Why Donating Money to Orchestras is a Good Investment

You're Investing in the Success of Young People

Most orchestras are nonprofit organizations—and ticket sales are rarely enough to cover all the costs that go into a performance.

But orchestras stay busy outside of concert halls too. They go into classrooms and community centers to foster creativity and a love of music. Orchestras go above and beyond to advocate for the arts and make them accessible to young people.

These programs impact children academically, too. According to a study from the Journal of Research in Music Education, students in high-quality music programs earn higher math and English test scores than kids not in music programs.

Your Donation Develops Emerging Artists

Orchestras showcase seasoned, professional musicians. But they also play a huge role in training budding artists to reach their full potential.

Specialized workshops, fellowships, career development programs—these are some of the ways in which orchestras support a community of emerging musicians. Your donation translates to the opportunity for new talent to come into light.

In fact, research from the League of American Orchestras shows that 42% of orchestra activity is dedicated to education and community programs, so your money truly makes a local difference.

It's Good for Local Business

People flock to cultural hubs, and an orchestra is a vital part of that cultural ecosystem. The result? The nonprofit arts industry generates $166.3 billion of economic activity annually, according to Americans for the Arts.

That money helps local businesses thrive. Orchestras don't exist in a vacuum. They're a powerful force that generates government revenue, employs locally, and purchases locally.

Orchestral Play a Huge Role in Our Culture

The orchestra isn't a stuffy institution that's removed from our everyday lives. Orchestras and the music they play are more deeply ingrained into our culture than you might expect.

Today's orchestras are vibrant. They emphasize diversity and inclusivity (and they often don't require formal attire to attend!) But even if you've never set foot in a concert hall, orchestral music colors our films, TV shows, and video games.

With orchestras operating in all 50 states and serving almost every community, they've been contributing to our lives in ways you might've not expected.

Orchestras give back, they invest in young people and aspiring artists, and they themselves create beautiful art. When you donate to orchestras, your money does double duty—investing in the arts and in your very own community.