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Your Legacy, Our Future

Help the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra continue its mission - inspiring and uniting our community through our music - for many years and generations to come.

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Ways to Support the ISO

Learn about gift options that provide tax and income benefits. Discover the best gift plan to meet your goals.

How the ISO Endowment supports the ISO:

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Foundation plays a critical role in sustaining the long-term financial health of the Indiana Symphony Society (dba Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra) by stewarding and managing the investment of endowed funds. These funds are made possible through the generosity of donors who contribute charitable gifts to support the orchestra's mission in perpetuity. The Foundation ensures that these gifts are prudently invested, generating annual income that directly supports the ISO's artistic programming, education initiatives, and operational needs. By safeguarding and growing these assets, the Foundation helps ensure that the ISO can continue enriching the cultural life of Indianapolis and Indiana for generations to come.

About the Lynn Society

The ISO's legacy giving society is named in honor of Charles and Dorothy Lynn, generous philanthropists and passionate champions of the arts. Their support set the stage for future generations to experience live orchestral music at its finest.

Charles Lynn, a longtime executive and shareholder at Eli Lilly & Co., was deeply engaged in civic life-serving on the boards of Purdue University, Hanover College, and Methodist Hospital, and playing a foundational role in the Indiana State Symphony Society. He was honored with numerous awards, including the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth II.

Dorothy Lynn, a dedicated alumna of Butler University, also gave generously of her time and talents, serving on the ISO Women's Committee, Purdue's President's Council, and the Historic Landmarks Association. She received Butler's highest alumni honor, the Butler Medal, for her contributions to the community.

The Lynns' lifelong devotion to the arts culminated in a transformational bequest to the ISO—the largest endowment gift ever received by a major American orchestra. Their generosity continues to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

The Lynn Society

Those who include the ISO in their estate plans are recognized as members of The Lynn Society, celebrating a shared commitment to sustaining the Orchestra's mission far into the future. Members receive:

  • Special recognition (with your permission) in ISO program books and online
  • Invitations to exclusive events and behind-the-scenes experiences
  • The satisfaction of knowing your gift will support generations of music lovers

There is no minimum gift amount required to join. Simply let us know that you've included the ISO in your will, trust, retirement plan, or other estate plans. We also welcome anonymous members.

Let's Talk About Your Legacy

We would be honored to speak with you and your financial or legal advisor to discuss your charitable goals and how your legacy can support the ISO.

To learn more about planned giving and The Lynn Society, please contact the ISO Office of Development.

Please consult your attorney or financial advisor regarding tax and estate planning. All planned gift conversations are held in strict confidence unless you choose to be publicly recognized.

Gifts made from your estate by will, trust or beneficiary designation

Planned and estate gifts play a vital role in sustaining the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's endowment, helping to ensure that the music continues for generations to come. In fact, the ISO relies heavily on income from its endowment and Annual Fund to support world-class performances, education programs, and community outreach.

By including the ISO in your estate plans, you can make a meaningful, lasting impact on the cultural life of Indianapolis?while potentially enjoying tax and income benefits for you and your family. Whether large or modest, your planned gift will shape the future of music in our community.

Bequest

You designate our organization as the beneficiary of your asset by will, trust or beneficiary designation form.

Beneficiary Designation Gift

You designate us as a beneficiary of your retirement, investment or bank account or life insurance policy.

Rollie and Cheri Dick

Lynn Society Members Rollie and Cheri Dick tell us why they give to the ISO through a planned gift

Gifts that provide you and your loved ones with income and tax benefits

Charitable Remainder Unitrust

You fund a charitable remainder unitrust with cash or appreciated property. The trust sells your property tax-free and provides you with income for life or a term of years.

Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust

You create a charitable remainder annuity trust and fund it with cash or appreciated property. The trust sells your property tax-free and provides you with fixed income for life or a term of years.

Sale and Unitrust

You give a portion of your property to us to fund a charitable remainder trust. When the property sells you receive cash and income for life.

Give It Twice Trust

You provide your children with a stream of income while making a gift to our organization.

Pooled Income Fund

A pooled income fund is a special charitable fund. You make a gift to our pooled income fund and receive tax and income benefits in return.

Unitrust and Special Needs Trust

You provide for a loved one who has special needs and also make a gift to support our cause.

Gifts that support our cause and save you taxes

IRA Charitable Rollover

An IRA charitable rollover allows individuals age 70½ or older to reduce their taxable income by making a gift directly from their IRA.

Charitable Lead Trust

You fund a trust that makes gifts to us for a number of years. Your family receives the trust remainder at substantial tax savings.

Bargain Sale

We purchase your property for less than fair market value. You receive cash and a substantial charitable deduction for the difference between the market value and purchase price.

Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

You can make gifts during your lifetime. When you pass away, your children can carry on your legacy of giving.

Life Estate Reserved

You give your property to our organization but retain the right to use the property during your lifetime. We receive the property when you pass away.

Blended Gift

There are many lifetime and estate gift options that can make your giving go farther than a simple gift of cash or property.

Gift and Bequest

A gift and bequest is a combination of a current gift and a charitable gift made in your will or trust. It is an easy way to support our cause today and make a lasting future impact.

Endowment Gift

An endowment is a fund you can create now or in the future to achieve the impact you desire.

What is Gift Planning?

Gift planning is charitable giving coordinated with your charitable financial, tax and estate goals. Good planning with tax-wise gifting strategies enables you to make significant charitable gifts during life and after you pass away.