Support Music of the Baroque

The generosity of hundreds of donors enables Music of the Baroque to engage and inspire Chicago audiences. More than two-thirds of our annual budget comes from contributions. Support from individuals, especially members of the Music of the Baroque audience, and foundation and corporate grants, ensures that classical music lovers in Chicago can continue to enjoy superb performances of glorious works from one of music history’s most important periods. Donations also make possible Strong Voices, our arts education program in 6 Chicago public high schools. Click here for a complete list of Music of the Baroque contributors.

INDIVIDUAL GIVING

Contributions from Music of the Baroque patrons who enjoy our concerts and believe in the value of the performing arts make it possible for us to engage Chicago’s very best musicians, program large-scale choral masterpieces by Bach and Handel, feature world-class soloists and conductors, and introduce Chicago audiences to undiscovered musical treasures from the rich and varied repertoire we explore.

There are numerous ways you can make a gift to Music of the Baroque:

• Contribute to the Annual Sustaining Fund today to help keep Music of the Baroque a vibrant part of Chicago’s classical music life.
• Invest $1,500 or more and enjoy the special benefits of membership in the Con Brio Society.
• This season's gala took place on October 19, 2024! Please contact Director of Development Jason Givan for information about individual, corporate, or raffle sponsorship opportunities.
• Gifts of appreciated securities are a convenient way to support Music of the Baroque and at the same time generate tax savings. In many cases, you can avoid capital gains tax by transferring an appreciated asset rather than selling it and donating the proceeds. For information about transferring stock to Music of the Baroque click here, or contact Director of Development Jason Givan
• Many companies match employees’ charitable contributions. You may be able to double or even triple the value of your gift and receive increased benefits and visibility that come with a new giving level. Contact your employer’s human resources or public affairs department to see if your gift to Music of the Baroque qualifies for a matching gift.
• Remember Music of the Baroque in your will. Legacy gifts made through your will or estate plan express your love of music and help to secure Music of the Baroque’s future while offering tax and financial advantages to you and your estate. When you choose to honor Music of the Baroque with a planned gift, you become a member of the Baroque Forever Society and receive special benefits and recognition. For more information, or to inform us that you have already included Music of the Baroque in your estate plan, contact Declan McGovern, Executive Director.

PLANNED GIVING

Share your love for music with future generations by making a legacy gift. By honoring Music of the Baroque in this way, you become a member of the Baroque Forever Society and receive special benefits and recognition.

Legacy gifts to Music of the Baroque may be eligible for charitable income and/or gift or estate tax deductions. Music of the Baroque encourages you to consult your legal or financial advisor to keep abreast of changing tax laws.

Types of Planned Gifts

• Bequest through a will or trust
  To help you get started on your plans and legacy, you can use FreeWill, a free online tool that guides you through the process of creating a legally valid will or trust. It’s easy to use, accessible online, and can be completed in 20 minutes. In addition to taking care of your family and loved ones, you can use FreeWill to include a gift to Music of the Baroque, establishing a long-lasting relationship with us and supporting us for generations to come.

Start your will today!

• Recording an existing gift
  You can also use FreeWill to record an existing bequest or planned gift securely.

• Life insurance
  You can make a gift of life insurance to Music of the Baroque by transferring ownership of the policy or naming Music of the Baroque as beneficiary. Your estate may be entitled to a charitable deduction for such a gift.

• Retirement plan assets
  Designating Music of the Baroque as a beneficiary of retirement plan assets can offer significant tax advantages. Most retirement plans are subject to both income taxes and estate taxes if left to individual heirs; such taxes are avoided if you name Music of the Baroque as beneficiary.

Contact

For more information about making a planned gift, or to let us know that you have included Music of the Baroque in your estate plan, please email Declan McGovern, Executive Director, or call 312-551-1415, ext 22. Or fill out MOB's planned giving form.

FOUNDATION AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Private and family foundations and state and local government agencies are important investors in Music of the Baroque. In addition to supporting concert performances, radio broadcasts, and recordings, our institutional supporters fund Music of the Baroque’s “Strong Voices” arts education program, which helps strengthen high school choral music programs in low-income communities and provides voice lessons, master classes, and in-school concerts for students who lack the resources to pursue their musical aspirations. The Illinois Arts Council and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs are Music of the Baroque’s long-time public partners. Contact Jason Givan, Director of Development, for more information.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Music of the Baroque offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities to Chicago-area corporations and small businesses. In addition to demonstrating their commitment to the arts and gaining exposure to an affluent, educated audience, sponsors receive a range of benefits including print and online recognition, logo visibility, on-site signage, and the chance to entertain valued clients at Music of the Baroque performances and our annual gala. Contact Declan McGovern, Executive Director, for more information.

GALA BENEFIT

The date for next year's gala will be announced soon. Click here for more information about the 2024 gala.

ARTS EDUCATION

Music of the Baroque supports choral education at Chicago public high schools through its “Strong Voices” arts education program.