Donation FAQ

Our FAQ should point you in the right direction, but if you're still curious about something, contact us at 312.922.3432. We're happy to help.

  • The Chicago Architecture Center operates as part of the Illinois general not for profit corporation Chicago Architecture Foundation (FEIN 36-6144362). Gifts made to either the Chicago Architecture Center or the Chicago Architecture Foundation will be accepted.

  • The CAC is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to discover why design matters. Anyone may contribute, and gifts of all sizes are welcome. If you’re interested in giving the gift of time, we’d love for you to consider one of our volunteer opportunities.

  • Yes, it is. Donations to the CAC are fully tax-deductible within the limits of the law.

  • Yes, you absolutely can. Our donation form allows you to give directly to a specific CAC initiative. Use the drop-down menu on the form to select your program. If you elect not to designate a specific program, your gift will go toward our Annual Fund.

  • Donations made directly to a specific CAC program will support only that initiative.

    A donation made to the Annual Fund will support the day-to-day operations of the CAC, but we aren’t just talking about keeping the lights on in our offices. Your annual fund contributions will directly support our mission in the community.

    Memberships also support the work of the CAC and are 100% tax deductible. When you purchase a CAC membership, you receive wonderful benefits including buy-one-get-one-free tickets for the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady and more than 65 free walking and bike tours. If you’re considering membership, we invite you to explore the many membership levels available to you and your family.

  • Yes, you can. When you make your donation you can specify if your gift is in memory or in honor of a loved one. Once you’ve provided the name of the honoree, you will be given an opportunity to notify loved ones that a gift has been made in the person's name. Rest assured, the amount of your gift will not be disclosed in the notification.

    Make a gift in honor

  • If you would like to include the CAC in your planned giving, please learn more about our Blueprint Society.

  • CAC's fiscal year begins January 1 and ends December 31.

  • Yes, we do. Please identify the purpose of this gift when submitting it (i.e. membership, restricted program, annual fund, etc.)

  • Yes, we do. Most gifts of stock can be made directly from your brokerage account. Once you’ve told your broker which stock and how many shares you’d like to donate, simply provide these delivery instructions:

    Account name: Chicago Architecture Foundation

    Bank name: Financial Network Investment Corporation

    Account number: 4N2-340384

    DTC: 0443

    The date of your gift will be the date that the securities are irrevocably transferred from your brokerage account. For publicly traded securities, the value of your gift will be the average of the high and low share prices on the date of your gift.

    Please complete the following form and send it to your financial advisor: CAC Stock Gift

    If you have any questions about ways to give, please contact Melissa Graham at 312.561.2113.

The purpose of this webpage is to provide general information that we hope will be helpful to you in your tax, estate and charitable planning. It is not intended as legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. For advice or assistance with your particular situation, please consult your attorney, tax advisor, financial advisor or other professional.

IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To the extent that this information concerns tax matters, it is not intended to be used by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law.

Image of the CAC officeImage of the CAC office

Visit the CAC

Located at 111 E. Wacker Drive in Chicago, the Center’s riverfront location is in the heart of the City and features nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space filled with super-sized models and views of iconic skyscrapers. Learn more about the CAC and our mission to show how design matters.
See center info