8 smart tips for year-end giving that help the arts thrive
Shari Gasper
As curtain call approaches on 2025, a little planning can make your gift go further—for you and for Overture Center’s stages, galleries and education programs. Here are quick, practical ways to maximize your impact by December 31.
Talk with your advisor
New rules can affect deductions and estate plans. A quick check-in with your tax or financial advisor ensures your gift lines up with your goals (and the latest laws).
Consider “bunching” this year
If you itemize, ask your advisor whether combining several years of giving into 2025 could be beneficial—especially with potential deduction floors and standard-deduction changes on the horizon. You still control when nonprofits (like Overture) actually receive grants if you use a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF).
Give from your IRA (age 70½+)
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) sent directly from your IRA to a qualified charity can be a tax-savvy way to give and may count toward required distributions. There’s also a one-time option (up to the federal cap) to fund a charitable gift annuity via QCD. Ask your advisor whether that fits your plan.
Donate appreciated stock
Gifting long-term appreciated stock or mutual funds can be one of the most effective ways to give. You may be able to avoid capital gains tax and take a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the gift—often allowing you to make a greater impact than with cash. Because transfers can take time, start early, so shares arrive before year-end. Our team can provide transfer instructions or work directly with your broker to ensure a smooth process.
Use your DAF to time grants and keep support steady
If you “bunch” contributions into a DAF this year, you can still recommend grants to Overture on the schedule that feels right to you—monthly, quarterly or annually.
Grants from donor-advised funds
If you plan to recommend a grant from your DAF, we encourage you to submit your request as soon as possible to ensure it is processed by Monday, December 15.
Verify nonprofit details before you give
Double-check our legal name (“Overture Center Foundation, Inc.”), mailing address and tax ID to keep your records clean and speed acknowledgments. Overture's tax ID is: 01-0645582.
Mind the year-end deadlines
• Checks by mail: must be postmarked by Dec. 31.
• Courier deliveries (e.g., FedEx/UPS): must be received by Dec. 31.
• Credit cards: the transaction date on your statement must be Dec. 31 or earlier.
• Stock/Mutual funds: please initiate in early December (mutual funds can take longer than stock).
When in doubt, reach out. We’ll help you hit the mark.
We’re here to help
Whether you’re weighing QCDs, stock gifts, DAF grants or other giving options, our team can coordinate details and provide the charitable documentation your advisor needs.
As an independent nonprofit organization, Overture Center depends on donor support to offer performances and programs that enrich lives and connect our community through the arts.
How to Give to Overture
Online
overture.org/give
By phone (questions or pledges)
608-443-1733
By mail
Overture Center Foundation, 201 State Street, Madison, WI 53703
Stock, IRA/QCD or DAF inquiries
development@overture.org
Overture. Forever.
All gifts matched up to $200,000 through December 31, 2025
With less than $1 million left to reach our $30 million goal, thanks to National Guardian Life Insurance Company and SupraNet Communications, Inc., all donations are matched up to $200,000 through December 31, 2025. Now is your moment to step into the spotlight and double the power of your gift!