How to Donate - Individuals

Annual Giving

The CSO's Annual Campaign will run from September 8, 2008 - May 30, 2009. Join a unique and respected list of businesses and individuals by making a gift to this year's annual campaign. To donate online, click here, or you can mail your contribution to:

Charleston Symphony Orchestra
145 King Street, Suite 311
Charleston, SC 29401

GIVING LEVELS AND BENEFITS
Our annual giving year follows our fiscal budget year from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

Donor up to $124
- Tax deductible contribution
To donate on-line at this level, click here.

Friend $125-$499
- Tax deductible contribution
- Name listed in the program.
To donate on-line at this level, click here.

Patron $500 - $999
- Tax deductible contribution|
- Name listed in the program
- CSO car sticker
To donate on-line at this level, click here.

Conductor’s Circle $1,000-$2,499 *
- Receives all above benefits, plus:
- Two Complimentary Tickets to one series performance upon request. Certain restrictions apply.
- Invitation to Pre-Concert Receptions
- Invitation from the musicians to join them for an open rehearsal
- CSO car sticker
- Name(s) listed in the program
- Tax deductible contribution as allowable by the IRS
To donate on-line at this level, click here.

Musician’s Circle $2,500-4,999 *
- Receives all above benefits, plus:
- Optional listing in the CSO Concert Program as a sponsor for a selected musician (Adopt-A-Musician)
- Two additional complimentary tickets to any series concert (4 total)
To donate on-line at this level, click here.

Silver Circle $5,000-9,999 * 
- Receives all above benefits, plus:
- Invitation to closing night post-performance champagne toast to the Maestro
- Invitations to two small group back stage tours and rehearsals for two different venues
- Two additional complimentary tickets to any series concert (6 total)
To donate on-line at this level, click here.

Gold Circle $10,000-24,999 * 
- Receives all above benefits plus:
- Invitation to private, small group back stage tours and rehearsals with the conductor or guest artist of their choice 
- Opportunity to pose for photo with, and have concert program signed by, the conductor or guest artist of their choice
- Two additional complimentary tickets to any series concert (8 total)
To donate on-line at this level, click here.

Music Director’s Circle $25,000+ * 
- Receives all above benefits, plus:
- Opportunity to dedicate a concert in your name or in honor/memory of a friend or family member
To donate on-line at this level, click here.

* Please note that CSO Conductor's Club benefits are recognized for 12 months from date of donation.

STOCK TRANSFERS

Did you know that you could avoid the dreaded capital gains tax by transferring appreciated stock? In addition to being a smart tax move, a stock transfer minimizes market fluctuations, allowing you to maximize your gift to the CSO.

Stock gifts are valued based on the date of transfer to the Symphony’s account. Donors receive credit for the full value of the stock at the time of transfer, prior to any broker’s fees that are subtracted.

Please send written instructions to your broker of your gift specifying that it is to be a charitable contribution to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Our Federal Tax ID number is 57-6000192. State in your letter of instruction the issuer of the stock and either the number of shares or the estimated gift value for which you intend.

Your broker may transfer securities to our account at:
UBS Paine Webber
40 Calhoun St., Suite 400
Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-9700 Office phone
Account #CH-03489
DTC #0221

Sometimes we receive a gift of stock, but we don’t know who it came from. So that the CSO may know when to expect the transfer, please send a fax or e-mail copy of your instructions to: Cindy Branch, General Manager at 843-723-7528 x110 or cindy@charlestonsymphony.com

FOUNDATION GIFTS

Many of our annual donors choose to support the CSO with gifts given through family or community foundations. These gifts generally do not require a grant application process, and funds are usually distributed by a direct request from a family member or by a representative of the family.

Most foundations are carefully managed to ensure the utmost in fiscal responsibility, and most have specific instructions as to how gifts can be rendered and the process the CSO must go through to receive the gift.

If you wish to support the CSO through your foundation, please contact: 843-723-7528 or jan@charlestonsymphony.com

PLANNED GIVING

Most of us, if given the chance, would like to leave some kind of lasting legacy on the community in which we live. Including the CSO in your formal estate plan or personal will allow you to enjoy financial rewards today while preserving live orchestral music for generations to come.

Planned gifts come in various forms, such as naming the CSO as a beneficiary of a will, IRA or life insurance policy; or investing in a charitable remainder trust or gift annuity. Gifts like these are some of the ways you could provide a much-needed tax deduction for your family estate or allow for a possible income for your heirs. All are great ways to confirm your passion for the symphony and take a leadership role in building a future of financial security that’s crucial for our long-term survival.

The present value of any approved planned gift, irrevocably naming the Charleston Symphony Orchestra as charitable beneficiary, will be considered for named gift recognition purposes.

For more information about planned gifts to the orchestra, please contact: 843-723-7528 or jan@charlestonsymphony.com

GOLD CARDS

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra created an exclusive CSO Gold Card to help celebrate our 70th anniversary season. You can experience three world-class performances AND make a tax-deductible contribution to the symphony at the same time. Each card is only $75.00.

The card entitles you to receive one ticket to any three CSO concerts of your choice, making your concert-going experience “tailor-made” to your tastes and busy schedule.

Seating will be offered to all cardholders on a “best available” basis at the time the tickets are requested. The 2008-2009 CSO Season runs for a full ten months, and there are plenty of concerts to enjoy!

SOLD SERVICES

The CSO not only performs world-class concerts in large venues across the Lowcountry, they can even perform at your private function! The orchestra is available for hire for wedding receptions, corporate parties, convention galas, black tie events, outdoor venues, or other parties that you need to make a truly special occasion.

Our music library is filled with arrangements of traditional classical music, romantic melodies, big band swing, beach music, movie scores, even Michael Jackson! We can work with your program needs to try and accommodate any special request from a corporate theme song or jingle to your parent’s wedding song they danced to 50 years ago.

There are a few limitations as to where and when the CSO can perform. We have 46 core musicians, but can work with your event planner to come up with the best arrangement for your venue size. No idea is outside our scope of imagination!

If you have any questions regarding private sold services, please contact: John Girault, Marketing and Sales Manager at 843-723-7528 x102 or tony@charlestonsyphony.com.

MATCHING GIFTS

Many corporations offer the benefit of matching the personal philanthropy of their employees. Please check with your employer to see if you are eligible. Typically, employers will provide a matching gift form that you complete and send in with your gift. This type of program can sometimes double your personal gift and provide extra benefit to the CSO at no extra cost to you.

Wondering if your company provides a matching gift? Please contact: 843-723-7528 or jan@charlestonsymphony.com 

GROUP TICKET SALES

A 25% discount is available to groups of 20 or more for selected performances. Contact the CSO office for details: 843-723-7528 x110 or cindy@charlestonsymphony.com