Arbutus Society

When IU alumni and friends let us know in writing that you have made a planned or deferred gift to IU, the IU Foundation invites you to join the Arbutus Society. Such gifts have no minimum requirement and can take the form of:

• a bequest through a will or trust
• a charitable life income plan such as a charitable remainder trust or a charitable gift annuity
• a gift of property subject to life estate
• a gift of life insurance
• a retirement plan asset

The trailing arbutus is an evergreen whose name and image have become a cherished IU tradition. Discovered by Professor Hermann B. Boison on Arbutus Hill east of Bloomington, the arbutus is the official flower of Indiana University. The IU Bloomington yearbook, founded in 1894, is named for it, and it is a part of the design of the jewel of office worn by all new IU presidents during inauguration ceremonies.

Documentation for joining

Ideally we would ask that donors share the relevant provision so that we may create a planned giving file. If the bequest gift is unclear, we may want to work with donors to ensure their wishes are clear. In many cases, you may also need to sign a gift agreement.

By asking donors to provide documentation, we are ensuring that you, your advisors, the benefiting campus, school, or program, and the IU Foundation are all on the same page. Some donors, however, may not want to share private documents such as estate plans and wills. In this case, we may still invite you to join the Arbutus Society and recognize your gift.

Please provide the Office of Gift Planning with some form of written documentation. This can include copies of the legal instrument, an email, or filling out the form provided. A letter or email explaining your wishes will be enough. However, this may not be enough to satisfy campaign counting requirements or recognition that varies from unit to unit.

Benefits

In addition to the knowledge that you are creating a lasting legacy at IU, Arbutus Society members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

• An exclusive, annual Arbutus Society event
• Invitations to lectures, exhibits, receptions, and other special events
• Automatic inclusion in additional, school-specific giving societies if applicable.
• A welcome gift commemorating your induction into this esteemed group

For more information about the Arbutus Society, contact the Office of Gift Planning Services at 800-558-8311 or giftplan@indiana.edu.