Development 101

What is our fundraising strategy?

The PSO drives efforts to build sustainable relationships though meaningful music events. The PSO utilizes Symphony family connections and PSO events to help steward and cultivate relationships with donors and prospective donors.

What is the Symphony’s fiscal year?

The PSO’s fiscal year runs from August 1 to July 31.

How can I make my gift?

There are many ways to make a gift to the PSO.

  1. Write a check payable to the PSO. You can mail your check or pledge card to:

    • Portland Symphony Orchestra
      Attn: Leah Robertson
      85 Exchange St, 4th Floor
      Portland, ME 04101

  2. Pay by credit card by visiting www.portlandsymphony.org and clicking on the Donate button on our website. You can also pay over the phone by contacting Leah Robertson at 207-773-6128 ext. 165. 

  3. You can make a pledge and pay in installments throughout the year.  You can do this by check or we can set up an automatic payment schedule for you using your credit card.  You can fill out a pledge form or contact Leah Robertson at 207-773-6128 ext. 165.

  4. You can make a gift of securities. Please contact Leah Robertson at 207-773-6128 ext. 165 for instructions.

  5. You can make a planned gift to the PSO. The Symphony urges donors to seek independent legal or financial advisor assistance in matters relating to their gifts and the resulting tax and estate planning consequences. Inform the PSO of your planned gift and you will be included in the Legacy Society. All planned gifts are deposited in our endowment ensuring that your gift will enrich people’s lives long after your gift is made.   

  6. A gift can also be made through a donor advised fund or through a family foundation. 

How can I help PSO fundraising efforts?

  1. Invite friends to PSO events- specifically Conductor’s Circle events

  2. Volunteer to become an Annual Fund Solicitor

    • Help the PSO reach out to thank donors or remind them to think of the PSO in their annual giving!

  3. Participate in Leadership Gift strategy

    • Review a list of potential prospects and provide feedback on these individuals.

  4. Help with the Wine Dinner & Auction

    • You can help in several ways. Help the PSO find a sponsorship, join the committee, donate items, attend the event, and recruit friends to attend the event.

  5. Host a salon in your home

    • The PSO will help you build a guest list and provide the entertainment. You are responsible for food and beverages. The salon event has been one of the PSO’s most effective tool in our recent fundraising efforts.

  6. Bring a friend to a Music Lovers’ Luncheon

    • This is a very easy way to introduce a friend to the PSO and its patrons. Please make sure to introduce your friend to Leah Robertson.

What is the Conductor’s Circle?

The Conductor’s Circle is a group that values music in our community. With an annual gift of at least $1,500, Conductor’s Circle members allow the Symphony to reach over 100,000 children and adults in our region through concert productions, music education programs, and community events.

Becoming a Conductor’s Circle member gets you an insider’s pass to build a deeper relationship with the Symphony. Connect with musicians about their lives in music, learn how a concert is produced, and participate in private events that will build upon your passion for live music.

The Conductor’s Circle consists of 4 different membership tiers, each with enticing benefits customized for that tier.

Principal Player - $1,500
Concertmaster - $3,000
Silver Baton - $5,000
Gold Baton - $10,000

Examples of Conductor’s Circle events –

  • On-stage lecture and reception with a guest artist or PSO musician

  • Sit-on-Stage during a working rehearsal

  • Special receptions around education or concert events

  • Annual Conductor’s Circle party at a private home