You Can Make a Difference

The Wayside Inn Foundation is a Massachusetts nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) organization created in 1944 to own, operate, and maintain a campus of nine historic buildings and over 100 acres. Our mission is to promote early American humanities and culture through hospitality, lodging, education, programming, and events, and to continue an inn-keeping tradition dating back to 1716. Serving local communities as well as visitors from around the world, we provide a unique, tranquil and historic setting rooted in Colonial American traditions for family and friends of all generations to make lasting memories. Contrary to what many think, Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, is part of a greater nonprofit organization. Unfortunately, revenue from our hospitality operations is simply not enough to cover the exorbitant costs of up maintaining all of our historic structures and extensive grounds, as well as undertaking our cultural and educational programming and events. Additionally, we receive no regular funding from the town of Sudbury, the state, or any federal agency and we have no endowment. We rely both on both hospitality revenue and the generous support of individual and corporate donors and foundations to help bridge the financial gap to carry out our important mission.

Donations to The Wayside Inn Foundation are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and will directly fund our work. Ways in which your contribution help include:

Preserving and restoring our historic buildings and grounds
Maintaining the Longfellow Memorial Gardens, walking trails, waterways, and fields
Developing and hosting educational and cultural programs and events
Protecting and improving public access to our archives and museum collections
Creating engaging educational materials and interpretive displays to connect the public to our rich history

In celebration of our 300th anniversary in 2016, the Board of Trustees established The Wayside Inn Historic Site Preservation Fund: a fund kept separate from our operational budget. All donations made to The Wayside Inn Foundation will be directed to this fund, which is managed by the Board of Trustees and used in support of our property and mission. Your contribution will help ensure the preservation and enjoyment of this special place for years to come. Thank you.

Donate Online

To donate online using PayPal or a credit card simply click the “Donate” button below and complete the secure online giving form. To increase the impact of your gift you may want to consider a recurring monthly donation to ensure sustainability throughout the year. Please note, PayPal and credit card companies deduct a small processing fee from your donation.

Donate by Mail

If you would like to donate by mailing a check, checks may be made payable to The Wayside Inn Foundation and sent to:

The Wayside Inn Foundation

Attn: Nonprofit Director

72 Wayside Inn Road

Sudbury, MA 01776

So that TWIF may provide you with an acknowledgement of your donation, please include in the envelope your name, address, phone number and e-mail so that we can reach you.

Gift of Stocks

A gift of appreciated securities may give you special tax benefits. First contact your tax representative to find out how to give a gift of stock to The Wayside Inn Foundation. Then contact the TWIF office for details about how to transfer the gift.

Legacy Gifts

If The Wayside Inn holds a special place in your memories, you can ensure that this historic site remains preserved for the future through a legacy gift by either creating a special trust or by remembering The Wayside Inn Foundation in your will. Bequests, charitable gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts are some of the many ways to establish a legacy gift. Join with others who have guaranteed the long-term protection of the property, its collections, and its special events. TWIF suggests consulting with an attorney or tax representative for specific information about estate planning.

Matching Gifts

As The Wayside Inn Foundation is a nonprofit organization, it may be eligible for your employer’s corporate matching gifts program. Contact your company’s Human Resources Department to find out whether TWIF fits their matching program. Then send the appropriate matching gift forms to TWIF along with your donation via check or through Paypal.

Memorial or Honor Gifts

Memorial and Honor donations are another way to recognize and pay tribute to someone for whom the Inn was special. When you make a memorial or honor gift you will receive a letter from TWIF acknowledging your donation. TWIF will also send notification to the family member whose loved one is being honored, so please be sure to indicate with your gift for whom the gift is honoring and to whom notification should be sent.

Questions?