More Ways to Give

Contributions to the Fresno Philharmonic Association are tax-deductible for both Federal and State purposes. To discuss any of these options in confidence, please call Karin Chao-Bushoven, Development Director at (559) 261-0611, ext. 614 or send an email to kcbushoven@fresnophil.org.

Become a Member

Supporting membership of the Association is composed of all individuals and businesses who contribute to the Association. The Board of Directors of the Association is elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting held in June. A current voting member is a person who is both a current season subscriber and a donor at or above the $250 level.

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Estate Planning

By remembering the Philharmonic in your will, you can impact the future of live musical performances in our community beyond your lifetime. Your bequest will qualify for an estate tax charitable deduction. We urge you to consult with your attorney and other advisors, as well as the staff of the Philharmonic. By making a bequest to the Philharmonic, you are eligible to join the Encore Society. Please notify the Development Director at the Philharmonic of your intention so that you may be recognized.

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Commemorative Gifts

Gifts in celebration of a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion will be appreciated by those you honor. Gifts in memory of a friend or loved one express more than words alone, and provide important support for the Philharmonic.

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Matching Gifts

Many employers have matching gift programs through which you can double and sometimes triple your gift. Please ask your company if it matches gifts to cultural organizations, then submit the form with your contribution.

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Stocks/Securities

Gifts of appreciated securities may offer substantial tax advantages by avoiding capital gains taxes while receiving an income tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities.

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Life Insurance

You may have an old life insurance policy that is paid-up that you no longer need. Giving it to the Fresno Philharmonic may provide you with a number of tax-deductible benefits.

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Charitable Trusts

Besides providing income for life for the donor and/or other beneficiary, trusts can provide an estate tax deduction and other benefits.

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Charitable Gift Annuity

If you are worried about falling interest rates, you may be interested in a contract with the Philharmonic. A Charitable Gift Annuity provides a fixed income for life to you, or someone you name, a portion of which is tax deductible to you. Payout rates are guaranteed for life, as they are based upon your age at the time the gift annuity is established. A two-life gift annuity and one with a deferred payout are also available.

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About the Fresno Philharmonic

The Fresno Philharmonic, now in its 58th season, is the cultural flagship of Fresno, and one of the leading cultural organizations in the central San Joaquin Valley, one of the fastest growing regions in California. The population of Fresno is approaching 500,000, with an equal number living in surrounding communities. The rapid growth of Fresno’s cultural community in recent years speaks well of Fresno’s potential as an emerging center of cultural activity in the western United States.

The orchestra will perform 5 Masterworks pairs, 4 Pops concerts and 1 Family Concert in the 2011 - 2012 season in the 2,370 seat Saroyan Theatre in downtown Fresno. Its small ensembles provide over fifty educational outreach services to local schools, and the orchestra performs a week of youth concerts that serve close to 6,000 school children in the Central Valley.

Leading guest soloists, such as Sir James Galway, Itzhak Perlman, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Lang Lang, Lynn Harrell, Sarah Chang, Joshua Bell, and Andre Watts have appeared with the Philharmonic.

Theodore Kuchar is the Music Director and entering his ninth season. He is also Music Director of the Janacek Philharmonic in the Czech Republic, and the Reno Chamber Orchestra in Nevada. He previously served as Music Director of the Ukrainian National Orchestra in Kiev and the Boulder Philharmonic in Colorado. With many recordings on both the Naxos and Brilliant labels, he is one of the most recorded conductors on the scene today. Many of his recordings have received critical acclaim.

The Fresno Philharmonic operates on an annual budget of approximately $1.7 million. There is an endowment of about $2 million. The Philharmonic is managed by a full-time staff of seven and two part-time employees. It has a 25-member Board of Directors who are fully engaged with generous financial contributions and their commitment to service on various committees.

Public Disclosure Documents

In accordance with the Internal Revenue Service regulations for public disclosure, the Fresno Philharmonic is pleased to make copies of its annual tax returns available to the public. In compliance with the new rules effective June 8, 1999, copies of the FPO's filed 990 forms are available here.