• Schedule & Box Office
• About the TSO
• Education
• Support the TSO
• Individual Giving
• Corporate Giving
• Planned Giving
• TSO Ambassadors
• Donate Now!

Planned Giving

TSO supporters can also create a legacy of great music with a planned or deferred gift. Though a planned or deferred gift is often the culmination of a lifetime of philanthropy, careful estate planning can put significant giving within reach of individuals who might not think it otherwise possible. And the far-reaching consequences of such giving can transform the destiny of an organization, matching the outcome of the gift to the philanthropic goals of the donor. In almost no other way can we express so powerfully the ideals and passions that have drawn us to truly special causes.

While planned gifts are usually made with the guidance of an estate attorney, many gifts are in the form of a simple bequest. Bequest designations can take many forms, but should be included in the donor's will or living trust. There are a number of types of assets that can be given to the TSO. Examples include bequests of cash or investment funds, life insurance, or retirement plans. There are also a number of ways to structure the actual gift. Here are just a few:

• Gifts that provide income to you include charitable remainder unitrusts and annuity trusts, or charitable gift annuities (offered through the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.gtrcf.org). In each case, the donor receives income from the gift with the organization receiving the asset at a later date.
  
• Gifts that provide income to the TSO include the charitable lead trust, in which those benefiting from your will own the asset, while the TSO receives the income.
  
• Outright gifts may include cash, appreciated securities, real estate, or other property.

Who should consider a planned gift? Anyone who cares about the TSO and would like to designate assets - either outright or in his or her will - to benefit the Orchestra. Particularly in the case of planned gifts, patrons at a variety of income levels have the opportunity to become major donors of the TSO. Planned gifts can offer many benefits including: reducing federal estate taxes, by-passing capital gains taxes, increasing current income, and conserving estate assets.

We are dedicated to honoring and celebrating your planned gift. All donors who have included the TSO in their estate plans are members of our Musical Legacy Society. Members of the Musical Legacy Society not only enjoy the TSO today, but the warmth and pride that comes with knowing that their gift will sustain the Orchestra for years to come.

We will be happy to work with you and your estate attorney to identify the proper approach for your specific needs. For more information, contact Director of Development Becky Beauchamp at 231-947-7120 or bbeuachamp@traversesymphony.org.