
Ways to Give
There's no single right way to support the symphony.
Pick the one that fits where you are.

Corporate & Individual Giving
Whether you're giving as a household or as a business, your gift does the same work — it puts professional musicians on stage and music in front of students across the region.
For Individuals & Families
Individual donors are the backbone of this orchestra. Gifts at every level are recognized in the season's programs and on our website, and every dollar stays right here in the music.
Level | Amount | Program | Tickets | Website | Publicity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Composer Circle (Masterworks) | $30,000+ | Front Cover & Center Spread | 6 Preferred | Logo & Link | Social Media & Press Releases |
Conductor Circle (Masterworks Co-Sponsor) | $15,000 - $29,999 | Center Spread | 4 Preferred | Logo & Link | Social Media & Press Releases |
Platinum Baton | $10,000 - $14,999 | Tier Listing | 2 Preferred | Tier Listing | Tier Listing |
Gold Baton | $5,000 - $9,999 | Tier Listing | - | Tier Listing | Tier Listing |
Silver Baton | $2,500 - $4,999 | Tier Listing | - | Tier Listing | Tier Listing |
Bronze Baton | $1,000 - $2,499 | Tier Listing | - | Tier Listing | Tier Listing |
Benefactor | $500 - $999 | Tier Listing | - | Tier Listing | Tier Listing |
Friends of the Symphony | $250 - $499 | Tier Listing | - | Tier Listing | Tier Listing |
Adopt a Musician | $300 | Tier Listing | - | Tier Listing | - |
Every gift under $250 is welcome and appreciated. Tiered Listings begin at $250.
Double your gift. Many employers match charitable contributions — some at two-to-one. Check with your HR department, and send us the form. It costs you nothing and can double what your gift does.
For Businesses
Sponsorship puts your business in front of a loyal, local audience in the program, on the website, in press coverage, and from the stage. Packages run from a $300 musician chair to a $30,000 Masterworks concert, and we'll build one around your goals.
Composer Circle
$30,000+
Conductor Circle
$15,000 - $29,999
Adopt a Musician
$300
Present a full Masterworks concert. Front-cover program placement, curtain speech, six preferred tickets.
Co-sponsor a concert alongside fellow partners. Center-spread recognition, four preferred tickets.
Sponsor a chair for the season, with program and website recognition.
Planned Giving
Leave the Music Playing


A planned gift is the simplest way to make a bigger impact than you thought possible. It costs you nothing today, it can be changed at any time, and it tells the next generation of Johnson City that live orchestral music mattered enough to protect.
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Members of the Symphony Legacy Society are recognized for life including lifetime season tickets, special recognition in every season program, and an invitation to our annual Legacy event.
Ways to make a planned gift
01
A Gift in Your Will
The most common and most flexible legacy gift. Name JCSO for a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or whatever remains after your family is provided for.
04
Life Insurance
Name JCSO as a beneficiary of an existing policy, or donate a policy you no longer need. A modest premium can become a substantial gift.
07
Charitable Gift Annuities & Trusts
Make a gift now that pays you income for life, with the remainder supporting the symphony. Best discussed alongside your financial advisor — we're glad to be part of that conversation.
02
IRA Charitable Rollover (QCD)
If you're 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA — up to the annual limit per year — without counting it as taxable income. If you're 73 or older, it can satisfy your required minimum distribution.(Confirm current limits with your advisor.)
05
Stock & Appreciated Securities
Giving appreciated stock directly lets you avoid capital gains tax and deduct the full market value. We'll send transfer instructions.
03
Retirement Plan Assets
Naming JCSO as a beneficiary of an IRA or 401(k) takes one form and no attorney. Retirement assets are often the most heavily taxed thing you can leave to family and pass to a nonprofit tax-free.
06
Donor-Advised Funds
Already have a DAF? Recommend a grant to the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra.
Legacy gifts of $15,000 and above: given now, distributed over time, or provided later qualify for Symphony Legacy Society membership.
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Already included JCSO in your plans? Please tell us, so we can thank you properly. It's not a binding commitment. Just a chance for us to say thank you while we can.
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JCSO does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your own advisors when considering a planned gift.
Fundraising Committee
The People Behind the Ask
Fundraising for the symphony is volunteer work, done by neighbors who believe this orchestra belongs in Johnson City. Any one of them is glad to talk you through your options — no pressure, no script.
Jennifer Barnett
Resource Development Officer
J.T. Lovelace
Board Member
Dr. Karen Stone
Board Member
Susan Lambert
Board Chair
Support the Arts Wherever You Go
Did you know you can support the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra and other arts organizations across Tennessee just by choosing a Tennessee Arts Specialty License Plate for your vehicle?
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A portion of the proceeds from each plate helps fund arts programs throughout the state, including grants that support our community and educational initiatives.
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It’s a simple way to show your love for the arts while helping ensure that music and the arts continue to thrive in our community and across Tennessee.
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TAX DEDUCTIBLE
The Johnson City Symphony Orchestra 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. Please consult with your tax advisor on the tax implications of your charitable gifts and the benefits you may receive.
COMPANY MATCHING
Does your employer have a Matching Gift Program? You may be able to double or even triple your gift. Please contact the Human Resources department or Public Affairs office of your company for additional information. Many companies also match retiree contributions.

