Find your place in the orchestra
Every GBS member is part of what happens on stage. Members give at one of eight levels, and every gift counts toward the Annual Fund that pays our musicians and keeps tickets free for kids under 19. Members are recognized in our concert programs, and gifts of $1,000 or more make you a Member-Donor.
Member-Donors: $1,000 and up
Sustaining Member: $7,500 and up
Symphony Member: $5,000 to $7,499
Concerto Member: $2,500 to $4,999
Sonata Member: $1,000 to $2,499
Member-Donors are invited to post-concert receptions, VIP events, and our Annual Meeting, and are recognized in our concert programs for at least a year. You can also dedicate your gift to someone special. To join, give online or contact Phyllis Rhodes Cortese at phyllis@gbs.org or (203) 576-0263.
Gifts under $1,000
250 for 250
This season GBS celebrates America's 250th birthday with America: Portraits in Sound, five concerts of American music. We're looking for 250 donors to give $250 each to bring this once-in-a-generation season to the stage. Every 250-for-250 donor is recognized in our program journal.
Gift levels
Benefactor: $500 to $999
Supporter: $250 to $499
Associate: $100 to $249
Contributor: $10 to $99
Gifts at these levels are recognized in our concert programs through the last concert of the season.
More ways to give
Leave a legacy
A gift in your will, a beneficiary designation, or a gift that pays you income for life. Many legacy gifts cost nothing today.
Smart giving
IRA distributions at 70½, appreciated stock, donor-advised funds, employer matches, and gifts in honor or memory. Some gifts can do more for the orchestra and for you.
Sponsorship & partners
Sponsor a concert or a chair in the orchestra, dedicate a pre-concert talk, or partner with us as a business or foundation. We'll shape the recognition around you.
Questions about membership
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Yes, to the extent allowed by law. Greater Bridgeport Symphony Society Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 06-6012460. If you receive something of value in return, such as a gala dinner, only the amount above its fair market value is deductible; we'll note that on your receipt.
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Yes. Tell us the person's name and who should be notified, and we'll let them know about your gift without sharing the amount. Gifts of $1,000 or more can also carry a dedication in the program journal.
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Ask your HR department for a matching gift form and send it to phyllis@gbs.org or to 2385 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. We'll confirm your gift with your employer.
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It's our yearly operating fund, and it pays for our concerts, musicians, and community programs. Our fiscal year runs from May 1 to April 30, and gifts of any size count toward it.
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Membership follows our giving year, May 1 to April 30. Member-Donors are recognized in our concert programs for at least a year, and gifts under $1,000 through the last concert of the season. Renew anytime to keep your place in the orchestra.
You don't need to be a musician to make a difference
Give your time
We're looking for volunteers and community leaders with experience or interest in fundraising, social media and marketing, public relations, special events, and community outreach. We're also looking for people to consider serving as Trustees on our Board of Directors, helping shape the Symphony's vision and strengthen its future.
Let's talk
Whether you're thinking about your first gift or your legacy, we're glad to help you find the right way to give.
Phyllis Rhodes Cortese, Executive Director
phyllis@gbs.org · (203) 576-0263
Greater Bridgeport Symphony Society Inc. · 2385 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 · EIN 06-6012460