Legacy Giving
Our Mission
The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra seeks to enrich the cultural life of the citizens of Ridgefield and surrounding communities through the presentation of “The sounds of music and rain are two of life’s joys. There comes a day in wet summer when we feel there has been quite enough rain. But, such a moment never arrives for music. It’s always welcome because there is never too much. Each song leaves us wanting the next song. The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra graces our town with the next song. And every next song heightens that grace. Listen for the next song. Listen to it. Our R.S.O. is a blessing."
— Ira Joe Fisher
Poet & Broadcaster, Ridgefield Resident professional live orchestral concerts. The RSO also strives to increase the appreciation for and knowledge of orchestral music, through community involvement and educational programs for persons of all ages
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Because you recognize the vital role live musical performance plays to enhance and enrich your life, you appreciate how important it is to provide financial support to the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. The RSO is fortunate to have an endowment (the RSO Foundation) which exists to ensure the long-term financial stability of the Orchestra. Your contributions are vital to increase the size of the endowment. Economic challenges have forced the RSO to spend from the endowment for annual operations thereby eroding the principal. Your support will help us end our reliance on the RSO Foundation endowment and allow us to use those funds to expand the RSO’s community involvement in the schools, with seniors and other groups. Did you know that ticket sales typically cover only 25% of our day-to-day operating costs? To allow us to continue to present the high-caliber events you expect, please make your tax-deductible gift now.
The Louise Peck Legacy Society Endowment
Louise PeckLouise Peck (1920-1999) was a passionate promoter of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, a graduate of Barnard College, a poet and patron of the arts. By becoming a member of the Louise Peck Legacy Society of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Foundation, you will be ensuring the future of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. Because the RSO has enriched your life through the incomparable quality of live symphonic music, you may want to make a financial gift, now or under your will, to the Louise Peck Society. Founded in 1999 by the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Foundation upon the death of Louise Peck who bequeathed a substantial gift to the RSO Foundation, the Louise Peck Legacy Society is a fitting tribute to this philanthropist. The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Foundation exists to provide enduring and sustainable classical music programs and increase the RSO’s involvement in the greater Ridgefield community. To learn more, kindly contact the RSO’s Executive Director who will be glad to discuss giving opportunities that are a fitting tribute to your passion for live symphonic music.
Your Legacy Tomorrow
To sustain the RSO and ensure the music plays on for future generations, you may choose to make a gift to the endowment arm of the RSO, the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Foundation.
Planned Giving/Gifts under Will
A gift to the RSO under your will is a tax-effective way to be part of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra’s success. Consider the value of making a gift under will that helps grow the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Foundation endowment and creates a fitting legacy in your name. You will want to speak with your financial advisor, estate planner or attorney to understand how the various giving opportunities match your goals.
The ABCs of Bequests for the RSO
A bequest is a gift you can make now, or legacy left under will, typically personal property or assets. There are numerous appropriate bequest options that support the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. Below are just some of the ways you can sustain the RSO by contributing to the RSO Foundation endowment to ensure that the Orchestra flourishes for future generations.
Unrestricted bequest: This gift for general purposes, without conditions or restrictions, is most useful to the RSO.
Restricted bequest: With this gift, you specify how the funds are to be used.
Honorary or memorial bequest: This gift is made “in honor of” or “in memory of” someone you hold dear. There are various ways to pay tribute to a loved one and receive tax benefits for your kindness.
Endowed bequest: Such a gift can continue giving indefinitely because the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Foundation will invest your gift and use only the interest generated by it.
Charitable gift annuity: This gift allows you to make a financial contribution to the RSO and, in turn, receive a fixed annuity each year of your life.
Charitable trust: A legal written document that names the RSO as the beneficiary.
Life insurance trust: This trust identifies your life insurance policy as your gift to the RSO.
IRA and 401 (k) plans: Making a gift of your IRA or other retirement plan can benefit the RSO by allowing our not-for-profit organization to use the full value of your gift without reduction by taxes.
Investment assets: When you donate stocks or other securities, the RSO can put the current value of these assets to work right away, and you can take a charitable deduction for the full value.
Note: To support the RSO's current operating budget, please view Support the RSO.
Your financial advisor or estate planner will help you choose a gift that is tailored to your unique requirements.