Planned gifts are often the most impactful donations an organization receives. Your bequest or deferred gift can: 

• Build organizational stability for the future 
• Preserve our histry and future 
• Support education and accessibility 
• Provide financial aid to ensure accessibility for all 
• Inspire artistic excellence and leadership

These contributions secure our ability to bring the joy and unity of music into schools, communities, and concert halls for decades to come. Download our Planned Giving Brochure by clicking the button below.

Please let us know if you are including Singing City
in your estate plans by filling out this form.

Types of Planned Gifts

Here’s an overview of giving options to consider—whether you're making a gift today or planning for the future. While Singing City can discuss these options broadly, please consult your CPA or financial advisor for guidance tailored to your situation. More detailed information is below.

Outright Gifts
A direct gift of cash or other assets such as stock, real estate, or personal property. These gifts are usually distributed right away and may include:

• Cash or checks
• Securities (stocks and bonds)
• Real estate or tangible property
• Matching gifts or gifts-in-kind

Gifts Payable Upon Passing
Also known as deferred gifts, these are commitments made now but distributed in the future—often through a will, trust, or beneficiary designation.

Life Income Gifts
These gifts provide support to Singing City now, while also offering the donor income for life. They may offer tax advantages and are often part of a broader estate or financial plan.

Outright Gifts

Outright gifts are the simplest and most immediate way to support Singing City. These gifts are transferred directly and can be put to use right away.

Common outright gifts include:

• Cash or checks
• Securities (stocks and bonds)
• Real estate or personal property
• IRA distributions
• Matching gifts and gifts-in-kind

You can also give tangible assets such as artwork, vehicles, business interests, or rare books. These gifts may offer significant tax advantages—especially when donating appreciated assets—by avoiding capital gains taxes and qualifying for charitable deductions.

Gifts of Appreciated Stock

Gifts of appreciated stock, in particular, are a popular and efficient way to give. You receive a deduction for the fair market value and avoid paying capital gains on the increase.

Qualified Charitable Distribution

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA—available if you're 70½ or older—lets you give directly from your account, count it toward your Required Minimum Distribution, and reduce your taxable income.

Outright gifts can be made at any time and have an immediate impact on our work.

Deferred Gifts

Deferred gifts gifts are arranged now but received by Singing City in the future, typically through your estate. These gifts allow you to make a lasting impact without affecting your current financial situation.

Bequests are one of the most common forms of deferred giving. You can include Singing City in your will or trust by designating a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or specific assets.

Beneficiary designations are another simple option. You can name Singing City as the beneficiary of a retirement account (IRA, 401(k), 403(b)) or a life insurance policy. These gifts often require only a brief form and may help reduce taxes on your estate or income to your heirs.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) also fall under deferred giving when structured as part of your estate planning. These direct gifts from your IRA can reduce taxable income and fulfill your Required Minimum Distribution.

• Deferred gifts are flexible, private, and often easier to arrange than people realize. They allow you to support Singing City’s future while providing for your loved ones.

Please consult your financial or legal advisor to determine what kind of gift is best for your situation.

Life Income Gifts

Life income gifts allow you to support Singing City while receiving income during your lifetime. These gifts can offer tax benefits and are often part of an estate plan.

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)

Make a gift to Singing City and receive income for life. At the end of the trust term, the remaining assets go to Singing City. You may avoid capital gains taxes and receive a charitable deduction.

• Annuity Trust: Fixed annual income; no additional contributions allowed
• Unitrust: Income varies with trust value; additional contributions allowed
  
  

Retained Life Estate

Deed your home to Singing City now, but continue living in it for life. You maintain responsibility for upkeep and may receive a tax deduction.

Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs)

Singing City receives income from the trust for a set number of years. Then, the remaining assets return to you or your heirs. This can help reduce estate and gift taxes.

Sample Bequest Language:

One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to make a planned gift to Singing City is by including a provision in your will or trust. You may choose to designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset to support our mission. These gifts can be directed to general operations or to a specific fund or program that is meaningful to you.

An outright bequest is a gift of a specific amount or asset. To include this in your will, you might use language such as:
“I give and bequeath to Singing City, tax identification number 23-1516921, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or its successor, the sum of $[amount] (or [description of asset]) to be used where it determines the need is greatest (or for the support of a specific fund or program).”

A residual bequest designates a percentage of the remaining value of your estate after other gifts, taxes, and expenses have been paid. Suggested language for a residual bequest might be:
“I give and bequeath to Singing City, tax identification number 23-1516921, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or its successor, all (or [state a percentage]) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used where it determines the need is greatest (or for the support of a specific fund or program).”

You may also include conditional bequests, which are contingent upon specific circumstances. For example:
“If my sister, [Jane Doe], is not living at the time of my death, I give her share of my estate to Singing City, tax identification number 23-1516921, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or its successor.”

As always, we recommend consulting with your attorney or financial advisor to determine which type of bequest best aligns with your goals and circumstances.

The Elaine Brown
Legacy Society

Your generous estate gift sustains Elaine’s vision to uplift, inspire, and unite through choral music. Join The Elaine Brown Legacy Society and let your legacy sing on.

For more information

www.singingcity.org

info@singingcity.org

EIN: 23-1516921