Looking back on this year gives me a sense of deep gratitude. I am thankful for the dynamic community that the Harn belongs to, and for the culturally rich opportunities made possible year after year by the museum’s supporters. I am thankful for the opportunities that the Harn provides to so many students through internship experiences, Museum Nights programming and excellent exhibitions. I am thankful for the dedication and extensive tenure of the Harn’s recently retired director, Dr. Rebecca Nagy. Likewise, I am thankful for the next chapter that the Harn is embarking on with recently appointed director, Dr. Lee Anne Chesterfield. I am able to be thankful for all of these things because of supporters like you.

The Harn Museum is also thankful for all of the support it receives from members, donors, friends, alumni and community members. Private support is the steam engine that allows exhibitions and programs to remain strong and vital at the museum.

As we approach the end of the year, I ask you to take a moment and consider making a gift to the Harn Museum of Art. Gifts come to the museum in all shapes and sizes and the development team stands ready to assist you in fulfilling your philanthropic wishes.

The quickest and easiest way to make a gift is through a cash donation. This can be fulfilled through a check or credit card via the museum’s website. Remember, all cash or check gifts must be USPS postmarked by December 31 to be eligible for income tax deduction. And, all credit card transactions must be completed prior to midnight on December 31. 

There are, of course, additional ways to make end-of-year contributions to the Harn. As cash isn’t always the most tax-advantageous way to make a gift, you may wish to consider one of the following other options:

Appreciated securities

• Giving through Appreciated securities can minimize your tax burden and maximize your gift.
• If you own securities in a brokerage account, these shares can easily be electronically transferred to UF for the benefit of the Harn.

IRA Charitable Rollover Gift

• Do you own an IRA or other qualified retirement plan? Are you looking for a tax-wise strategy to make gifts to support the Harn? If you are 70 ½ or older you can direct any amount up to $100,000 as a charitable gift. Giving via this vehicle will reduce your tax burden even if you don’t itemize.

The development team at the Harn and the University of Florida Foundation are more than happy to assist you in making a gift to the museum. To arrange for any of these gifts by year-end, please contact me directly at 352.294.7057 or kharvey@harn.ufl.edu. 

I hope to see many of you through the holiday season and wish you many happy returns in the New Year.

My best and Go Gators,

Kelly Harvey
Director of Development

The Harn Museum of Art relies on individuals, foundations and corporate entities to support exhibitions, programs and other initiatives. Learn how you can support the art museum of the Gator Nation through making Annual Gifts, Gift Planning or by becoming a Harn Member!

Private and corporate gifts are crucial in supporting the Harn's exhibitions, programs, acquisitions, research, travel, art conservation and general operations. Please contact the Harn's development office to discuss your gifting options to determine the best way for you to support the museum.