At The Smith Opera House, our continued ability to deliver quality programming, cultural enrichment and education depends on the continued participation of hundreds of members, volunteers, and sponsors. Here are the ways that you can contribute financially to this most important effort.
1. AN OUTRIGHT CASH GIFT:
The easiest way to support The Smith is through an outright gift by check or credit card. Checks should be made payable to the Smith Center for the Arts and mailed to:
The Smith Center for the Arts
82 Seneca Street
Geneva, NY 14456
To give a gift using a credit card please click on the “Donate Now” button above. You may be able to double your gift with a matching gift from your employer. If you work for a matching company, please contact your company’s Human Resources department for the appropriate forms.
2. GIFTS OF APPRECIATED STOCK, BONDS OR MUTUAL FUNDS:
A gift of appreciated securities is an easy and convenient way to support The Smith while providing a double benefit: a charitable deduction, in most cases, for the full
fair-market value of the property, plus avoidance of long-term capital gains tax.
Electronic Transfer of Stock
First Step: Please notify Executive Director Susie Monagan at The Smith before you initiate the transfer. Let her know the name of the securities you intend to give and approximately how many shares you will be gifting. Also, give Susie the name, address and phone number of your broker or investment representative. This will enable her to give you the proper credit once the stock is received. Susie can be reached at smonagan@thesmith.org or 315-781-5483.
Second Step: Let your broker or investment advisor know you wish to make a gift of the stock to The Smith Center for the Arts. Give them the following information about The Smith’s account:
Edward D. Jones
DTC: 0057
Smith Center for the Arts Account: 621-13078-1-1
If you wish to make a gift of stock in certificate form or if you have any questions, please contact Susie.
3. CHARITABLE IRA ROLLOVER:
If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a gift directly from your IRA to The Smith. Each year you can instruct your IRA administrator to transfer all or part of your required minimum distribution (up to $100,000) directly to The Smith. While there is no charitable deduction for a rollover gift, you do avoid paying tax had you taken it as income. Transfers must be made directly from your traditional IRA by your administrator.
4. DONOR ADVISED FUND:
Make a gift to The Smith at any time from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF.) You can also designate The Smith as a beneficiary to receive all or a portion of your DAF.
5. PLANNED GIVING:
Through a provision in your Will, you can make a gift to The Smith. By making a bequest, you know that your generosity will support The Smith in years to come. You might also consider designating The Smith as beneficiary of a retirement plan asset such as an IRA, 401K, 403B or a life insurance policy. Again, please consult with your financial advisor or attorney concerning your bequest.
All donors who support The Smith through a planned gift will be welcomed as members of the Mary Lienk Circle, recognizing those who have made such commitments. More than 25 years ago, during the early years of The Smith’s restoration, local philanthropist Mary Lienk decided The Smith needed its own concert piano. The instrument, a Steinway Model D 9-foot concert grand, made its debut on November 18, 1995. It continues to inspire and delight audiences as well as performers. Ever mindful of the future and the continuing need to support the arts, Mary Lienk named The Smith in her estate plans. Her bequest stands as a shining example of how a benefactor can create an individual legacy with a significant impact. We honor Mary Lienk’s foresight and generosity.