Wisconsin Affiliate, American Civil Liberties Union

Help The ACLU Defend Our Most Basic Liberties!

Tax Deductible Gifts/Donations

The ACLU Wisconsin Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-deductible entity of the ACLU that underwrites the legal work of the affiliate. Contributions to the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation are tax-deductible and support litigation, public education and special projects. The ACLU Foundation does not engage in any lobbying activities.

Tax-deductible gifts can be made at any time, including during our Annual Campaign which usually runs from late August to early January. For more information about tax-deductible gifts to the Foundation, contact our state office.

Click Here To Make a Donation

Read more about the work of the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation in our annual report. This report tells the stories of our volunteers, supporters, litigants and donors.
ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation 2008 Annual Report

Workplace Giving

Workplace giving is a vital means of support for the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation. Through Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee, Community Shares of Wisconsin, and the Milwaukee United Way's Community Wide Donor Choice program, people throughout Wisconsin can donate to the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation and to hundreds of other charities at work.

By participating in a workplace payroll deduction program, donors can contribute essential funds that support the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation legal and educational efforts. To find out how your workplace can participate, please call:

If your workplace already participates, check with your solicitor or personnel office to find out how you can give. Then, please give to help others in our community through one of the many worthy programs available.

Planned Giving: Create a Legacy of Liberty for Future Generations

Since 1920, the ACLU has depended upon those Americans who stand up for individual rights and who provide the resources to ensure that our work continues.

You can create your own legacy of liberty by making a gift to the ACLU of Wisconsin or the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation through your financial and estate plans. Gift planning is a great way to make a lasting contribution to the ACLU while taking advantage of favorable federal and state tax laws.

A legacy gift is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the Bill of Rights and can be an effective part of your personal financial planning. Remember that defending First Amendment freedoms, equality, and privacy rights requires constant vigilance and support.

Here are some ways you may contribute

Name the ACLU in your Will
The most common planned gift is a gift through your will. You can arrange a gift of a specific amount, a percentage, or all or part of the residual of your estate.

Beneficiary Designation
Naming the ACLU as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy or retirement fund is a simple and effective way to support the future of civil liberties. While most Americans use insurance policies to provide financial security for their loved ones, such policies can also be used to fulfill charitable goals.

For tax purposes, you should be aware that the ACLU of Wisconsin and the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation are two separate but related legal entities, each with a different tax status.

The ACLU of Wisconsin engages in unlimited lobbying activities, making it a 501(c)(4) organization. This means that contributions and bequests to it are not tax-deductible. The ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is primarily involved in civil liberties litigation and public education. All contributions and bequests made to the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation are tax-deductible.

For more information on gift planning and advice, please call at (414) 272-4032