abraham lincoln presidential library AnnualFoundation Report July 1, 2014 ‒ June 30, 2015FY 15 The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation gratefully acknowledges the many individuals and organizations whose contributions helped to support the educational and cultural programming of the Abraham Lincoln Presi- dential Library and Museum during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015. Their extraordinary generosity allows the Foundation to foster Lincoln scholar- ship through the acquisition and publication of documentary materials relating to Lincoln and his era; and to promote a greater appreciation of history through exhibits, conferences, publications, online services, and other activities designed to promote historical literacy. Annual Report Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation FY 15 FY15 FromAnnual the Chair-Wayne Report Whalen On April the 9th of 1865, while returning along the Potomac aboard the River Queen from visiting General Grant in The support ... that we Virginia, the President and Mrs. Lincoln along with their son Tad and several guests passed President Washington’s estate have received over the at Mount Vernon. Among those traveling with the Lincoln’s past fiscal year allows us was a Frenchman named Adolphe Pineton, Marquis de Chambrun, an attorney who had married into the Lafayette to continue to advance family and secured a minor diplomatic post to observe the the legacy of our nation’s progress of the Civil War. Upon seeing the grand home of the father of the nation, Chambrun exclaimed “Mount Vernon, greatest President—so Wayne Whalen with its memories of Washington, and Springfield, with those that future generations of your own home—revolutionary and civil war—will be equally honored in America.” Upon hearing this Mr. Lincoln quietly offered, “Springfield, how happy I shall be four can have their own “new years hence to return there in peace and tranquility!” Sadly the President would live beginning” to the legacy only another six days before being assassinated by John Wilkes Booth and the happiness that had swept the North following Lee’s surrender was quickly replaced by shock and of Abraham Lincoln. anguish. When we look back over the various anniversaries we have already celebrated in 2015 and those yet to come we are struck with the idea that 1865 was a year of emotional extremes. Many across the country pondered with quiet reflection the message of the 2nd Inaugural Address, the rage and despair over the assassination of President Lincoln, and the relief and happiness over the ending of the Civil War. This December we will celebrate the ratification of the 13th Amendment which insured that “neither slavery nor involuntary servitude…shall exist within the United States.” We can imagine that 150 years ago this event was accompanied by an overwhelming sense of a new beginning. The war that had divided the nation was over and the greatest cause of that division, slavery, would be permanently eradicated from our borders. The support from the individuals, families, corporations and foundations that we have received over the past fiscal year allows us to continue to advance the legacy of our At the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the passing of Abraham Lincoln nation’s greatest President—so that future generations can have on April 15: (from left) Ted Flickinger, IHPA Trustee; William Shepherd and their own “new beginning” to the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Mary Shepherd, Abraham Lincoln Association Executive Manager; Cory Jobe, Director Illinois Office of Tourism; Senator James Deleo, retired; Senate President John Cullerton; Senate Press Secretary Rakeesha Phelon; ALPLF Board Chair Wayne Whalen; ALPLF Board member Barry Hines; Donor Marilyn Kushak; and ALPLF Board member Satch Pecori. 2 Annual Report Annual Report FY 15 Treasurer’s Report-Sarah PhalenReport The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation ended Fiscal Year 2015 on sound financial footing. During the Fiscal Year we accomplished an increase in Net Worth of over $100,000. Our important revenue sources remain donations from individuals, memberships, corporations and foundations and the Lincoln Leadership Prize Event. Royalties from the Gift Store and Restaurant operations provide support for the Library & Museum, as 100% of the revenue is returned for use in programming, exhibits, theater, education, etc. In addition the Foundation provided direct financial support to the Library & Museum through grants, sponsorships and restricted donations. Sarah Phalen The Taper Collection expense continues to be reduced and the Library & Museum have displayed many Taper artifacts throughout the year. Several Taper artifacts were also loaned to other museums. Our investment asset base is very conservatively managed with a mandate to hold 70% of our assets in bonds and short term secure instruments and 30% in diversified equities. This mix has done well in producing consistent returns with a minimum of risk and volatility over the past several years. For Fiscal Year 2015 our investment program showed a significant increase in the value of our investment assets. We appreciate the loyalty, trust, and support from our many members, donors, and supporters at all levels. Without you, we would be unable to provide the essential financial support to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. FY 15 Gifts by Category FY 15 Gifts by Individuals & Organizations Annual Fund 70% Donations 60% Events 50% Major Giving 40% Membership Grants 30% 20% 10% 0% Individuals Organizations We appreciate the loyalty, trust, and support from our many members, donors, and supporters at all levels. Without you, we would be unable to provide the essential financial support to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. fy 2015 3 Annual Report FY 15 ChiefChief Executive Executive Officer’s Report-Dr. Officer’s Carla Knorowski Report 2015 has been a remarkable year: • We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the opening of the ‘Thank you’ for Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. • We commemorated the 150th anniversaries of the end of the making 2015 Civil War, the tragic passing of Abraham Lincoln, and Lincoln’s and the past famous Second Inaugural Address, wherein Lincoln called upon our nation to move forward “with malice toward none, 15 years more with charity for all.” Dr. Carla Knorowski successful than • We will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the passage of the 13th Amendment permanently ending slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States. we could have • And, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential ever hoped, Library Foundation. dreamed or This last anniversary, although most would say is not of the historic magnitude of those previously listed, it is certainly worth noting and celebrating because it represents 15 years of imagined. generous philanthropy on behalf of Abraham Lincoln, the people of Illinois, the United States and the world over. As always, Anyone who has ever worked or volunteered in any capacity for a nonprofit can tell you that we could not there is a constant pressure and drive to raise funds. Whether it is for general operating support, have done it endowment, capital funds or program and project-related funding, the quest for funds is relentless. Perhaps the only thing greater than the quest, is the need. without you, That’s where you come in. If you’re reading this, you’re doing so because you and/or you and our generous your business are among the many loyal and generous benefactors who have contributed to our Foundation over the past 15 years to benefit Abraham Lincoln’s Library and Museum. Perhaps benefactors, your gifts actually helped build the buildings in which our countless treasures are housed. Perhaps you gave to underwrite collections, programs, or exhibits. Or perhaps you provided and we much needed annual operating support. Whatever you’ve given and however you’ve assisted, wouldn’t want were Mr. Lincoln alive today, I’m sure he would thank you and tell you how integral you and your contributions have been to the life and enrichment of this entity and more importantly, to it any other those who have learned and been enriched and enlightened because of it. No, he can’t thank you, but we most certainly can. way. Thank So on behalf of all of us at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and its you again for Foundation, may I simply say, “Thank you,” for making 2015 and the past 15 years more successful than we could have ever hoped, dreamed or imagined. As always, we could not have all you do.” done it without you, our generous benefactors, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Thank you again for all you do. 4 Annual Report Annual Report The Board of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation offer special thanks to the following donors for their Lincoln Leadership Prize FY 15 support of the Lincoln Leadership Prize event honoring The Little Rock Nine, 2015 recipients: Preservation Preservation ALPLF Board Member Smita Shah pictured with members of the Little Rock Nine after the unveiling of the Ernest Green accepted the Lincoln Leadership portrait at the Lincoln Leadership Prize Dinner in May. Prize on behalf of the Little Rock Nine. Presidential - $100,000 Illinois National Bank Mrs. Mary B. Galvin Mr. and Mrs. Roger Plummer Caterpillar Foundation Jenner & Block LLP Ms. Kimberly A. Griffin Mr. Darren R. Reisberg Locke Lord LLP Ms. Mildred W. Gunn Mr. and Mrs. David S. Ruder Gold - $25,000 Lori Lennon and Associates Mr. Steven Harris, Mr. Craig and Mrs. Gerry AT&T Pritzker Family Foundation McDonald Hopkins, LLC Schermerhorn BMO Financial Group Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit & Kaczmarek Dr. Robert J. Havey Ms. Linda A. Schielke Exelon Corporation The Bill Bass Foundation Ms. Carlotta LaNier Mr. and Mrs. Gordan Segal McDonald’s Corporation The Sidely Austin Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Louis G. Lower Mr. and Mrs.