Planned Giving
Shape the Future of Toledo Opera.
Whether you give through your will, retirement accounts, a donor-advised fund, stock, or other investments, your legacy helps sustain Toledo Opera’s artistry, education programs, and community impact for generations to come.
1. Bunching Multiple Years of Giving
If you typically give annually, you may combine several years of contributions into a single gift. This strategy:
- Helps you exceed the itemizing threshold
- Maximizes deductions under today’s rules
- Provides substantial immediate support for Toledo Opera
2. IRA Charitable Rollovers (Qualified Charitable Distributions)
Donors aged 70½ and older may contribute up to $108,000 (indexed for inflation) directly from their IRA. Benefits include:
- Reducing adjusted gross income
- Satisfying Required Minimum Distributions (for donors 73+)
- Avoiding taxable income entirely
3. Gifts of Appreciated Stock
Donating appreciated securities directly to Toledo Opera allows you to:
- Avoid capital gains tax
- Potentially deduct the full fair-market value
- Increase your charitable impact at no additional cost
4. Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
A donor-advised fund allows you to make a single charitable contribution, then recommend grants to Toledo Opera over time. Contributing to a DAF in 2025 may help you:
- Secure a full charitable deduction before the 2026 thresholds and caps change
- “Front-load” several years of giving and distribute support to Toledo Opera at your own pace
- Offset a high-income year with a larger charitable deduction
Charitable Giving in 2026 and Beyond
The chart below compares key giving strategies for 2025 and 2026, helping you plan your charitable contributions for maximum tax benefit.
Estate Planning for Opera’s Future
Including Toledo Opera in your will or estate plan allows you to make a meaningful future gift without affecting your current financial resources.
Charitable bequests can also provide significant tax advantages by directing assets to Toledo Opera that might otherwise be subject to estate taxes. By naming Toledo Opera in your will or trust, you may reduce the overall tax burden on your estate, preserve more wealth for your heirs, and create a lasting legacy that supports the arts for generations to come.
We’re Here to Help You Plan
Every donor’s situation is unique. Our team is here to help you understand your options and collaborate with your financial or legal advisors to design a plan that supports both your family's goals and the future of Toledo Opera. For more information, contact Leah Whitaker at lwhitaker@toledoopera.org or call 419-255-7464.