2025-2026 Annual Appeal

The Vermont Jazz Center is a registered non-profit 501c-3 corporation. Your contribution is 100% tax-deductible.

Dear Vermont Jazz Center Friends,

Thanks to your past support, the VJC community continues to maintain its strength during these difficult times. Musing on this, it feels that we are simultaneously looking for answers to deep questions while seeking sources of inspiration that convey joy and hope. It is our mission to address both of these parallel aspirations. We are trying to balance good vibes while still recognizing that we can’t escape the changes that are deeply affecting us and others who might be less fortunate.

Please contribute to the VJC so that together we can sustain an environment that demonstrates the power of music as a voice for both awareness and joy. Your support helps us provide opportunities that delve into music’s magic potential through listening (in-person and livestreamed), playing, singing, studying, and socializing with one another.

Some of the projects your dollars make possible:

– Ensembles – now hosting 8 ongoing groups, including two Youth Jazz Ensembles
– Weekly jam sessions – the pillar of our community networking, now in its 28th year
– Monthly concerts – presenting world-class groups of the very highest caliber, including dozens of Grammy-award winning artists and NEA Jazz Masters
– Emerging Artist Festival – now in our 8th year, presenting over a dozen student groups, plus a visiting artist clinic and concert
– Solo Jazz Piano Festival – performances, masterclasses, Q + A with headliners and emerging artists. 60 pianists have presented, including NEA Jazz Masters
– Summer Workshop – this year we celebrated 50 years and awarded $15K in scholarship assistance
– Jazz History – A new, wildly popular, daytime jazz history course (Jazz 101); free and open to the public
– Increased Educational outreach to schools and independent living centers
– VJC Archive – our portal is now built, we are excited to launch concert highlights, masterclasses, and rare selections from the Zoller archives in the new year
– VJC Big Band – in 2024, we celebrated our 20th year of big band joy

None of this would be possible without you. Please continue your financial assistance so that VJC can thrive in its commitment to providing jazz programming, education and networking.

We look forward to another strong year celebrating community programs, jazz legacies and rising stars.

Sincerely,
Eugene & Elsa, VJC Directors
Julian Gerstin, Board President

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Above: Students performing with Ulysses Owens and Generation Y during VJC’s 2025 Emerging Artist Festival Clinic

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.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!