As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Mower County Historical Society depends on contributions from individuals, businesses, and foundations to keep operating. Donations can be designated for a specific function (for example the research library, artifact conservation, education program, etc.), it can be undesignated and placed in the general fund to cover operating expenses. All memorials received by the organization are placed in the Memorial Fund, which is used only to aid in offsetting costs of large projects. Please consider making a donation to MCHS. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. Want to make a donation? Contact the MCHS office to arrange your donation OR click on the Givemn.org button below to donate directly to MCHS.
Endowments
An endowment is an established fund that is invested to create a steady stream of annual income. This supports our efforts and allows an endowment to grow and become a permanent legacy of support for our work. Your gift will be maintained in perpetuity and make a lasting, meaningful difference. The Mower County Historical Society currently has two Endowment Funds (the MCHS Endowment and the MCHS Grand Meadow Chert Quarry Endowment) held by the Austin Area Foundation. They provide several ways to support our funds.
- Direct gifts (cash, check, credit card, or transfer of stock and other assets through the Austin Area Foundation)
- Bequests (gift through your will or trust)
- Charitable Gift Annuity and Charitable Remainder Trust
Interested in donating to our Endowment Funds? Please contact MCHS or the Austin Area Foundation (507-434-7494) for more information!

Memorials
When sending a memorial to MCHS, please include the name of the person whom the memorial is for, as well as the name and address of the family whom you wish to have acknowledgment of your gift sent to.
In-Kind Donations
MCHS takes monetary gifts, gifts of services, materials, and labor. Please check below for a list of items we always need. These help to offset office supply costs.
- Reams of letter sized (8 1/2×11) paper-white and colored
- Reams of 11×17 paper-white
- Reams of letter sized (8 1/2 x11) card stock paper-white and colored
- Avery 5160 Easy Peel White Mailing Labels
- Stamps
- Power Strips
- Heavy duty extension cords
These types of donations are tax deductible as well!