By including Opera Theatre in your financial planning, you help to ensure the company's success for generations to come. Now more than ever, your gift can make a difference thanks to the Ford Foundation Challenge awarded to Opera Theatre in May, 2000. The Ford Foundation chose Opera Theatre as one of only two U.S. opera companies among 28 "exemplary arts organizations" for a $1.5 million matching grant. To obtain the matching grant, Opera Theatre must raise $7.5 million by 2005.

Planned gifts, such as bequests and other estate planning vehicles are a major component of the matching grant requirements. A planned gift will not only ensure a successful future for Opera Theatre, but will allow the donor to maximize their assets and manage their philanthropy over the long-term.

By notifying Opera Theatre of your planned gift you will also qualify for the Crescendo Circle, a recognition society for donors who have included Opera Theatre in their estate plans. Cresendo Circle members enjoy special acknowledgment in Opera Theatre’s season program book.

If you have included Opera Theatre in you estate plans or are considering a planned gift, please contact Nicole Ambos Freber, Director of Development, at (314) 961-0171 ext. 222 or email 222@opera-stl.org.

If you are willing to share the estimated value of your planned gift and your age, your commitment will qualify for the Ford Foundation Challenge. All information will remain completely confidential.

Ways of Giving

Bequest

A bequest is one of the simplest ways to effectively distribute your assets and still provide for the future of your family. Bequests can be made as a specific sum of money, as a percentage of an estate, or as the remaining assets in an estate after all other bequests have been satisfied.

If you have already provided for Opera Theatre in your will or intend to in the future, please notify us of your intentions by phone or mail so that we may acknowledge your generosity.

Please complete the Bequest Allocation Form and return it to Nicole Ambos Freber, Director of Development at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.

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Charitable Remainder Trusts

Charitable remainder trusts are an advantageous way to provide for your future. This form of trust is a contract between donor and nonprofit which distributes investment income from a gift of at least $100,000 to one or more beneficiaries annually until the donor's death. The management of specified assets will then be transferred to Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.

Benefits:

• Avoid capital gains taxes
• Receive immediate income tax deduction
• Income guaranteed to you for life
• Possibilities in reducing estate taxes

Charitable Gift Annuities

This type of estate planning guarantees an annual income to the designated beneficiary for life. In exchange for your gift of $10,000 or more, an annuity may be established for you or, if you wish, another beneficiary. The amount of the annuity payment is based on gift annuity rates and determined by donor's age. For access to current gift annuity rates click here.

Benefits:

• Guaranteed income for life
• Immediate income tax deduction
• Estate taxes may be reduced
• Portion of annuity payments may be tax free

For information on planned giving, please contact:

Nicole Ambos Freber - Director of Development
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
P.O. Box 191910
St. Louis, MO 63119-7910
(314) 961-0171 ext. 222
(314) 961-7463 Fax
222@opera-stl.org

If you have included Opera Theatre in your financial plans, please let us know so that we can provide you with the special benefits and acknowledgments of the Crescendo Circle. Opera Theatre wishes to thank all those who have remembered the company through planned gifts.

Benefits of your membership:

• Program book recognition
• Annual recognition event
• Lobby plaque
• Invitations to backstage tours and season events