For 50 years, COT has made a commitment to presenting opera that reveals societal truths, promotes empathy, and furthers the art form. Your support makes that possible.

Charitable gifts make up a substantial portion of the cost to present an opera. Without philanthropic investments from donors like you, we could not bring exciting new productions to Chicago. With your support, we’ll continue to demonstrate that opera lives here.

For more information on how to make a gift, keep scrolling – or reach out directly to our team.

Thank you for your support!



To inquire about individual, legacy, or in-kind giving, email Meaghan Stainback Smallwood, Director of Development, at msmallwood@cot.org or call her at 312.874.7454.

Engagement Opportunities

 

In honor of your generous support of COT, we invite you to engage with us with special perks just for you, and we are delighted to recognize your support in the following ways:

Friend
($500-999)

  • Name recognition in Digital Production Program Books

  • Invitation to Final Dress Rehearsals

Opera Benefactor
($1,000-$4,999)

All previous opportunities, plus:

  • Name recognition in production program books

  • Invitation to attend COT’s Holiday Soiree

  • Eligible for President’s Council Membership starting at $1,500

Producer’s Circle
($5,000-$24,999)

All previous opportunities, plus:

  • Complimentary parking for COT productions

  • Invitations to behind the scenes workshops and artist meet & greets

  • Personalized sponsorship opportunities starting at $10,000

Leadership Circle
($25,000 & up)

All previous opportunities, plus:

  • A private meal with the Music Director and/or General Director

  • Personalized sponsorship opportunities

  • Full production sponsorships starting at $50,000 (includes name/logo recognition on all production materials)

Ways to Give

For gift inquiries, please contact our team at 312-874-7456 or development@cot.org.

Credit Card

Visit our online donation form here or call us at 312-874-7456.

Check

Make checks payable to Chicago Opera Theater and mail to to:

*Chicago Opera Theater
ATTN: Development
410 S Michigan Ave Ste 404
Chicago, IL 60605 *

Automatic Recurring Gifts

Support Chicago Opera Theater year-round by authorizing a convenient monthly or quarterly gift on your credit card. You’ll begin receiving benefits and recognition at the donor level equal to 12 months of giving as soon as you set up your recurring gift.

You can set up a recurring gift via our online donation form, or by contacting us at the phone number and/or email listed above.

Gifts of Stock

By making a gift of appreciated stock, you may qualify for a tax deduction based on the fair market value of the stock and avoid capital gains tax. Please consult your financial advisor for more information.

If you are sending stock, please let us know! Contact us at the phone number and/or email address above and let us know your broker’s name and phone number, the name and number of shares you are donating, and any additional gift information.

Chicago Opera Theater’s federal tax ID is: 23-7354963

ACH Transfer

We are happy to assist you with making an ACH transfer to Chicago Opera Theater. Please contact our team so that we can provide you with the necessary information.

Donor Advised Funds

Make a gift through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), an increasingly popular charitable vehicle that provides flexibility in supporting your favorite causes with favorable tax benefits.

Matching Gifts

Many companies currently match their employees’ gifts to non-profit organizations such as Chicago Opera Theater. Contact your company’s personnel office to find out if your donation can be matched – your gift will go twice as far and you’ll receive more benefits at no additional cost!

Memorial/Honorary Gifts

Make a gift in memory or in honor of a special opera lover in your life. The recipient or recipient’s family will receive a notification letting them know of your contribution. You can make this gift online make this gift online (be sure to fill out the Dedication Information section of the donation form) or contact us to let us know of your gift dedication.

President’s Council

Meet COT on the vanguard of opera as a living art form by joining the President’s Council. Comprised of COT’s closest donor partners, President’s Council members are an integral part of the COT family and are celebrated in the following ways:

  • Collectively sponsor one production each season

  • Invitations to exclusive events, including the Holiday Soiree

  • Opportunities to interact with singers and creative team members

  • Complimentary parking for COT productions

  • Opportunity to serve on a non-fiduciary Board committee

Donors of $1,500 or more per year may opt in to the President’s Council. Contact our team at development@cot.org or 312-874-7456 for more information.