Every year, since 1985, individual donors, families, businesses, foundations, government, and volunteers have provided critical dollars and resources to sustain and maintain the programs and historic facilities of the Garde Arts Center, Southeastern Connecticut’s nonprofit home for the performing arts.

You are the key to ensuring that the Garde remains as that special place where not only the arts flourish but all those who visit and participate can come together in a historic, intimate, and beautiful theater in the heart of our vibrant multifaceted Southeastern Connecticut region.

If you enjoy our landmark theater and our wide range of offerings – and believe that they enrich the lives of your neighbors, our children, our region, and generations to come – your support at any level matters now more than ever.

Below, we offer some details on the many opportunities to support your state-of-the-art quality-of-life enhancing Garde Arts Center.

Give Now

Your support of “real time” programs is critical. When coupled with other sources of revenue like ticket sales, it ensures that we continue to be here for the community as a hub for the performing arts and as an important community partner to local schools, nonprofits and to the local economy. Here are some of the most common ways beyond the traditional check or online gift for you to consider and that might make taxwise sense as well.

Give Online

Donate Online Make a Recurring Donation Dedicate a Seat

Give by Mail

You can send a check made out to Garde Arts Center to:
Garde Arts Center
325 State Street
New London, CT 06320

Give by Phone

You can make a gift by contacting Jeanne Sigel at (860) 961-4106 or via email at jsigel@gardearts.org

Give Appreciated Securities

Have any appreciated stocks?

Donating stocks allows you to avoid capital gains tax and if you itemize deductions, you can also take a charitable deduction for the entire donation amount.

For further information on donating – Download directions HERE.

Please contact Jeanne Sigel at (860) 961-4106 or via email at jsigel@gardearts.org

Give via IRA Charitable Rollover
(QCD or qualified charitable distribution)  

Are you 70.5 or older and have a traditional IRA or otherqualified plan?

You can make a donation to the Garde by transferring up to $111,000 (per individual annually, $222,000 for married couples) from your IRA account or other qualified retirement account. Making a gift from your IRA helps you meet your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and that gift amount does not then add to your taxable income. It’s easy to do; just contact your IRA plan administrator for the forms to put your gift in motion.

Give through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are investment accounts for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations. If you have a DAF, you can support us by recommending a grant to the Garde via the organization that holds your DAF.

Give Later…Begin your legacy giving with us

The peace of mind achieved through wise planning cannot be underestimated.

As you consider taking care of the people and causes you love, we hope you will consider including the Garde among them. In doing so, you will ensure a thriving future for your regional nonprofit home for the performing arts, cinema, education and community connection.

We welcome confidential conversations to explore your interests and answer any questions. Contact Jeanne Sigel at jsigel@gardearts.org or 860-961-4106.

Common forms of legacy gifts are:
Bequests – Your gift may be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or a remainder after all other provisions are made, or as a contingency bequest.

Named beneficiary of a retirement account of other non-probate assets – Did you know that your will does not control the distribution of certain assets (called non-probate assets)? To ensure that those assets go to the people and organizations you love, you must be sure to properly name your beneficiaries.

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) – This estate and tax planning tool can provide you or heirs with income during your life, with remaining assets ultimately going to your chosen charitable nonprofit(s) like the Garde.

 

Click here to learn more

 

Thank you so much for your dedication to the Garde Arts Center.

Your support will ensure that the arts are alive and thriving in the heart of southeastern Connecticut. Generations to come will benefit from full seasons of performances, youth programs, and community-bonding events.

.