MUSIC AND ART MATTER
Together, we’re breaking opera’s barriers so every child can experience the power of musical storytelling in their own school. Now more than ever, music education in our schools is critical – yet teachers have fewer resources to make it happen. Your support helps OFTY break barriers and keep high-quality opera experiences accessible for schools and communities that need them most.
With more than 80% of OFTY’s budget supporting our programs, your contribution goes where it matters most – back into the schools and communities we serve.
ANNUAL FUND
Annual fund donations sustain Opera for the Young and allow us to achieve our tour each season. The fees we charge schools cover only a portion of the costs involved with bringing this magical experience to elementary students. Your donation allows us to keep school fees low and continue building support for arts education and performance. You have the opportunity to dedicate funds for specific needs or offer general program support that helps us keep this special organization alive.
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Three endowments support OFTY programs – the Opera for the Young Endowment, the *NEW* Diane Garton Edie Legacy Fund, and the Madison Community Foundation’s Opera for the Young Fund.
The OFTY endowment began in 2001 with a generous $100,000 gift from William and Joyce Wartmann, who envisioned a $1 million fund generating $50,000 annually for operating support. In 2020, Opera for the Young celebrated 50 years with a 50th Anniversary Campaign to grow our endowment and ensure future support for arts in schools. This reliable support allows Opera for the Young’s staff to focus on programming, continual improvements, and keeping opera and the arts fresh, relevant, and inspiring to elementary students for years to come.
GIVE TO OPERA FOR THE YOUNG’S ENDOWMENT
The DGE Legacy Fund is a new fund established by OFTY’s Board of Directors to honor the legacy of our retired Artistic Director, Diane Garton Edie. This endowment expands access to OFTY programs by supporting schools facing financial or resource barriers. Each year, the fund expands our reach by providing fully-funded programs to schools who have not experienced OFTY in the past, bringing the magic of live opera to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity. To apply, schools fill out a simple Application Form.
GIVE TO THE DIANE GARTON EDIE LEGACY FUND
The Opera for the Young Fund at the Madison Community Foundation helps sustain our mission to bring high-quality, live opera to schools and communities in need.
GIVE TO THE MADISON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S OPERA FOR THE YOUNG FUND
PLANNED GIVING
Planned giving through your estate will ensure Opera for the Young’s programs continue to reach of children into the future. Your gift will touch thousands and thousands in meaningful ways for years to come and is one of the easiest ways you can leave a lasting impact on our organization. With a planned gift to Opera for the Young, you can combine your desire to give to the arts and education with your overall financial, tax, and estate planning goals. For more information, read our Legacy Society Giving Guide or contact us at info@ofty.org.
STEWARDSHIP
If you plan to include or have already included Opera for the Young in your estate plan, please let us know! We are honored to recognize your commitment to this company’s legacy in our annual Family Opera Day playbill and online.
OFTY LEGACY SOCIETY
Chuck Bauer and Chuck Beckwith
Martha and Charles Casey
Katie Covi
Dave Edie and Diane Garton Edie
Saira Frank and Miles Hofschulz
Tanya Salman