship of the annual preservation conference. For more information, contact Lisa Avra at lisa.avra@thc.state.tx.us or 512.936.2241.

Gift Planning
Planned gifts can be made now or deferred to a later time. Some enable you to support the Friends of the THC, receive tax benefits, and sustain your current lifestyle. Such gifts include bequests through a will, retirement plan assets, and charitable trusts. For more information, contact Lisa Avra at lisa.avra@thc.state.tx.us or 512.936.2241.

Tax Free IRA Rollover Expires December 23, 2011. Learn More...

Endowments
When you create an endowment, you can honor someone important to you while providing permanent support to historical preservation projects across the state of Texas.The money is invested, and each year a distribution is made from the endowment to support the program or area of your choice. In addition to named endowments that benefit designated programs, the Friends of the THC established the Texas Heroes Endowment in memory of early Texans who settled this great land. Contributions are added to the corpus, and distributions support areas of greatest need and unique opportunities at the THC. To discuss an endowment gift, please contact Lisa Avra at lisa.avra@thc.state.tx.us or 512.936.2241.

McCulloch County Courthouse

Matching Gifts
You may be able to double or even triple your gift to the Friends of the THC. Many employers sponsor matching gift programs to match charitable contributions made by their employees. To find out if your company matches your gifts, visit your company's human resources department. Complete the form provided by your company and mail it to:

Friends of the Texas Historical Commission
P.O. Box 13497
Austin, Texas 78711
Phone: 512.936.2189
Fax: 512.936.0237