PLAY it forward! 

Leave a Legacy with the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras

For 78 years, the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras has shaped the lives of young musicians, empowering them to grow through music, creativity, discipline, and community. Your legacy gift ensures this vital mission continues for generations to come.

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Explore the many ways you can leave a lasting impact.

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Legacy Giving Options​​

Gifts from Your Will or Trust

Name CKYO as a beneficiary in your will or revocable living trust. This is one of the simplest ways to leave a legacy gift—just a few sentences in your estate documents can make a lifelong difference for young musicians.

Benefits:

• Flexible—you can update your gift at any time.

• Can be a percentage, specific dollar amount, or remainder of your estate.

• Supports CKYO's future without affecting your current finances.

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Charitable IRA Rollover (Qualified Charitable Distribution)

If you are 70½ or older, you can transfer up to $100,000 per year directly from your IRA to CKYO, tax-free.

Benefits:

• Satisfies your required minimum distribution (RMD).

• Avoids income taxes on the transferred amount.

• Simple to arrange with your IRA administrator.

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Beneficiary Designation – Retirement Accounts & Grants

Designate CKYO as a full or partial beneficiary of your retirement plan (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), etc.). These assets may be the most heavily taxed if left to heirs, making them ideal for charitable giving.

Benefits:

• Simple to update your beneficiary form.

• Avoids income and estate taxes.

• Leaves other, less taxed assets to your loved ones.

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Beneficiary Designation – Paid-Up Life Insurance Policies

You can name CKYO as the beneficiary (or co-beneficiary) of an existing life insurance policy or donate a fully paid-up policy you no longer need.

Benefits:

• Potential immediate tax deduction.

• Easy to designate CKYO as the beneficiary with your insurance provider.

• Makes a substantial gift for a modest cost.

 

Charitable Remainder or Lead Trusts

Charitable Trusts offer a flexible way to support CKYO while also addressing your personal or family financial goals.

• Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT): You or your loved ones receive income for life or a set term; CKYO receives the remainder.

• Charitable Lead Trust (CLT): CKYO receives income for a period of years; the remainder goes to your heirs.

Benefits:

• May reduce gift and estate taxes.

• Can provide income for you or loved ones.

• Leaves a legacy of music education.

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Gifts of Appreciated Stock

Donate appreciated securities to CKYO and avoid capital gains taxes while making a generous gift.

Benefits:

• Immediate income tax deduction.

• Avoidance of capital gains tax.

• May increase your charitable deduction and impact.

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Ready to Build Your Legacy at CKYO?

We can help you explore the giving option that works best for you and your loved ones. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a difference in the lives of hundreds of young musicians each year.

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Contact Us:
For confidential, no-obligation conversations or to notify us of your legacy plans, contact Amelia Groetsch, Executive Director at: 
📧 ckyo@ckyo.org
📞 859.254.0796
📍 Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras, 161 N Mill Street, Lexington, KY 40507

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Thank You for Investing in the Future of Music

Your legacy gift ensures that music continues to inspire, unite, and transform the next generation. Together, we build a community where every young musician can thrive.

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