End of Endowment Campaign In Sight

We have raised 97% of the endowment goal of $3.5 million. To date, we have raised $3,393,130. Make a donation to our endowment campaign to ensure the longevity of your Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Help us end this campaign soon. E-mail Mike Peluse or call (800) 876-9293 x25 for more information or to donate. You can also make a donation online. Keep reading for more information about ways of giving and naming opportunities.

There are many ways to give to the VSO during this endowment campaign. Please consider these methods and find the one that best suits your current situation. In many cases you may find there are tax benefits with certain ways of giving; please discuss these with your financial advisor, and call us if you have specific questions. We ask you to remember that annual giving remains a crucial part of our operations, and we hope you will maintain your support for today, while participating in this campaign for the future.

A cash contribution is the easiest way to give, and can be spread over several years.

Gifts of stock, mutual funds, or bonds are a popular way to give and most donors find this a more advantageous way to make a generous gift.

Paid insurance policies are welcomed as a contribution to the campaign.

You may have property or tangible goods you would like to donate. Please be aware that tax law requires you to obtain an appraisal of any tangible goods valued at $5,000 or more, prior to your donation, and that immediate sale of the gift may affect the limits of its tax deductibility. In the case of a gift of real estate, you may need to have an environmental appraisal.

Planned gifts are an increasingly popular way to make a long-term impact with your contribution. This could include trusts, retirement funds, charitable gift annuities and other estate planning methods. As a tax exempt organization, we can benefit from a variety of trust arrangements which carry substantial benefits for the donor.

Bequests are the ultimate gift to the VSO. Although a bequest cannot be counted in our campaign goal until it is realized, we would like to recognize your plans by including you among our Legacy Society, which is acknowledged annually. Please let us know if you have made provision for a gift to the VSO in your will.

Your contribution to the VSO will make a significant difference in the future. We are deeply grateful for your participation in this campaign. E-mail Mike Peluse, Development Director, or call (800) VSO-9293 x 25 if you would like to discuss any aspect of your giving plans.

A gift of any size may be made to the general endowment or to an already established endowment fund. Listed below are special opportunities in the current campaign to name a specific fund in perpetuity.*

Music Director Chair $1,500,000
Chorus Director Chair $500,000
Guest Artist Chair $500,000
Principal Guest Conductor Chair $400,000

Concertmaster Chair $400,000
Assistant Concertmaster Chair $250,000
Principal Chair $200,000
Section Chair $150,000

Masterworks Series $1,250,000
Made in Vermont Tour $500,000
Summer Festival Tour $1,250,000
Holiday Pops Series $375,000

SymphonyKids Education Programs $1,000,000
SymphonyKids Components:
Musicians-in-the-Schools $500,000
Musical Petting Zoo $150,000
Orchestral Youth Concert Tour $250,000

* Other naming opportunities are available, as well as five- or ten-year options. Honorary or memorial gifts are also welcome. Please feel free to discuss your ideas with Alan Jordan, VSO Executive Director, or Mike Peluse, Development Director.