Fermata Circle – Legacy Giving
Strike a chord to last forever
In music, a fermata is used to indicate a note that is held for an indefinite period of time. Musicians often refer to notes with fermata markings as “lasting forever”. This makes a Fermata the perfect symbol to represent our new legacy giving program, honouring donors who have made a gift in their will or bequest to continue their legacy to Canadian musical theatre.
Our Fermata donors strike a chord that will last forever, generously continuing the legacy of The Musical Stage Company, and ensuring that Canadian musicals will reach stages across the country and around the world for generations to come.
What is the Fermata Circle?
The Fermata Circle is a group of donors who’ve made a commitment to leave a legacy gift to the organization in a will or bequeathment. Named for the musical symbol that means “hold for an indefinite period of time”, Fermata Circle donors are striking a chord that will last forever, leaving a legacy in Canadian musical theatre for generations to come.
How can I make a gift and join the Fermata Circle?
We recommend that you speak with your lawyer about any planned gifts. You can feel free to use the following standard language to make your gift, if that’s more convenient for you.
For a gift of an unrestricted sum:
“I give, devise and bequeath to The Musical Stage Company, 401 Richmond Street W #350, Toronto ON M5V 3A8, the sum of [$ AMOUNT], to be used for such purposes as the governing body may designate.”
For a gift of an unrestricted portion of your estate:
“I give, devise and bequeath to The Musical Stage Company, 401 Richmond Street W #350, Toronto ON M5V 3A8 [% AMOUNT] of my gross estate , to be used for such purposes as the governing body may designate.”
If you’ve already made a commitment or are planning to, please reach out to let us know!
Do I have to tell you if I’ve made a Planned Gift?
Not at all! Some donors prefer to leave legacy gifts as private. We’d love it if you’d choose to let us know though, so we can celebrate your legacy and recognize your generosity!
Can I designate my gift to a specific program?
Absolutely. To do so, include the following language in your plans
“I give, devise, and bequeath to The Musical Stage Company, 401 Richmond Street W #350, Toronto ON M5V 3A8, the sum of [$ AMOUNT] (or a description of a specific asset), for the benefit of The Musical Stage Company to be used for the following purpose: (eg- Crescendo Program, New Work Development, Artist Development, etc.). If at any time in the judgment of the trustees of The Musical Stage Company is impossible or impracticable to carry out exactly the designated purpose, they shall determine an alternative purpose closest to the designated purpose.”
What kinds of gifts do you accept?
We accept the following: cash, will and bequest, charitable gift annuities, life insurance policies, retirement funds, publicly traded securities, charitable remainder trusts and residual interest gifts.
Who can I contact to learn more about the Fermata Circle and Legacy Gifts at The Musical Stage Company?
You can feel free to reach out to Colette anytime to discuss more about the Fermata Circle and how you might continue your legacy with The Musical Stage Company.
If you’d like to learn more about the Fermata Circle, and how you can continue your legacy to Canadian musical theatre, you can reach out to Development Associate, Colette Richardson at coletterichardson@musicalstagecompany.com or by phone at (416) 927-7880 ext. 233.
If you’ve already made plans to leave a gift to The Musical Stage Company, we’d love to know so we can celebrate your generosity! You are more than welcome to keep your gift private if you’d prefer, but if you are willing to share, please reach out to Colette so we can formally welcome you into our newly formed Fermata Circle.
For more information on how to build a will, click here
For more information about legacy giving and how it works, click here
Ways to make a gift
Gift in your Will (Bequest)
You can make a gift in your Will for a specific dollar amount, percentage, or residue of an estate. Your estate receives a tax receipt for your gift, which can reduce taxes owing.
To leave a gift in your Will to The Musical Stage Company, please bring the following gift language to your lawyer or financial advisor:
For a gift of an unrestricted sum
“I give, devise and bequeath to The Musical Stage Company, 401 Richmond Street W #350, Toronto ON M5V 3A8 the sum of $ , to be used for such purposes
as the governing body may designate.”
For a gift of an unrestricted portion of your estate
“I give, devise and bequeath to The Musical Stage Company, 401 Richmond Street W #350, Toronto ON M5V 3A8 X% of my gross estate , to be used for such purposes as the governing body may designate.”
For a restricted gift intended for a specific project or program
“I give, devise, and bequeath to The Musical Stage Company, 401 Richmond Street W #350, Toronto ON M5V 3A8 the sum of $ (or a description of a specific asset), for the benefit of The Musical Stage Company to be used for the following purpose: (eg- Crescendo Program, New Work Development, Artist Development, etc.). If at any time in the judgment of the trustees of The Musical Stage Company is impossible or impracticable to carry out exactly the designated purpose, they shall determine an alternative purpose closest to the designated purpose.”
Retirement funds
You can name The Musical Stage Company as the beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA. Your estate will receive a tax receipt that can offset taxes owing.
Gifts of Life Insurance
You can name The Musical Stage Company as the beneficiary of an existing policy, donate an existing policy, or purchase a policy to donate. Each option includes tax benefits for your estate or during your lifetime.