Encore Society
The Encore Society acknowledges the generosity of those individuals who have included Opera Philadelphia in their estate plans as an important philanthropic commitment to opera’s future in Philadelphia. Not only do members enjoy special Opera events that allow them to see firsthand the impact of their contribution on the organization’s continued artistic growth, but these gifts have the potential to provide valuable tax and income benefits.
Encore Society members enjoy exclusive benefits throughout the season, including meet-the-artist events and an annual luncheon with stars from an Opera Philadelphia production.
If you have already included Opera Philadelphia in your estate plans, please complete our online enrollment form!
Joining the Encore Society is as easy as adding a simple addendum to your will or naming the Opera as a beneficiary of your IRA or 401(k.) Every commitment in every size helps ensure that Philadelphians will have the opportunity to enjoy great voices and great operatic performances for years to come.
The most popular giving plans of current Encore Society members include:
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Bequests – Bequests are gifts made in a will, trust, or estate plan. The gift is most often made as a specific amount, a percentage, or a remainder amount. The following language can be added to your will:
I devise and bequeath to Opera Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania amount of gift or the word “all” or a percentage of the estate to be used for its general purposes
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Retirement Plans – You can name Opera Philadelphia as the sole or partial beneficiary in your retirement plans such as IRAs, 401 (k) plans and 403 (b) plans. By naming the Opera as a beneficiary of your retirement plans, you may be able to avoid both income and estate tax, allowing you to leave your lower-taxed assets to your family. Your retirement plan administrators can provide you with the necessary information and forms to include OCP in your retirement plans.
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Life Insurance Policies – By naming Opera Philadelphia as the sole or partial beneficiary of your fully-paid life insurance policy, you may be able to avoid the estate tax on the proceeds. This revocable gift is easy to arrange; simply contact your insurance company for a Change of Beneficiary form.
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Charitable Remainder Unitrusts – When you create this trust (with cash, securities, or other appreciated property), you will receive fixed regular payments based on the value of the principal. The Charitable Remainder Unitrust may allow you to avoid the capital gains tax on your donated assets and you will receive a tax deduction for a portion of your gift. When the trust is terminated, the remainder will pass to the Opera Company of Philadelphia - providing you with income for life while contributing to the Opera in the future.