• Why are individual donations important to the MSO?
• Why are donor benefits changing?
• How did you decide on the new levels?
• What are the major changes?
• Which benefits will I have access to this season?
• How long do my benefits last?
• When do my gifts count toward my benefits?
• What if I want to decline my benefits?
• Can I decline some benefits and keep others?
• What happens if I do not use a benefit?
• Why are tax-deductible amounts listed this year?
• How did the MSO determine the value of donor benefits?
• Does the benefit value reduce the amount credited toward my giving level?
• If I increase my giving, will my benefits change?
• Are donor benefits transferable?
• Are benefits guaranteed?
• Will the benefits program change again next season?
• Who should I contact with questions?
• Can I make a gift in honor or in memory of someone?
• What is corporate gift matching? How do I find out if my employer has a matching gift program?

Why are individual donations important to the MSO?

Individual donations are instrumental to the success of the MSO because contributed income from patrons like you make up nearly 60% of our annual revenue. Each year, ticket sales cover just 30% of the MSO’s costs. Gifts from generous donors like you assure that we will fulfill our mission.

Your gift will help the MSO continue to:

• Enhance the cultural life of our community by presenting Classical, Pops, and Family concerts
• Engage approximately 30,000 students each year through its school concerts and education programs
• Offer free performances throughout the greater Milwaukee area
• Tour the state of Wisconsin, allowing communities from Rhinelander to Eau Claire to enjoy our world class musicians
• Broadcast the MSO’s nationwide syndicated radio programs in more than 100 markets

Why are donor benefits changing?

The MSO is updating its donor benefits to make them more meaningful, sustainable, and closely aligned with the experiences donors value. The refreshed program also helps ensure that contributions continue to have the greatest possible impact on the music, musicians, and community we serve.

How did you decide on the new levels?

The MSO reviewed donor participation, the cost and availability of current benefits, and opportunities to offer more meaningful engagement opportunities with the orchestra.

Benefits with limited capacity or a significant cost, such as complimentary parking and Wintrust Donor Lounge access, were placed at levels that allow the MSO to continue to provide them responsibly and sustainably.

What are the major changes?

The updated benefits include new and expanded opportunities to engage with MSO musicians, rehearsals, artistic programming, and special events.

Complimentary season-long parking at The Avenue begins at the $2,500 giving level. Season-long access to the Wintrust Donor Lounge begins at the $7,500 giving level.

Some benefits are subject to availability, advance reservations, performance restrictions, or capacity limits.

Which benefits will I have access to this season?

Your benefits are based on your annual giving level and the date of your qualifying gift.

Donors affected by changes to parking or Wintrust Donor Lounge eligibility will receive information directly from the MSO regarding any transition arrangements that apply to them.

How long do my benefits last?

Benefits are available for 12 months following the date of your qualifying gift.

Benefits tied to a specific concert, event, season, or expiration date must be used within the timeframe provided and may not be carried forward.

When do my gifts count toward my benefits?

Eligible Annual Fund gifts are combined on a rolling 12-month basis to determine your giving level.

When an additional eligible gift moves you to a higher level, your benefits will be updated for the remainder of your current 12-month benefit period. The MSO’s fiscal year is September 1st – August 31st.

What if I want to decline my benefits?

You can decline your entire benefits package so that no goods or services are provided in connection with your gift, making the entire gift tax deductible.

You may indicate this when making your contribution or contact the Advancement Department. Donors who decline benefits will not receive benefit-related passes, discounts, parking, access, or invitations to donor events.

Declining benefits does not affect our gratitude for your support or your recognition as an MSO donor unless you also request anonymity.

Can I decline some benefits and keep others?

No. Donors must either accept or decline the entire suite of benefits associated with their giving level. Choosing not to use a specific benefit does not mean that it has been formally declined.

What happens if I do not use a benefit?

You are not required to use the benefits offered to you. However, not using a benefit does not change the value reported in your gift acknowledgment. To formally decline benefits, you must decline the entire benefits package.

Why are tax-deductible amounts listed this year?

When applicable, charitable organizations are required to provide a good-faith estimate of the value of goods or services offered in connection with a contribution.

The amount that may be tax-deductible is generally the portion of your gift that exceeds the estimated fair market value of the benefits you accept.

Donors who formally decline all benefits may be eligible to treat the full amount of their contribution as tax-deductible. Please consult your tax adviser regarding your individual circumstances.

How did the MSO determine the value of donor benefits?

The MSO developed good-faith estimates based on the anticipated cost or comparable value of each benefit. This may include ticket discounts, parking, Wintrust Donor Lounge access, receptions, meals, and special events.

Does the benefit value reduce the amount credited toward my giving level?

No. Your full contribution is credited toward your MSO giving level and supports the mission of the orchestra. The benefit value is used only to help determine the portion of your contribution that may be tax-deductible.

If I increase my giving, will my benefits change?

Yes. Eligible gifts made during your rolling 12-month period are combined.

If your total giving reaches a new level, you will receive the additional benefits available at that level, subject to timing, availability, and event deadlines.

Are donor benefits transferable?

Most benefits are intended for the donor household and may not be transferred unless the benefit specifically includes a guest or allows transfer.

Are benefits guaranteed?

The MSO makes every effort to provide the benefits listed at each giving level. Benefits may be subject to availability, capacity, advance reservations, performance schedules, and venue policies. Benefits have no cash value, and unused benefits cannot be refunded, exchanged, or carried forward.

Will the benefits program change again next season?

The updated program was designed with longevity and sustainability in mind. The MSO does not anticipate another comprehensive redesign for several seasons.

Individual events, experiences, restrictions, and estimated benefit values may still change from year to year.

Who should I contact with questions?

Please contact the MSO Advancement Department at donations@mso.org. Our staff would be pleased to help you understand your giving level, benefits, or tax acknowledgment.

Can I make a gift in honor or in memory of someone?

Yes, we feel privileged that you would choose the MSO to commemorate the life of a loved one. When you make a donation in honor or in memory of someone, the MSO sends a personalized letter acknowledging your gift to the person you are honoring or their family. This gift will be notated in the Tribute Gifts section of the Encore program book.

What is corporate gift matching? How do I find out if my employer has a matching gift program?

As an employee benefit, many companies match the charitable contributions made by their employees and retirees. Through corporate gift matching, your employer can double, or in some cases triple your gift to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Matching gifts count toward your Annual Fund gift, so if the matching gift moves you into a higher giving level, you will receive the benefits of the new level.

Please check with your company’s human resources department to find out whether a matching gift program exists.