The Vermont Jazz Center is a registered non-profit 501c-3 corporation. Your contribution is 100% tax deductible.
Dear Vermont Jazz Center Friends,
The Jazz Center has had a productive year, but we could never have done it without the camaraderie and support of a vibrant community of musicians and jazz lovers, people committed to what our music represents. We have developed our programming and increased attendees across all our activities. On-going educational programs now include 11 ensembles plus an online composition class. Our annual summer workshop, again at full capacity, created a deep sense of community. We have enhanced our outreach efforts: the number of participants in our weekly jam sessions is flourishing, the VJC Sextet continues to work with area schools and independent living centers, we are now live streaming our concerts to audiences around the globe, and collaborations with other non-profits are fruitful.
Please join us in continuing to make VJC a place where good things happen. This year our expenses have increased significantly. Working together, your donations will help us cover our increasing overhead and production costs.
We are grateful for the opportunity to work as a team with dedicated staff, board members, tech crew, musicians, and educators. Because of this influx of good energy, we are well-positioned to expand our efforts in promoting the goodwill represented by our music. This January we will be launching our Archive Portal at the Jazz Education Network conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Elsa and I are grateful to have been recognized as Jazz Heroes by the Jazz Journalist’s Association. We are happy to welcome Sarah Ozga as a full-time Communications and Operations Manager.
The Vermont Jazz Center is committed to providing high-quality musical and community experiences for all, and we are grateful that so many of you support our mission. Together we will use jazz as a living metaphor to enhance our connections with each other, to enhance our quality of life, and to provide an institution where resilience flourishes.
Sincerely,
Eugene Uman, Director
Alternatives to traditional charitable giving can offer considerable tax benefits and align with your financial planning goals. If you’re looking to make a greater impact on the people and causes you care about, consider options such as donating securities, making contributions from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or distributing funds from a donor-advised fund (DAF). Contact eugene@vtjazz.org for more information.
Appreciated Securities
Donating appreciated securities, like stocks or mutual funds, can be a tax-efficient way to give to charity. First, ensure the securities have been held for more than one year to qualify for the tax benefits. Next, contact the charity to confirm they accept securities and obtain their brokerage information. Then, reach out to your brokerage to initiate the transfer, specifying the number of shares and the securities to donate. This allows you to avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated value and claim a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the donation. Finally, keep a record of the transaction and the charity’s receipt for tax purposes. It’s a great way to support your favorite causes while maximizing your tax benefits.
Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
Unlock the power of your IRA by making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) that not only supports a cause you care about but also offers tax advantages. If you’re 70½ or older, you can directly donate up to $100,000 to a qualified charity from your traditional IRA without it counting as taxable income. Simply choose a charity you love, reach out to your IRA custodian for a direct transfer, and watch your generosity create a positive impact. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your gift is making a difference while keeping your tax bill lower. It’s a win-win for you and the community.
Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a versatile philanthropic tool that allows you to make charitable contributions, receive immediate tax benefits, and recommend grants to your chosen charities over time. Set up your fund through a sponsoring organization and contribute cash, appreciated securities, or other assets. Your donations can be invested to grow tax-free, maximizing your charitable impact over time. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing your contributions are not only making a difference today but also have the potential to grow, allowing you to support causes you’re passionate about in the future.