Support the SSO

Planned Giving

Christopher Keene Legacy Society

The Christopher Keen Legacy Society was established to recognize those individuals who have
made a commitment to the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra in their financial and estate plans.
These individuals have made a commitment to the future of orchestral music in Central and
Northern New York.

Christopher Keene’s leadership and vision lifted the SSO from a small regional symphony to one
of national stature. Membership in the Keene Society is a reflection of your foresight and
commitment to the future of the Symphony.

For more information, or to notify the Advancement Office that you have included the SSO in
your plans, please contact the Advancement Office at (315) 424-8222, ext. 242. Your plans will
remain confidential, but your notification will allow the SSO to recognize your generosity.

How to include the SSO in your estate plans.

Bequests - The easiest way to make a planned gift to the Symphony is through your will. You
may choose to make a gift to the Symphony of a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your
estate. Bequests are entirely free from federal estate tax and there is no limit on the amount you
can leave to the Symphony or any other charitable organization.

If you have already executed a will, it can be amended easily through a codicil. To be valid, a
codicil must be executed, signed and witnessed according to New York State laws. The following
language may be used for a general bequest to the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra:

"I give INSERT:CONTENT:END ___ to the SYRACUSE SYMPHONY FOUNDATION, INC., to be added to its
endowment fund to support the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.

Donors may avoid both estate tax and income tax by naming the Symphony as beneficiary of
Individual Retirement Accounts, 401(k), 403(b), Keogh plans, or other qualified pension plans
which can be significantly diminished by federal, estate and excise taxes. Reducing your tax
burden through donations of retirement assets can lower your estate tax burden, allowing your
heirs increased inheritance from other remaining assets.

In passing Life Insurance Policies, a donor can ensure the Symphony a large cash value by
investing in a relatively small premium. The policy is not subject to estate taxes.

Life income gifts allow donors increased current income through a charitable income tax
deduction and avoidance of capital gains tax. Through life income gifts, the donor makes a gift to
the Symphony while retaining the right to receive income payments for life or, in some cases, a
period of up to twenty years. At the end of the period, the remaining principal supports the
Symphony's service to the community. The following is a type of life income gift:
Charitable Gift Annuity: A Charitable Gift Annuity is a simple contract between a donor and the
Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. In return for a gift to the Symphony, the donor will receive
income payments for life. Based upon the age of the donor, these payments are fixed or may
increase at a predetermined rate. Gift annuities may begin immediately upon receipt of the gift or
may begin at a future date determined by the donor.

For more information about Estate Planning, please contact the Advancement Office at (315)
424-8222, ext. 242.