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Some of the most common ways to make a gift to New England Conservatory are to write a check, make a gift using a credit card, or donate online.
A gift of cash could be right for you if:
- You want the easiest way to donate to NEC.
- You want the largest possible income tax charitable deduction for your gift.
- You would like to make the gift to NEC that has the greatest immediate impact.
How it works
You make a gift of cash directly to NEC and you receive an immediate income tax charitable deduction.
How Your Gift Helps
Your gifts to the New England Conservatory help us educate and train musicians of all ages from around the world, drawing on the talent and deep reservoir of experience of our distinguished faculty. Your support will provide the University with the resources to…
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| inculcate the highest standards of excellence while nurturing artistic sensibility and creative growth; | foster an environment that maximizes individual attention from teachers, allowing students to explore and develop their unique artistic personalities; | reinforce and expand the position of music in society by educating the next generation of musical performers and leaders. |
What is an outright gift of cash?
An outright gift of cash is when you transfer funds to New England Conservatory and get nothing of financial value in return. The most common way for donors to make an outright gift is to write a check payable to New England Conservatory.
Gift provides immediate support
Unlike some other gift arrangements, your outright gift will provide resources that NEC can put to immediate use. If you prefer to restrict our use of your gift in any way, please contact us so that we can be sure that we can carry out your wishes.
Maximum tax savings
You may deduct the full amount of your donation up to 50% of your adjusted gross income, providing tax savings if you itemize. You may carry forward all of your unused deduction for up to five additional years.
Ways to give cash
Most donors make an outright gift by writing a check payable to New England Conservatory and mailing it to us. You may also make a cash gift using your credit card.
Example
Rosa Oliver would like to make an immediate $15,000 gift to New England Conservatory. Rosa could write a check for this amount and earn a charitable deduction equal to $15,000. Alternatively, Rosa could make a gift using her credit card by calling us on the phone, responding to a mailing, or by donating online through our website. Gifts of checks and gifts made via credit cards are considered cash gifts.
Benefits
- Rosa may deduct up to 50% of her adjusted gross income for her gift of cash, providing tax savings if she itemizes.
- If Rosa itemizes deductions but cannot use the entire deduction in the year of gift, she may carry the balance forward for up to five additional years.
- Assuming Rosa itemizes deductions and can use her entire income tax charitable deduction of $15,000, she will save her $5,550 (37% tax).
- Rosa will gain the satisfaction of making a $15,000 gift to NEC.
Additional Giving Options
By making a planned gift, you can strengthen NEC and gain financial and tax benefits for you and your family. For more information, please contact Aaron McGarry, Planned Giving Officer, by email or by phone at 617-585-1356.
Real estate can be contributed as an outright gift or to finance a planned gift. Available options include a retained life estate, which allows the donor to continue to use the property for a certain number of years, or for the donor’s lifetime. Other arrangements offer special tax advantages and lifetime income.
Gifts of real estate include undeveloped land, a residence, a vacation home, a farm, or commercial property. NEC requires the donor to bear certain costs when making a real estate gift, such as an appraisal to determine the fair market value. Also, NEC deducts transaction costs from the proceeds of the sale of the property, including the closing costs, title insurance, a survey (if needed), and any taxes due before the gift is completed.
For any questions about gifts of real estate, please contact Abigail Smitka, Assistant Vice President of Major Gifts and Campaigns, at as3628@necmusic.edu or (617) 585-1719.
Many companies support the philanthropic interests of their employees by matching employee contributions to nonprofit organizations like NEC. If your employer offers a matching gift program, you may be able to double or even triple your gift!
For more information on matching gift contributions, please contact Cheryl Fries, Assistant Director of Advancement Operations, at cheryl.fries@necmusic.edu or (617) 585-1373.
Gifts of personal property, such as musical instruments, recordings, and scores provide valuable support for our music education programs. Through the support of in-kind gifts, you can help NEC meet the college’s ongoing need to expand its inventory — and you qualify for a tax deduction.
NEC accepts in-kind donations on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact Patricia Kopko, Director of Advancement Operations, by email or phone at 617-585-1225
Friends of NEC may elect to make gifts to commemorate a loved one’s life, birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. We will gladly notify those you wish to know of any gifts made in their honor.
Contributions in any amount may be directed to The NEC Fund, or to the area of your choice. Please note the name of the person you wish to commemorate when you make your gift.
Contact Us
To learn more about how you can support NEC, please contact Cheryl Fries, Assistant Director of Advancement Operations, at cheryl.fries@necmusic.edu or (617) 585-1373.
New England Conservatory is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Our non-profit tax ID is 23-7225104.
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