FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If your question is not answered below, please feel free to contact us at 919.733.2750 or at philanthropy@ncsymphony.org.

What is the State Challenge Grant?

The State of North Carolina awards an annual Challenge Grant to the North Carolina Symphony which appropriates $2 million if we meet our annual goal across earned and contributed revenue.

The Symphony is honored and grateful that the North Carolina General Assembly believes so fully in our mission and work to have issued this challenge. We have surpassed this goal each year with deep appreciation to the thousands of North Carolinians who have made a personal commitment to this orchestra with their ticket purchases and contributions.

You can help meet the challenge grant goal this fiscal year! Here’s how:

MAKE A DONATION – Every dollar you contribute to support our music education and concert programs counts toward the challenge grant.
BUY A TICKET – Your purchase of tickets to any of our concerts moves us a little closer toward the goal.

What types of gifts does the North Carolina Symphony accept?

The Symphony accepts gifts of cash, checks, stocks, real estate, life insurance, corporate matching gifts, IRA distributions, bequests and testamentary gifts, beneficiary designations, charitable remainder annuity trusts, unitrusts, charitable gift annuities, charitable lead trusts, gifts in-kind, and government funds. For questions about gifts not listed here, please contact Lisa Ransom at eransom@ncsymphony.org.

Is there a minimum gift amount?

No, the Symphony accepts gifts of any amount. Donor benefits begin at the $100+ level.

Does the Symphony have Giving Circles?

Yes, the North Carolina Symphony recognizes donors at different gift levels, known as giving circles, with a variety of benefits. See our benefits document for a description of the different giving circles.

How much of my gift is tax deductible?

The North Carolina Symphony Society, Inc. is designated by the IRS as tax-exempt as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code and, as such, contributions less the fair market value of benefits are tax deductible. For more information, please contact Tiffany Debnam at tdebnam@ncsymphony.org.

Does the Symphony have a monthly giving program?

Yes, a donor can join the monthly giving program and have their credit card or bank account charged automatically each month. A donor can also make a multi-year pledge and make annual or quarterly contributions towards their long-term pledge.

My employer offers a matching gift. How do I apply that to my donation?

When you make your donation to the Symphony, please let us know that you are applying for a matching gift. To request the match, contact your employer’s HR Department and complete the necessary paperwork.

What do I need to know about giving through a donor advised fund?

Donor advised funds (DAFs) are becoming one of the most popular charitable vehicles because of their flexibility and favorable tax benefits. The Symphony does accept DAF contributions; however, donating through a DAF may limit the donor benefits that you can receive. Because a maximum tax deduction is received when funds are contributed to a DAF, a donor cannot legally receive any benefits with a substantial fair market value for a gift made from a DAF. The North Carolina Symphony will provide any relevant benefits in your appropriate giving circle that have insubstantial or no fair market value. For more information about giving through a DAF, please contact Rebecca Gunn at rgunn@ncsymphony.org.

If you have a DAF with Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or BNY Mellon, you can request a distribution directly to the North Carolina Symphony Society using the DAF Direct website.

How do I execute an IRA distribution directly to the Symphony?

If you are 70 ½ or older and hold a traditional or ROTH IRA, you may qualify to make a charitable gift of up to $100,000. The gift must be transferred from your IRA directly to the North Carolina Symphony. Contact your IRA administrator for details on how to use this provision. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your tax deductions.

How do I make a gift of stock?

To make a gift of stock, simply complete this form and provide it to your broker to process the gift. Please also contact Tiffany Debnam at tdebnam@ncsymphony.org to let us know that your gift is on its way. When we receive a gift of stock, we are usually not informed about who made the donation and contacting us ensures you will receive the appropriate recognition and benefits for your generosity.

What is the Symphony’s tax ID number?

The Symphony’s tax ID number is 56-0556755.

How do I make a gift to the endowment?

If you wish to make a gift to the Symphony’s endowment fund, simply designate your gift to “endowment” or the North Carolina Symphony Foundation. Gifts to the endowment are eligible for naming opportunities at a certain level. Please visit our Endowment Giving pages and contact Lisa Ransom at eransom@ncsymphony.org for more information.

How do I give through the State Employee’s Combined Campaign?

Visit the SECC website to complete the necessary forms. To designate your gift to the Symphony, use our SECC Charity Code which is 2513.

How do I make a legacy gift?

There are several ways to make a legacy gift to benefit the North Carolina Symphony. Please review our Planned Giving pages and contact Emily Wilbourne, Director of Leadership Giving (ewilbourne@ncsymphony.org or 919.789.5506) or Lisa Ransom, Vice President of Philanthropy (eransom@ncsymphony.org or 919.789.5487) to start the conversation!

How do I make a gift in honor or in memory of someone?

When making your gift, simply designate your donation in honor or memory of the person of your choice.

What are the dates of the Symphony’s fiscal year?

Our fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30 of the next year.

How do I donate my tickets?

If you are unable to use one or more Symphony tickets, you can designate your payment as a donation to the Symphony. Simply call the Box Office at 919.733.2750 or 877.627.6724 and let them know which tickets you would like to donate. The purchase price will be credited to your account as a donation to the Annual Fund.

Does the Symphony donate tickets to other nonprofit organizations or for special events?

The Symphony considers ticket donation requests on a case by case basis. To request a donation, please contact the Symphony Box Office at tickets@ncsymphony.org.