Planned Giving


The Circle of Light

The Circle of Light, established by Amnesty International USA's Board of Directors in 1997, is a formal recognition society which honors the extraordinary generosity and commitment of individuals who have provided for AIUSA in their Will or trust.

Your commitment to Amnesty is important, and we invite you to strengthen that commitment by joining the Circle of Light. Your membership in the Circle of Light is a lasting investment in our important work, advancing Amnesty's mission and ensuring our ability to assist future generations in their struggle for human rights and human dignity.

Becoming a Member of The Circle of Light
You may qualify for membership in the Circle of Light by providing support for AIUSA in one or more of the following ways:
- Make a bequest to AIUSA through a Will or living trust.
- Receive income for life through a charitable gift annuity, charitable trust or Pooled Income Fund.
- Name AIUSA as owner/beneficiary of a life insurance policy or as a beneficiary of an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
- Name AIUSA as beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust or lead trust.
- Make an estate gift of tangible property; real estate; or a remainder interest in your personal residence.
To become a Circle of Light member, you should notify Amnesty regarding the nature of the bequest or gift plan you have made. Many members, once they have completed arrangements with their lawyer or financial planner, send a copy of the specific paragraph or section of their Will or trust document which specifies their commitment to Amnesty. Although this is not necessary, it can help ensure that your gift will be used as intended.

As a Circle of Light member, you will receive a special Circle of Light membership certificate and a gift-planning newsletter that is mailed three times a year and invitations to AIUSA events in your area. With your consent, your name will be listed as a Circle of Light member in AIUSA's Annual Report and in the Circle of Light Newsletter. If you wish, you may request to be an anonymous member.

When you list your name in these publications, you not only assist Amnesty with its long-range planning, but you also serve as an inspiration for other friends of Amnesty to join you in planning for Amnesty's future.

All information is maintained in the strictest confidence.

Recent issues of the Circle of Light Newsletter:
Spring 2005 (in PDF)
Fall 2004 (in PDF)

Request More Information For more information about planned giving opportunities at AIUSA, or to receive a confidential, personalized illustration of the tax and financial benefits of a life income gift, please fill out our Information Request Form. Alternatively, you can contact us at this address:

AIUSA’s Office of Planned Giving
5 Penn Plaza 14th Floor
New York, NY 10001

Toll-free number:
(888) 368-9356
E-mail: giftplanning@aiusa.org