Longevety is one measure of the strength and commitment of our audiences; the generous financial support of the RSO's Friends - across six decades - is another.

The RSO has always relied on the support of its audience - both old friends and those who are newcomers to classical music. Ticket sales cover only 31% of the Orchestra's costs each year; the balance is contributed by friends like you. There are many opportunities and benefits offered to those individuals, businesses, and foundations who would like to offer financial support to the RSO. The ongoing RSO 2OO5-2006 Campaign will carry the orchestra's long-established role as a musical leader and educator into the 21^st century.

Volunteering Your Time, Talent, & Skills
At the RSO, contributions of time and talent are as essential and as valued as financial support. In addition to its many donors, the orchestra is fortunate to have a highly dedicated volunteer organization, the Friends of the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra (FRSO). The FRSO members spearhead a multitude of projects, at concerts, at Project Symphony, at Festival Strings, at fund raising events, and in their communities, all in support of the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra. If you wish to learn more about volunteering to support these and other rewarding RSO programs, please contact our General Manager, Karin Todd at General.Manager@ridgewoodsymphony.org or by telephone at 201-612-0118.

The Annual Fund Campaign
The Annual Fund Campaign is a key funding component for the Orchestra. It runs concurrent with the Symphony’s fiscal year from June through May. It provides support for the RSO’s concerts and educational programs such as Festival Strings, Project Symphony, and our free Youth Concerts. Ticket revenue covers less than 31% of the cost of a RSO concert; community donations make up the difference. Talk to our Treasurer/Development Office about the benefits received at all gift levels.

Individual Donations
There are many ways an individual donor can help the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra: gifts of stock; matching gifts; memorials and honoraria; planned giving; and gifts. Our Development Office staff will be pleased to furnish you with information about each method of donating and assist with the gift process. They will also explain the benefits donors may receive for their generous support.

Corporate Sponsorships and Donations
Your company can benefit from sponsorship of the RSO. Whether you are interested in increased visibility, client entertainment, philanthropy, employee awards, marketing opportunities or a combination of these benefits, the Development Office staff is ready to work with you. The RSO’s variety of programs will make it possible for you to easily reach your objectives. Call our Development Office, at 201-612-0118, about partnering with the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra.

Financial donations may be made online using our secure online order form.

Gifts to the Endowment Fund:

Making A Gift To The Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra's Endowment Fund
Gifts to the RSO's Endowment Fund build the financial foundation that provides long-term stability and security. Endowment income helps maintain reasonable ticket prices and reduces the amount that must be raised by the Annual Fund campaigns. In addition, gifts for stage improvements and music equipment enhance the environment in which great music is made.

Gifts of any amount to the RSO's Endowment Fund may be applied to the full range of activities. For example, you may support the Musical Instrument Acquisition Fund, the Stage Acoustics Program, the Archives Program, and the Youth Program. Many other orchestra activities also depend on gifts to the RSO's Endowment Fund.

Making A Deferred Gift To The RSO's Endowment
Since its earliest days, the RSO has depended on "lasting gifts" to help fund the orchestra's diverse and popular year-round musical programs and activities. Bequests and planned gifts from RSO friends are the single greatest source of funding securing the Orchestra's future. Regardless of how you choose to designate your gift, including the RSO in your estate plans will allow you to play a vital and permanent role in the future of the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra. Please consider supporting the RSO's future through a provision in your estate plans and kindly let us know if you have already done so.

For More Information
You may request more information on making a gift to the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra's Endowment Fund and on our deferred giving program by contacting Richard A. Macri, Treasurer & Director of Development, Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 176, Ridgewood, NJ 07451-0176.  You can also contact us by email at: Treasurer@ridgewoodsymphony.org; or by telephone at: 201-612-0118.