ASIL Patrons

Patrons of the American Society of International Law share a special commitment to the future of international law. Through their generous participation, they give back to their chosen profession and help the Society respond to what many consider an educational imperative – to foster wider knowledge of international law. Patrons donate $10,000 or more to the ASIL Endowment for International Law, the income from which supports Society activity to meet the challenges of international law education in the 21st Century.

“When I reflected on what the Society has meant to me personally and to our profession, I wanted to become a Patron. No organization does so much for international law and the many areas of human endeavor it touches.”
John Arthur Boyd
Manila, Philippines, ASIL member since 1971

The Patrons Program
Eighty-three people have become Patrons since the program began in 1961 (see accompanying list). More than half have done so since 1999, when the program became more active. Patrons may take up to four years to fulfill their financial commitment to the Society and its endowment. In appreciation of their generosity, the Society lists their names at the front of each issue of the American Journal of International Law. Patrons also have the option to pay no more membership dues for the rest of their lives, although some prefer to continue submitting dues payments. Among periodic benefits that Patrons receive are invitations to special events, such as the Patrons Reception at the ASIL Annual Meeting.

“Becoming an ASIL Patron is one way to give back – to the profession in which we have thrived and to the organization that so well serves it. The Society continues to inform and stimulate like no other organization, and we can help ensure that educational tradition.”
James H. Carter
New York, New York ASIL member since 1973

The ASIL Endowment for International Law
Patrons’ gifts are added to the newly established ASIL Endowment for International Law. Established in 2004 with $1 million in ASIL assets, the endowment supports the Society’s educational program. Additions to the endowment from Patrons’ gifts will constitute a permanent source of funding for ASIL activity to share information and knowledge of international law with the growing numbers of individuals and institutions that increasingly use, influence, or are affected by it.

“Now, more than ever, it is vital that policy makers, lawyers, and law students understand and appreciate the role of international law in the world community. I am glad that my Patron’s gift to the ASIL Endowment for International Law is supporting programs to increase such understanding in the United States and throughout the world.”
Mahnoush H. Arsanjani
New York, New York, ASIL member since 1975

A Note for Patrons: Taxes, Dues, and Your Gift
An ASIL Patron no longer has to pay membership dues during his or her lifetime. For U.S. taxpayers, this benefit represents “material value” provided in exchange for their gift, which means that a portion of their $10,000 gift cannot be considered tax deductible as a charitable donation (although it may remain deductible as a business expense). The ASIL has calculated the material, net present value of a Patron’s future membership benefits to be $932.

U.S. Patrons who are ASIL members and elect to continue paying dues may deduct 100% of their gift as a charitable donation.

Citizens of other countries who become Patrons – nine have done so – will need to consult their advisors to determine if all or part of their payment is deductible (e.g., usually as a business expense, such as for a lifetime subscription to the American Journal of International Law).

GO TO PATRON's ACCEPTANCE FORM