Gift Planning

Foundation staff are here to help. While we cannot provide tax or legal advice, we can work with you, your family, and your professional advisors to carry out your vision. Gift planning helps the foundation: 

• Enhance programming
• Expand collections, technology, and other resources
• Train and support staff
• Improve facilities
• Grow the endowment to ensure the future livelihood of our libraries

If you’re making a bequest in your will, add the following suggested language to demonstrate your intention:

“I leave [the sum of ____ dollars], [all or ____ percent of the remainder of my estate] to the nonprofit Madison Public Library Foundation, Inc., in Madison, Wisconsin (tax ID #391777242), to be used for [choose one] the benefit of all Madison public libraries; ____ Library; ____ Endowment Fund; or a special purpose ____.”

Read on to discover the value of leaving a gift, and scroll down for stories about donors who elected to leave the foundation a gift.

Epilogue Circle

Epilogue Circle (formerly known as Silas Pinney Society) recognizes and honors those who leave a gift to Madison Public Library Foundation. Oxford English Dictionary defines “epilogue” as a final or concluding act — and a group of hardworking volunteers and staff who brainstormed this name agreed that the word aptly describes such a thoughtful deed.   

It’s easy to join Epilogue Circle: Simply commit to a legacy gift that will make a long-term difference in Madison’s public libraries. Please let us know of your intention to make a planned gift by contacting Conor Moran at 608.266.6318 or [email protected].

Gift Planning Benefits

• Reducing or eliminating gift, estate, and capital gains taxes
• Increased income and effective rate of return
• Leaving a legacy without giving up assets

What Will My Gift Fund?
Gifts may be given “restricted” or “unrestricted.” Unrestricted, planned gifts to the foundation are invested in a permanent endowment at Madison Community Foundation. Each year, distributions from the endowment are used to support foundation operations, grants, program investments, and more. Some donors prefer to restrict their gift for a designated neighborhood library or toward a particular area or program like collections, technology, or the Wisconsin Book Festival. Call the foundation office at 608.266.6318 if you wish to designate your gift in a particular way.

“Libraries connect with a lot of my values, and what touches me about the importance of community gathering places. I feel they are a truly vital asset for the residents of the city.”

—  Dick Goldberg,
Epilogue Circle member