The Music Institute of Chicago educates, inspires, and innovates with support from friends like YOU. Contributions of all sizes help us nurture musicians and music lovers of today and tomorrow through high-quality instruction, a dynamic array of workshops, talks, and performances, and service activities that engage thousands of Chicagoland residents each year.

Annual Fund

The Music Institute of Chicago Annual Fund is a vital source of support for our institution's mission to enrich lives through music education and performance. Each year, we rely on the generosity of our community, patrons, and music enthusiasts to sustain and enhance our programs. We invite you to become a part of this remarkable endeavor by making a contribution to the Annual Fund. Here’s what your contribution makes possible: 

  • Scholarships and Financial Aid: Your donation to the Annual Fund allows us to provide scholarships and financial aid to talented students who may not have access to music education.
  • Quality Education: Your support helps us maintain a high standard of music education, ensuring that students receive the best instruction, access to world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Community Engagement: We bring music to the wider community through outreach programs, free concerts, and collaborations. Your contribution helps us share the joy of music with people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Ways to Contribute:

  • One-time Donation: Make a single donation to the Annual Fund to provide immediate support.
  • Monthly Giving: Consider becoming a monthly donor, providing consistent support throughout the year.
  • Gifts in Honor: Create a lasting impact by honoring a student, faculty, or Music Institute of Chicago community member
  • Corporate Matching: Many companies offer matching gift programs, doubling or even tripling the impact of your donation.

To learn more, contact Jennifer Bienemann. 

Patron Society

Founded in 2003, the Patron Society represents individuals and family foundations who support the Music Institute of Chicago’s annual fund with a leadership level gift. With this critical support, the Music Institute can confidently pursue its mission to provide lifelong engagement with music to students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. 

Patron Society supporters enjoy a range of exclusive benefits which strengthen the Music Institute of Chicago and foster critical dialogue for the advancement of classical music.

Virtuoso ($1,500 to $2,499)

  • Recognition as a Patron Society member in the Nichols Concert Hall lobby and annual Impact Report 
  • An invitation to a Nichols Concert Hall event where Patron Society members are recognized and celebrated. 
  • Two complimentary tickets for one Resident Ensemble performance in the 2024-2025 season. 

Bravo ($2,500 to $4,999), all of the above benefits plus:

  • Invitation to an exclusive Patron Society reception with a guest performer at Nichols Concert Hall 
  • Access to premier seating for master classes 

Maestro ($5,000 to $9,999), all of the above benefits, plus:

  • Two complimentary tickets for an additional Resident Ensemble performance in the 2024-2025 season 
  • Invitation to a private Academy student performance for four and tour of Nichols Concert Hall 

Impresario ($10,000 to $24,999), all of the above benefits, plus:

  • Total of four complimentary tickets for three Resident Ensemble performances in the 2024-2025 season 
  • Invitation to enjoy an intimate evening of music and conversation with a select Music Institute faculty member and the President of the Music Institute of Chicago 

Laureate ($25,000 or more), all of the above benefits, plus:

  • Total of six complimentary tickets for four Resident Ensemble performances in the 2024-2025 season 
  • An invitation to host an MIC Academy student or faculty performance in your home or venue of your choice 
  • Spotlighted recognition in the annual Impact Report, press releases, and other selected communications 

Join or Renew Your Support Today

Planned Giving

Legacy gifts ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for MIC by strengthening our endowment and underwriting our extraordinary music educational programs. Include MIC in your long-term plans by making a bequest in your will or revocable living trust, or by designating MIC as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy. We would be honored to work with you on establishing your planned gift’s designation.

To learn more about supporting the Music Institute of Chicago with a planned gift,  please get in touch with us.

Music Institute of Chicago youth orchestra violinist
David Joel Photography
Music Institute of Chicago youth flute on stage at Nichols Concert Hall
David Joel Photography

Piano Donations and In-Kind Gifts