Seattle Chamber Music Society

James Ehnes, Artistic Director / Toby Saks, Associate Artistic Director

Individual Giving //

Thank you, in advance, for making the most generous gift you can in support of our work!

Make your donation online >>

Founded in 1982 under the artistic leadership of Toby Saks, Seattle Chamber Music Society (SCMS) is now celebrating its 32nd Season with Artistic Director James Ehnes and has become one of the most unique and vibrant arts organizations in the nation. Each year, SCMS brings extraordinary classical chamber music to new and loyal audience members alike at our Winter and Summer Festivals at the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall. Additionally, as an important part of our mission SCMS brings education and community engagement programs to people within our community.

With approximately a $1 million budget, about 40% comes from ticket and other earned revenue and the other 60% comes from donations, including important contributions from individuals. We count on the financial support of donors like you to make all of this work possible—the superb concerts, the astounding musicians, the free pre-convert recitals, the family concerts and community engagement programs and more.

We also rely on the confidence of our patrons, and we value your investment. SCMS has a solid history of being fiscally responsible and has never carried an accumulated deficit.

In these challenging times, your gift is important to SCMS and means more than ever. Please make your gift today and play you part in helping bring all of our magnificent concerts and programs to life. Every gift makes a difference. Thank you, in advance, for your generous support.

 

A special, limited opportunity to help

Seattle Chamber Music Society

There has been a recent change in legislation that we want to share with SCMS patrons. On January 1, 2013, the Congress passed the bi-partisan American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Because of this legislation, if you’re age 70½ or older, you may be able to take advantage of an important incentive for charitable giving.

Congress has re-authorized for 2012 and 2013 the provision that allows individuals to make gifts of up to $100,000 per year from their IRA accounts to one or more charities, without first incurring income tax on the withdrawal.

This means that you can direct that amount to the Seattle Chamber Music Society with no federal income tax liability.  The IRA Rollover may provide you with an excellent opportunity to make a gift during your lifetime from an asset that would be subject to multiple levels of taxation if it remained in your taxable estate.

Now, there are some details and restrictions:

  • You must be 70½ or older when you make your gift, and the gift must be made from an IRA – no other retirement plans (such as 401k, 403b or SEP accounts) qualify.
  • Your gift must come to us outright – it cannot be used to establish a life-income arrangement or support a donor-advised fund.
  • Although the distribution will be free from income tax, it will not generate an income tax charitable deduction.
  • You may not receive donor benefits for an IRA Rollover gift.
  • Please consult with your financial advisor for further details and to assist you with making your contribution.

If you would like to make an IRA rollover gift for 2013, you need only direct your IRA plan provider to make a distribution to us by December 31, 2013.

Your gift will play an important part in funding all of the magnificent concerts and innovative programs of the Seattle Chamber Music Society. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at 206.283.8710. Thank you in advance for your generosity, and for all you do for Seattle Chamber Music Society.