MEMBERSHIPS

The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society has six classes of membership correlating to the contribution amount.  Our annual membership drive begins in late April and continues through our first concert in September.

As a member of the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society you have the satisfaction of giving your support to a non-profit group, founded and organized by your neighbors, and dedicated to the purpose of sponsoring fine music events within the Santa Maria Valley, for the enjoyment by the public and as a cultural experience for local school children.

The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society is a nonprofit public benefit corporation organized under the California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for public and charitable purposes.  Anyone who supports the goals of the Society may become a member upon contribution of annual dues.  You will have voting privileges at the annual meeting each June in accordance with the bylaws.  The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society has qualified as a tax-exempt organization under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3), hence your contribution should be tax-deductible under IRS Code Section 2522 (a)(2).  For all tax matters, please consult with your tax accountant.

To become a member, send in your check (see the classes of membership listed below) to:

Santa Maria Philharmonic Society
120 East Jones Street, Suite 120
Santa Maria, CA  93454

And marking the memo line as “Member Dues.”  We will automatically place you in the correct class of membership and insure you are on the mailing list for our newsletters.  If you would prefer not to become a member at this time, yet would like to be placed on our mailing list for our newsletters, please check here for our E-Newsletter link.  Or simply call the Philharmonic Society office at 925-0412 at any time and leave your name, address and phone number.

MEMBERSHIP CLASSES

All classes of members are listed in the concert programs.

Membership in the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society entitles you to sit on the Board of Directors if elected.  As an added benefit, Benefactors receive two complimentary season tickets and Angels receive four complimentary season tickets.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Cash Donation - Direct donations can be listed in your IRS filing as approved contribution deductibles. The SM Philharmonic is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

Donation of Stock - If you purchased stock at a considerably lower price than the present market, it may be wise to contribute the stock rather than cash. You are given IRS tax credit for the market value of the stock at the time of the donation. However, you do not have to account for the capitol gain, avoiding what may be a considerable addition to your tax liability.

Pledge - You may choose to give a designated amount each month and request monthly billing from the Philharmonic Society (or handle it in your own way).

Matching Grants - Your donations to the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society are tax deductible and may also qualify for a matching grant from your employer.

TRUSTS

Charitable Trusts - There are several methods involving trust accounts that can reduce income tax burdens while supporting your desired non-profit organization such as the Philharmonic. The details need to be discussed with a tax advisor or attorney or investment counselor, and the types include Charitable Lead Trusts and Charitable Remainder Trusts.

Family Trusts - Your family trust can include a directive to provide a legacy gift to a named charity upon the demise of the originating trustees. This type of deferred giving can be changed or amended at any time by the trustee if desired, and is protective of your assets during your lifetime.

An Endowment Fund was created at the November 21, 2005 meeting of the Board of Directors. The fund will allow the Society to support the work of the organization through bequests in wills, charitable and other trusts, charitable gift annuities, assignment of life insurance, and transfers of property (cash, stock, bonds, real estate) and manage these gifts in a manner consistent with the direction of the grantors and in accord with the policies of the Society.

The funds will go into our separately named and managed Endowment account. No more than 100% of the interest and dividends or 5% of the principal can be used in any year for the operations of the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society.

We are pleased to announce that one of our Angel members has contributed $25,000 to this fund, and also a pledge by another Angel to match contributed funds up to $25,000. Thus, we expect to begin with $75,000. Our goal is to create a balance in the Endowment principal of at least $1,500,000 over the next few years, which will be close to a self-sufficient posture.

We will keep our Loyal members, readers, and supporters informed of our progress. Consider the Society in your bequests for the long term benefit of the Society. Any gifts or bequests should be made out to the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society Endowment Fund. Be sure to get on our Newsletter mailing list, if you are not already, by calling the office or sending an email. For more information,call the office at
925-0412 and leave a message.