Planned giving
The story of IMA is woven with an extraordinary tradition of planned giving. It began in 1895, when the Art Association of Indianapolis received a bequest of more than $200,000 from the estate of John Herron, an Indianapolis real estate investor. Herron’s munificent gift was used to build the art museum and school that would later become the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Since that time many other visionary, civic-minded individuals have given generously and sometimes anonymously to IMA. These gifts include works of art, funds to both purchase and preserve art, and monies to increase endowments. The list of benefactors is long and includes many of Indiana’s most celebrated philanthropists as well as hundreds of beloved members of the IMA family who are not well known outside our doors. Their gifts, along with those from other generous individuals, continue to enrich IMA’s collection and build its endowment, thus ensuring the mission and future of IMA Indianapolis Museum of Art, IMA Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens, and IMA Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park.
IMA continues to celebrate and honor those special donors who commit to leaving a legacy and connect past, present and future generations to IMA.
There are many opportunities to contribute. For instance, did you know it is possible to borrow against your art and antiques while ultimately helping grow the Museum’s collection? For more information about Charitable Gift Planning, please contact:
IMA Development Office
317-923-1331 x248
In celebration of IMA’s 125th anniversary in 2008 we are expanding our circle of friends who believe in the importance of sustaining the mission of an internationally significant museum in Indianapolis.
IMA invites you to become a founding member of IMA’s newly inaugurated Legacy Circle. Membership in the Legacy Circle is designated for persons who elect to leave a legacy to IMA with a planned gift. Legacy donors join a distinguished group of individuals whose support ensures the future of IMA as a preeminent art institution. And, like them, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have enhanced the quality of life of others for generations to come.
Donors receive an invitation to join the Legacy Circle upon informing IMA of their intention to leave a bequest or make a planned gift. These gifts may provide tax advantages for donors and their families. In recognition of their generosity, members will receive invitations to IMA special events throughout the year.
Donors may name the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) as beneficiary of one or more of the following gifts:
Charitable Remainder Trust
Income from the trust is paid to one or more beneficiaries specified by the donor, such as the donor, spouse or children. The beneficiaries receive the income for as long as they live or for a specified number of years, not to exceed 20. After the lifetime of the beneficiaries, assets from the trust pass to IMA.












