DeSilver Legacy Society

Since its founding in 1920, the ACLU has depended on those exceptional people who are willing to stand up for individual rights, and also to provide the resources to ensure that our work continues.

Over 10,000 members of the ACLU’s DeSilver Legacy Society have provided for a gift through their will, trust, charitable gift annuity, or other gift arrangement.

By making such a gift plan, you stand with us on the front lines to protect our constitutional freedoms. You become a partner and stakeholder in our current and future work. You join a chain of commitment that stretches back decades, and which has helped to define the American values of freedom, fairness, and equality.

Benefits & Recognition

Your completed gift provision entitles you to lifetime membership in the DeSilver Legacy Society. Members receive:

  • Pocket edition of the U.S. Constitution
  • Invitations to insider events and conference calls
  • Subscription to ACLU magazine
  • Specially prepared reports and updates
  • Recognition in the legacy Honor Roll (unless anonymity is requested)
  • Dedicated staff liaison, phone line, and email

The Legacy Society’s Namesakes

The Society commemorates the foresight and founding contributions of Albert and Margaret DeSilver. Albert DeSilver (1888 -- 1924) was an original associate director of the ACLU, and its chief benefactor during the early years. Alarmed by the U.S. Government's violations of free speech and persecution of immigrants during World War I, he resigned from his law practice in 1918 to devote himself full-time to fighting back against this unconstitutional treatment. After Albert’s death, the further financial support provided by Margaret DeSilver was critical to establishing the organization’s permanence and stability.

Mohammad Zaidi
Director, DeSilver Legacy Society

Email: legacy@aclu.org
Toll-free: 877-867-1025
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