Planned Giving

Oglebay Institute Legacy Society

From the early vision and generosity of Oglebay Institute’s founding committee to the donation of the Stifel mansion, philanthropy has always been at the heart of our work at Oglebay Institute.

Legacy gifts are an essential piece of the philanthropy that sustains OI’s mission. These gifts underwrite a portion of annual operating expenses, assist with the maintenance and preservation of our buildings, and fund programs like the Gaither Exhibition Season at the Stifel Fine Arts Center. Supporting OI beyond your lifetime creates a lasting impact for our organization and for the tens of thousands of individuals who engage with our programs year after year.

You can make an impact, too

Today, your legacy gift to Oglebay Institute will ensure the future of the arts, history and nature programs that our community has enjoyed since 1930. You’ll also be a part of preserving our facilities, both historic and modern, which house those programs.

The Oglebay Institute Legacy Society honors individuals who have generously invested in the future of the Institute through a bequest or other type of planned gift. Thanks to their kindness, generations to come will share in OI’s tradition of exceptional programming in performing and visual arts, dance, history, and nature for people of all ages and abilities.

It’s easy to get started

Sharing the following sample bequest language with your attorney is the first step toward ensuring that your loyal support of OI’s mission continues beyond your lifetime.

I hereby give, devise and bequeath to Oglebay Institute, with offices at 1330 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003, federal tax ID #55-0359760, or its successors in interest, the sum of $ (amount written out)*, for use in its most urgent priorities as determined by its board of trustees in their sole discretion.

*Your attorney can change this to a percentage of your estate, rather than a fixed amount, if you prefer.

You may also direct your gift to any of OI’s departments or facilities:

  • Glass Museum
  • Oglebay Mansion Museum
  • School of Dance
  • Schrader Environmental Education Center
  • Stifel Fine Arts Center
  • Terra Alta Mountain Camp
  • Towngate Theatre & Cinema

Share your plans

Hearing that someone has named Oglebay Institute in their estate plans always touches our hearts. When you inform OI of your gift intentions, you allow us to better understand your desired use of the gift, ensuring that we can honor your wishes and plan appropriately. It also gives us the opportunity to thank you and keep you informed about Oglebay Institute’s impact in our community.

Want to know more?

For more information about how you can engage future generations in life-changing programs at Oglebay Institute, or to notify us of a provision you have already made in your estate plans, please contact Danielle Cross McCracken, president, at 304-242-4200 or via email.