The Campaign for GPO

Imagine this:

Number 1: THE GPO is THE regional leader in orchestral programming and showcasing artistic talent

Number 2: THE GPO perfectly AUGMENTS the music education that is delivered in our schools

Number 3: AUDIENCES ARE FULL and the GPO is recognized as a leader of entertainment in Northern Colorado

The GPO has a goal of $2 million and reached nearly $700,000 toward that goal before the public announcement on September 6th, 2024.

Thanks to a gift from Bob and Betty Tointon, we have a unique opportunity to capture a matching gift from the Betty L. Tointon Fund through June 30th, 2025.

FAQ

What is the financial goal of The Campaign for GPO?

Our goal is to create a $2,000,000 endowment fund for the GPO.

What are the other goals of The Campaign for GPO?

· Raise awareness in the community

· Build trust in the community and knowledge in our local leadership

· Increase our audience and encourage new people to attend GPO concerts

· Invest in our foundation, current and future GPO musicians!

Where will the endowment fund be managed?

The GPO has created an endowment fund at Weld Community Foundation, who will manage the endowment.

How are the investment and spending policies set?

The board of directors at the Weld Community Foundation determines the investment policies and spending allocations for all nonprofits that they serve. Each year, the GPO board of directors can determine the annual spending rate that is necessary to meet the GPO strategic plan.

What strategic plan does The Campaign for GPO support?

The GPO board of directors and staff is working under the strategic plan 2018–2023 and is embarking on a new strategic planning process during the 2024-2025 season.

How will the money be used at the GPO?

The mission of the GPO is to inspire and enrich through live orchestral music. We will act with intention and purpose to meet our mission, working with all stakeholders including musicians, volunteers, donors, our educators and youth, the city, and of course - our patrons!

We need your help to ensure financial sustainability and artistic growth for our children, grandchildren, and the community we love.

With your gift, we can accomplish goals like bringing in even more special music programming and guest artists, ensure we attract and retain the best musicians, and do even more to expose and teach our youth about live symphonic music

Why is it important to act now?

The Betty L. Tointon Fund will match cash gifts at $2 for every $1 committed to The Campaign for GPO. The Betty L. Tointon Fund will match estate commitments at $1 for every $1 committed to The Campaign for GPO before June 30, 2025. (The total current matching opportunity maximum is $500,000.) Together, with our music director, board members, musicians, and the staff we currently have in place, there is no better time than now to take advantage of the matching gifts and momentum we’ve already created.

Besides a cash gift or estate commitment, what other gift types will you accept?

The GPO will work with the Weld Community Foundation with the Weld Community Foundation board of directors to receive noncash gifts, including cryptocurrency, water or mineral rights, or appreciated assets like stocks, bonds or real estate. For more information, please visit https://weldcommunityfoundation.org/donors/ or contact the GPO office to get started.

What if I am curious and undecided on my participation?

If you are undecided that is perfectly understood! Just schedule a no-obligation conversation with Ben Barnhart, Executive Director, or any member of the GPO Board of Directors to learn more.

How do I take care of my family first? What if there is an emergency? Can I first take care of my spouse or a secondary beneficiary?

You can qualify for a campaign gift if you list the GPO as a secondary beneficiary on a current asset, such as a life insurance or an IRA. However, the GPO is not a financial or legal advisor. Please consult your financial, legal or tax advisors to ensure that you take care of yourself and your family first.

Do I need to change my will? That sounds like an expensive hassle.

You can simply change the beneficiary in your trust or on your life insurance, etc. We also advise that you speak with your advisory team including financial planners and tax professionals on matters of charitable giving.

Can I choose to give to the Campaign for GPO online? How long will it take to give my gift online?

You can make any gift online at the bottom of this page.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes. If you are interested in providing a gift through your estate plans, or you have any questions, we want to help. Please contact Ben Barnhart directly at (970) 534-5440 or ben@greeleyphil.org

I thought you already had a capital campaign several years ago. How is this different?

The GPO embarked upon a campaign to raise awareness and funds for the GPO more than two decades ago. Those funds helped the GPO survive through COVID-19 and the aftermath of the global pandemic. The Campaign for GPO has a goal to strictly raise awareness and funds which will be set aside and protected in an Endowment Fund at the Weld Community Foundation.

How will you honor the history of the GPO?

We are an organization that is on the rise artistically and in the way we operate, yet we will not forget our history or who helped get us here. We plan to honor musicians who are the soul of the GPO via long term naming opportunities, and sustain programs like the Jr. Philharmonic (currently the Greeley Philharmonic Youth Orchestra) that our early leaders and current administration deem as essential to meeting our mission.

How will my gift be recognized?

All gifts will be recognized in the honor roll for The Campaign for GPO in the 2025-2026 season magazine. For any gift of $5,000 or greater the GPO will provide you with a token of our appreciation. Subject to a review from the Board of Directors, additional naming opportunities exist.

· For any gift $25,000 or greater, a principal chair naming opportunity will be offered for up to10 years.

· For any gift of $100,000 or greater, a principal chair naming opportunity will be offered in perpetuity.

· For any gift of $1M, named concerts will be offered for up to 10 years.

Estate gift commitments, regardless of campaign or designation, will qualify you for membership into the GPO Legacy Society.

Can I give anonymously to The Campaign for GPO?

Yes. We will list your contribution as “anonymous” and your name will not be listed in the donor honor roll for the Campaign for GPO. You are still entitled to the stewardship benefits mentioned in “How will my gift be recognized?”

When will The Campaign for GPO end?

The opportunity to capture the matching gift from the Betty L. Tointon Fund expires on July 1, 2025. The Campaign for GPO will endure until our $2,000,000 goal has been met!

Want to learn more? Contact Ben Barnhart to discuss your options.

It’s here that you will have a chance to talk about important details:

• How will my money be used?

• Will the GPO spend all of my gift? 

• How do I know my gift will be sustainable? 

• When will my money be used?

• What types of gifts to you accept?

• What recognition may I receive for my participation?

Email ben@greeleyphil.org or call (970) 356-6406.