Ways To Contribute
Chicago Opera Theater offers many options in the ways of giving. Find out which of the diverse means of contributing to COT is best for you. For questions about any of the following information, please contact Cornelius Bouknight, Development Associate at 312.704.8420, x 214 or cbouknight@chicagooperatheater.org.
Tributes and Memorials
A gift to COT is a thoughtful way to honor a special occasion or remember a loved one. Through a memorial gift, a friend or loved one's passion for opera can live on in their memory. All gifts to COT are tax-deductible and support our continued commitment to artistic excellence and developing new talent.
Gifts can be made online, by mail, or by phone. Please be sure to indicate the person to be remembered when making your gift. Each honoree receives a special note from COT and recognition in the program book. Tribute and memorial gifts will also be recognized in COT materials accordingly.
Gifts of Stock
Gifts of appreciated securities are extremely beneficial to both you and COT. A contribution of marketable stocks that have appreciated in value can have an immediate impact on COT and also create an immediate income tax deduction for you based on the assets' current value. And because there is no capital gains tax when you make the gift, you save on taxes twice.
Planned Giving: The Encore Society
Make world-class opera a part of your legacy!
The Encore Society is a group of dedicated opera lovers who have made a planned gift to Chicago Opera Theater to build on the legacy of "opera LESS ordinary" by ensuring that COT will share innovative, artistically excellent opera with future generations. As a member of the Encore Society, you will be honored today for your support of COT in the future.
Society members receive
- Recognition in the Season Program Book and on the web site
- Access to the VIP Donor Room at the Harris Theater during all COT performances
- An invitation to an annual party exclusively for Encore Society members
Ways to Give
Make your pledge to the future in one of the following ways:
- Make a bequest to COT in your wil
- Add COT as a beneficiary of a portion of your retirement plan or life insurance policy
Please consult your financial advisor to create a plan that is right for you. Please note that COT staff cannot give tax or legal advice.
If you have already made a planned gift to Chicago Opera Theater, please let the Development Department know.
Matching Gifts
It's easy to double (or triple!) the dollar amount of your contribution to Chicago Opera Theater by taking advantage of your company's matching gift program. Your company will match your gift with a contribution of its own to COT. Ask your company's matching gift officer (usually in the community or human resources department) for a matching gift form and send it to us along with your gift. You may be eligible if you work for one of the corporations listed here, or any of their divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliated companies.
For purposes of recognition, we are pleased to combine matching gifts with an individual's personal gift for increases in donor benefits.
In-Kind Donations
Explore creative ways to support the mission of COT. Gifts of technology, services, and food products are always graciously accepted.