2026-2027 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 you and other music lovers, the Jazz Center’s star continues to shine. We look forward to another year presenting world-class artists, working with intergenerational ensembles, interacting with the community, and focusing on education.

We can’t do this work without you. Contributions comprise almost 2/3 of our annual income. Your donations are the reason why we can remain affordable to everyone through subsidized ticket prices and free tuition for several of our classes. Because the Jazz Center thrives, our audience thrives.

Here is a list of some of the resources we provide:

– Jazz History Classes with Ben Young. A subsidized program which includes free- tuition experiences at the VJC, the Senior Center, and Garden Path Elder Living.

– Weekly Jam Sessions – still going strong since 1997. One of the pillars of our community.

– Semester-long Ensembles – Eight ensembles (and one rhythm class) where community members gather to play and study heart-stirring music inspired by the legacy of jazz.

– VJC Archives – Launched this August, our Archive represents over 50 years of cataloged recordings and videos of concerts, masterclasses and digitally restored historically significant materials. Series One is now available through our website portal, Series Two launches in December.

– Youth Involvement – Emerging Artist festival, free entry to VJC concerts for area music students, two youth jazz ensembles, collaborations with Retreat Farm’s Youth Jazz Night.

– VJC Sextet – VJC’s flagship ensemble that concerts locally and performs subsidized shows at area schools and elder care facilities.

– VJC Big Band – professional musicians from within an hour’s radius perform two annual concerts with guest artists. Proceeds fund the VJC scholarship program.

– Heat Fund Benefit – an annual concert where proceeds are earmarked to assist the Windham County Heat fund.

– Monthly Concert Series – curated monthly series that includes top-name musicians, includes many NEA Jazz Masters and Grammy-award-winning artists.

– Solo Jazz Piano Festival – Now in its tenth year, the Festival has presented 66 solo piano artists in performances, masterclasses and panel discussions.

– Please continue to support VJC’s efforts. We are honored to have earned your trust in the past. Your engaged participation gives us the inspiration to continue our mission of presenting and creating opportunities that are based on a profound legacy.

Sincerely,

Eugene Uman & Elsa Borrero, VJC Co-directors

“The Vermont Jazz Center has fostered a warm, welcoming culture that combines homegrown sensibilities with an atmosphere of appreciation and respect for the music and artists. The passion from everyone involved is clearly evident, and that feeling has helped to create a community that draws people from both inside and outside the state. It’s been a great place to perform over the years!”~ Lawrence Fields – Award-winning pianist, bandleader, and composer

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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!