Support

As the Carolina Theatre celebrates a century of cinematic and cultural magic, your legacy can ensure the next hundred years are even more vibrant. By including the theater in your estate plans today, you aren’t just making a donation – you are preserving a historic Durham landmark and guaranteeing that future generations experience the same world-class artistry that has defined our community since 1926. Join us in honoring our past by securing our future, ensuring the spotlight never fades on this downtown treasure.

Support the Carolina Theatre with a Planned Gift:

Bequests
Be part of the Carolina Theatre’s future by naming us directly in your will. Simple wording such as the following can do the trick: I give to the Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. the sum of $_________________, (or ______% of my estate, or all the remainder of my estate) to be used as needed (or placed in the Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. Endowment). If you’ve already included us in your estate plans, please let us know so we can recognize your generosity and ensure your planned gift is used according to your wishes.

Qualified Charitable Distribution from Retirement Funds
If you are 70 years old, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your traditional or Roth IRA can be a great way to support the theater. A QCD allows you to donate IRA funds pre-tax, bypassing your need to pay ordinary income tax on the distribution. You can discuss the advantages of such a distribution and make it through your retirement funds manager.

Life Insurance:
Consider adding Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. as a beneficiary on one of your life insurance policies, which can usually be done online and with no cost.

Tax-Deferred Accounts (IRAs, 401ks, 403bs, annuities):
Money remaining in IRAs after death can create more taxation and headache than cashflow for your heirs. Consider making Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. a beneficiary of your Traditional IRA, 401k, 403b, or annuity knowing that 100% of its value goes toward a cause you care about.

Donor-Advised Funds
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a flexible, tax-efficient way to manage your charitable giving. If you already have a DAF, consider recommending a grant to the Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. today.

Appreciated securities
When you find appreciated investments in your portfolio – from stock, mutual funds, ETFs, or other securities – consider donating them to the Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc.  You will not only further our mission, but also likely receive a tax deduction rather than a tax bill.

*Gifts can be donated to The Carolina Theatre of Durham in several ways and are best planned with the counsel of a financial or legal adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice.

If you have questions or would like more information about any of these options, please contact Rebecca Lee, Senior Director of Development, at rebeccalee@carolinatheatre.org or by phone at 919-560-3040 Ext. 248.

The Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3); EIN 56-1759337. Gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.