Glen and Susan Rainsley while travelling in Zurich in 2018.
Equitable access to knowledge is at the heart of why Glen and Susan Rainsley have chosen to support the Smithsonian’s future.
“The Smithsonian is both eclectic and electric. There is something for everyone, and it’s always changing—offering excitement and enlightenment that are free to all,” Glen says. He values that it encompasses history, culture and science, and balances superb research with social conscience.
A teacher all her life, Susan has seen firsthand how important access and inclusivity are. “Because the student populations I worked with often had special needs, I approached learning in as many ways as possible.” She empowered her students to realize their potential as learners. One way was by sharing the Smithsonian Magazine, which broadened her students’ understanding of history and their place in it.
“The Smithsonian shows the real United States and how wildly diverse it is,” asserts Glen, a retired minister who has a particular interest in the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “These vibrant museums tell histories that have long been repressed or ignored.”
The Smithsonian’s global nature and broad reach has made it a philanthropic priority. “We express our values through our giving. It is more important to us to leave our family a legacy of generosity than an estate,” says Glen, who initiated their four charitable gift annuities at the Smithsonian. “We have modest means, yet by giving consistently, we can have a major impact.”
“Through our planned giving, we hope that the Smithsonian can continue to make knowledge available to people who want to learn and grow,” Susan affirms.
Learn more about ways you, like Glen and Susan, can support the Smithsonian’s future, ensuring all who desire to learn, can. Contact the Office of Gift Planning at legacy@si.edu or 888-419-7584 to get started.