Giving Programs for Individuals

Individual contributions, especially annual operating support, are vital to the National Trust and advance all aspects of our work. Through gifts of cash or gifts of securities, individuals make it possible for us to fulfill our mission and help local citizens save the places that matter to them. Several giving programs provide recognition to our generous individual donors, including the Chairman's Circle membership program for those giving more than $5,000 annually, and the National Trust Council, an invitational leadership group that travels twice a year to visit historic communities nationwide.

Chairman's Circle

The Chairman's Circle is a select group of major donors who annually demonstrate their leadership support in the National Trust by making unrestricted contributions of $5,000 or more within a fiscal year. Gifts at this level strengthen all aspects of the National Trust—from its education and advocacy programs, technical services, statewide partnerships, regional offices network and its excellent collection significant historic sites nationwide.

Chairman's Circle members receive free or discounted admission to all National Trust Historic Sites and properties, as well as discounts at selected Historic Hotels of America and on National Trust merchandise. Members also receive ten (10) complimentary National Trust gift memberships. Gift members receive the full benefits of regular membership, including our award-winning magazine Preservation.

National Trust Council

The National Trust Council was established in 1997 to expand the expertise, perspectives, and resources available to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Council members are business, civic, and philanthropic leaders from all areas of American life who act as ambassadors for the preservation of America's heritage.

Members of the National Trust Council:

Provide advice and counsel to the President and the Board of Trustees regarding strategic initiatives;
Support the National Trust for Historic Preservation in maintaining financial independence through an annual five-figure gift and leadership support for special funding opportunities;
Motivate other key individuals and leaders to support the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and aid in the recruitment of new National Trust Council members; and
Raise the visibility of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and its mission among the general public.

The National Trust Council meets twice a year in locations across the country to learn more about the recent work of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and to experience preservation first-hand.

National Trust Council Leadership:

Current Chairman

Ms. Susan Eckert Lynch

Founding Chairman

Mr. Richard H. Jenrette

Chairmen Emeriti

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Arthur Daniels, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Simmons

Mr. Richard E. Ford

Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Burns

Mr. John H. Bryan