Giving to the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon

"Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”- Plato

Throughout the YSSO’s thirty-six years of community and family service, music education programs, and performances, the generous support of individuals, businesses, families, funds, and foundations has helped the YSSO offer performance and learning opportunities to aspiring young brass, string, percussion, and woodwind musicians. Young people have explored and performed orchestral masterworks, commissioned and new music, concerti, opera literature, film and musical theater scores, choral/orchestral music, and chamber music. The musicians have developed discipline, empathy, focus and friendships, and they have honed listening, technical and teamwork skills.  Each season, the inspiring performances engage hearts and minds, and connect individuals, families, and communities through music.

If you wish to send a gift, please mail your check to: YSSO, P.O. Box 4291, Medford, OR 97501.  A gift in any amount is appreciated and makes a difference to the YSSO and its musicians.  

Please remember the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon (YSSO) on “Giving Tuesday.” each year. Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season when many focus on holiday and year-end giving. GivingTuesday has helped transform the way people think about and participate in community giving and philanthropy. It has inspired people to improve communities, support diverse causes, and create a better world.

Thank you!

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” - Maya Angelou

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Operations, initiatives, training and concerts are underwritten by annual gifts and contributions from individuals, as well as foundation and agency grants, nominal tuition, fund raising events, and ticket sales. The business and professional communities of southern Oregon support the work of the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon organization through Concert Series program advertising and Concert Series Partner (sponsor) funding.

Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon Endowment Partner Fund

In 2006, the YSSO organization's Governing Board entered into a formal partnership with The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) to manage and administer an Endowment Fund.  The OCF is a statewide nonprofit foundation established as a vehicle for Oregonians to increase philanthropy through current gifts and estate planning. The OCF manages and administers more than 1,700 charitable funds on behalf of individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses to support humanitarian, educational and cultural programs.  The OCF is available to assist donors who wish to make gifts of real estate or stock to benefit the YSSO and it can facilitate charitable trusts or annuities.  To learn more about the OCF, please contact The OCF Regional Director for Southern Oregon (541-773-8987) or Sharon Wilson, YSSO Executive Director (541-858-8859). 

Legacy Giving

In late 2014 the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon was named the charitable beneficiary of the Roger G. Hewitt Fund for Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon of The Oregon Community Foundation. An annual distribution from this permanent fund helps underwrite tuition and lesson assistance for participating YSSO musicians with financial need. The establishment of the fund expands the organization’s capacity to serve aspiring young musicians and supports inclusion and access. Recent bequests from Robert T. Kuntz form the core of the YSSO's new Reserve Fund. This new fund will help sustain the community benefit mission of the YSSO, support capacity-building initiatives and operations, help facilitate music opportunities, and strengthen the organization’s financial position. The YSSO governing board, staff, and musicians are grateful for these extraordinary legacy gifts. An annual distribution from The James M. Collier Fund for Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon of The Oregon Community Foundation will provide unrestricted support for operations, programs, and concerts.

Foundations

In addition to annual gifts and contributions from individuals, the Arthur R. Dubs Foundation, Carpenter Foundation, Carrico Family Foundation, Collins Foundation, Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, Dunlap Silsby Family Foundation, Jackson County Cultural Coalition, James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation, Joe and Frances Naumes Family Foundation, Oregon Arts Commission, The Oregon Community Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation, Sharkey Foundation, Trust Management Services/Braemar Charitable Trust, and have provided significant support for 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017. 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and/or 2024-2025 for concerts, special initiatives, virtual and in-person training, and operations.

Oregon Cultural Trust

The Oregon Cultural Trust's mission is to lead in building an environment where cultural organizations are sustained and valued as a core part of Oregon's vibrant communities and economy.  For more than a decade, the Cultural Trust has played a vital role in building Oregon communities. Simultaneously, the Trust is building a permanent fund, now over $25 million, so that future generations can experience the Oregon culture we enjoy today.  Anyone can be part of this vision by supporting any of 1,400 eligible cultural nonprofits, matching those gifts with a gift to the Trust, and taking Oregon’s generous and unique state cultural tax credit (up to $500 per individual, $1,000 per household and $2,500 per Class-C corporation). Oregon Cultural Trust: Frequently Asked Questions.

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There are many ways to invest in the mission and musicians of the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon...

Give an annual gift

Give a gift in honor of a family member, friend or colleague

Encourage a foundation, corporation or professional office to support the YSSO

Advertise in Concert Series programs

Become a Concert Series Partner

Attend a performance

Individual donors - Friends of the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon - receive the twice-yearly YSSO newsletter, QuarterNotes. The Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon is a nonprofit organization under IRS section 501(c)(3) and contributions from individuals may be tax-deductible. Please consult a professional tax advisor for more information.