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Friends of OLLI

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In addition to support from the Bernard Osher Foundation, the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), and ISU, OLLI at Iowa State receives contributions from individuals who are passionate about lifelong learning. We think of these lifelong learning enthusiasts as Friends of OLLI at Iowa State .

Contributions made by Friends of OLLI at Iowa State assist in providing quality programming to fulfill the needs of lifelong learners today and tomorrow. In the past, these funds allowed us to:

  • Expand our geographical reach by purchasing technology for online courses.
  • Pay for subscriptions for online applications to further enhance our course offerings through Zoom and course evaluations with Survey Monkey.
  • Send an OLLI at Iowa State member to the Osher National Conferences that are held every 18 months.
  • Provide supplies for lectures, courses, and day trips as needed.
  • Support a scholarship program to assist individuals who may not have the financial resources to continue their lifelong learning.

There are many ways you can show your support as a Friend of OLLI at Iowa State.

Cash – and cash equivalents such as checks and credit cards – immediately benefit OLLI at Iowa State, and is often the most convenient and easiest form of giving. Cash gifts generally can be deductible if you itemize your taxes.

PLEDGES

Instead of paying the sum of your gift all at once, pledges allow you to pay the total over time. Terms for pledges are typically within five years and allows you to consider a more significant gift than otherwise would have been possible.

SECURITIES

Securities may be contributed as outright gifts or as a pledge payment. When you make a gift of appreciated securities (stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have grown in value), your income tax deduction is equal to the fair market value of the securities, and you may avoid capital gains taxes on the transfer.

VOLUNTEERING

OLLI at Iowa State appreciates all the support it receives through its volunteers. There are several opportunities for you to show your support through volunteering. To find out where your talents would best be used, please contact the OLLI at Iowa State staff for guidance.

BEQUESTS

A bequest in your will and naming OLLI at Iowa State in your will or living trust is an easy way to show your support. You are encouraged to contact the ISU Foundation for bequest gift language to use in your will.

Retirement accounts often are exposed to income tax and estate taxes, which may be avoided or reduced through a deferred gift.

Questions?

Heather Bristow | Director of Iowa State Retirees & OLLI at Iowa State | (515) 294-5790 | hbristow@iastate.edu

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

2624 Howe Hall,
537 Bissell Road
Ames, IA

Heather Bristow, hbristow@iastate.edu

Phone: (515) 294-5790

© Iowa State University of Science and Technology 2026