Put your name on the music
Sponsorship connects you, your family, or your business to a concert, a musician, or a moment, with recognition in the program journal and beyond. We'll shape a partnership around your goals, from a single concert to a full season.
Partner with your symphony
What your company gets. Your name in front of a loyal Fairfield County audience, with recognition in the program book, on gbs.org, in our emails and from the stage. Sponsor a concert, a chair, or our school programs, and we'll shape the recognition around your goals.
What Bridgeport gets. Live orchestral music in the city, free concert tickets for every child under 19, and Musicians to Go performances in local schools.
Tax benefits. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Connecticut businesses may also qualify for a 60% state tax credit under the Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) in years when GBS's program is approved. GBS has taken part before and has applied for this year. Talk to us before you give.
This season's concert sponsors are The Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation and Elizabeth A. Fray.
Foundations and public partners
Foundation grants support our concerts, our musicians, and our education and community programs. We're grateful to the Carstensen Memorial Foundation, The Delaney Memorial Foundation, the Cyrus W. and Amy F. Jones and Bessie D. Phelps Foundation, the Charles and Mabel P. Jost Foundation, The Bannow-Noren Foundation, The Hatfield Fund, The Richard and Alma S. Hiendlmayr Education Fund, and The Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation, among others.
GBS also receives support from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Office of the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of Bridgeport.
Named support
Sponsor a chair
Pair your gift with a seat in the orchestra, from a section player to the concertmaster. Sponsor a chair on your own or with friends: the Susan Spaulding Principal Horn Chair, held by Jaime Thorne, is sponsored by more than 50 friends and colleagues giving together. Contact us to learn about available chairs.
Dedicate a pre-concert talk
Our pre-concert talks are dedicated this season to the memory of Doris and Herbert Harrington. A dedication is a lasting way to honor someone who loved this music.
Advertise in the program journal
Reach our audience at every concert while supporting the orchestra.
More ways to give
Membership
Eight giving levels, from Contributor to Sustaining Member. Give $1,000 or more and become a Member-Donor, with invitations to post-concert receptions, VIP events, and our Annual Meeting.
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.
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.
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