Legacy Giving
“I have often and often, in the course of the session, and the vicissitudes of my hopes and fears as to its issue, looked at that behind the President, without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting: but now at length, I have the happiness to know, that it is a rising and not a setting sun.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
As a Rising Sun Society member, the gift you give today becomes the legacy you leave tomorrow. As Benjamin Franklin observed that the face of the sun, carved on the back of Washington’s chair was a rising sun over a new nation, so to, can your gift be a rising sun for Independence National Historical Park and help support their mission for future generations.
When you make the Independence Historical Trust a beneficiary of your estate planning, your legacy makes possible the following:
- Thousands of people experiencing Independence through educational programs, virtual learning experiences and walking tours
- Hundreds of volunteers engaging in events and park stewardship
- Preservation of our national treasures and greenspaces
- Enhancements to the visitor experience in the historical district
Including Independence Historical Trust in your will or trust is a great way to ensure your legacy lives on at Independence National Historical Park without affecting your income during your lifetime. When deciding on your estate, you can choose to leave the Trust a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or even the remaining balance after distributions have been made to other beneficiaries.
You can also choose to name the Independence Historical Trust as a beneficiary of a retirement plan such as a 401(K), 403(b), IRA or profit-sharing pension plan. It is easy to complete this request:
- Request a change-of-beneficiary form from your plan administrator
- List independence Historical Trust as a non-profit organization beneficiary using our Tax ID # 23-7179598
- Return the completed form to your plan administrator and send a copy to Jonathan Burton, Director of Development for Independence Historical Trust at 143 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Download our Gift and Estate Planning document for legal information on the organization as well as your Statement of Intent.
As a reminder, Independence Historical Trust is not offering advice on tax benefits or estate planning. We strongly recommend talking to planning administrators and estate lawyers before making a decision.
When we chose the intersection of Society Hill and Old City to build our forever home, it was intentional. We envisioned a home where Independence National Historical Park would become our backyard. Neighbors of the Park have unique bragging rights: we go about our daily lives among the nation’s most historic spaces and structures; we see them out of our windows, and we spend time relaxing in them. The value we place on our homes is as much about our own four walls and roof as it is about the surrounding neighborhood, namely the Park, with its greenspaces, landmarks, and architecture. If we’re not investing in the Park’s upkeep, evolution, and vitality, we’re not ensuring the value and appeal of our home for generations to come, and more broadly the Park as a destination for visitors to our city and its greater relevance to our nation’s democracy. That’s why we are so committed to making annual, unrestricted contributions to Independence Historical Trust and have included the Trust in our estate plans. Such simple decisions and actions means we’re doing our part to maintain the Park as the magnificent asset, source of joy, and inspiration that it is. We truly hope our neighbors join us in this mission!
– Kelly Grattan & John Lopez
Rising Sun Society members