Why Your Legacy Matters

You may have heard that “leaving a legacy” is important to nonprofits like the OKCPHIL
But what makes legacy giving so different from writing a check or donating online?

Legacy gifts…

Ask yourself: If you could live forever, would you continue to help the causes close to your heart? If the answer is yes, a legacy gift can immortalize your support.

  • Focus on the future.  The support we receive from annual gifts each year is critical. But a legacy gift through our Encore Society is like a support system we can count on to help us continue our mission for generations to come.
  • Doesn’t affect your current finances.  You can take care of your top priorities—yourself and your loved ones—now while providing for the Foundation in the future
  • Help you recognize the role of the OKCPHIL in your life.  If the OKCPHIL has had a significant impact on your life or the life of someone you love, a legacy gift is a heartfelt way to honor that relationship.

Through your legacy gift, you have a special chance to reflect the dedicated supporter you are today far into the future. And, if you tell us about this gift now, we can ensure it is used exactly as you intend and include you as a member of our Encore Society.

Encore Society members have taken an extra step forward to help ensure the future of orchestral music in our community. By including a special gift for the OKCPHIL through your will or estate plan, you help ensure superior-quality music and education programs for future generations. We invite you to become a member of our Encore Society and let us honor you at our annual Encore Society recognition event. In working with you and your financial advisors, the OKCPHIL can assist you in tailoring a planned gift that will incorporate your specific circumstances and objectives while supporting the OKCPHIL.

Great Ways You Can Leave a Legacy

With just a few words, you can make a huge difference. It’s true! Your support of the OKCPHIL can last far beyond your lifetime—and it only takes a few minutes to make it happen.

1. Include us in your will or living trust.

How do I set it up? Add as little as one sentence (often referred to as “bequest language”) saying you want to support us. With the help of your estate planning attorney, you can give a specific amount of cash or securities, a piece of property or a percentage of your estate.

What if I need to change it?  You can alter your will or trust whenever you like. Even so, there are great benefits to informing us of your gift: We can ensure that it is used exactly as you wish, and you become eligible to join a community of other dedicated givers who make up our Encore Society. tell us about this gift now, we can ensure it is used exactly as you intend include you as a member of our Encore Society.

2. Name the Oklahoma Philharmonic Society, Inc. as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy or commercial annuity.

How do I set it up? Contact your retirement plan administrator, insurance company, bank or financial institution for a change-of-beneficiary form or ask how you can change beneficiaries online. On the form, list the percentage you would like us to receive.

What if I need to change it? You can modify beneficiary designations at any time. Review them every two to three years, because your assets may never reach your intended recipients if you did not keep the beneficiary designations up to date.

3. Explore other options for Legacy Giving with the OKCPHIL

Let us help you take the next step. We would be happy to work with you on making a long-lasting impact through your will or trust or through a beneficiary designation.
Contact our OKCPHIL Development Team at 405-232-7575 or Blossom@okcphil.org to discuss your options.

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. The Oklahoma Philharmonic Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization under section 501(c)3 of the United States Internal Revenue Code. All donations to the Oklahoma Philharmonic Society, Inc. are tax deductible. The orchestra’s tax identification number is 73-1328565.
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