WYSO Annual Fund
Keeping the Music Going
Finishing the building was one campaign. Sustaining what happens inside it is the next one. A gift to the WYSO Center is a gift to WYSO programming — supporting the Annual Fund, the Capital Reserve, and Legacy Giving through the Rabin Legacy Society.
Annual Fund
Sustains WYSO’s programs year-round. Tuition and rental income only partially cover the cost — the Annual Fund closes the gap.
Capital Reserve / WYSO Center for Music Fund
Keeps the WYSO Center for Music in excellent shape for decades of use, with named-gift opportunities still available.
Legacy Giving
Join the Rabin Legacy Society with a planned or estate gift that secures WYSO’s future for generations.
A vision decades in the making
Your gift today ensures that no child is turned away from music due to financial barriers, and that this vibrant hub for music and learning is here for generations to come.
For nearly 60 years, WYSO students rehearsed in borrowed spaces—churches, schools, and parking lots. Today, the WYSO Center for Music is open and thriving, thanks to you.
Rising construction costs pushed the total project to $33.5 million. Thanks to the generosity of this community, we closed that gap in full — securing a permanent home for music education in the heart of Madison.
Watch the story of The WYSO Center for Music
Discover how WYSO is transforming lives through music, and why this new home matters to hundreds of young musicians across Wisconsin.
Special thanks to the entire team at ROACH Projects.
Why it Matters
Every young musician deserves a place to dream, learn, and grow. At WYSO, music changes lives — building confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of the arts.
Your support fuels access, excellence, and opportunity for students across our community.
🎼 520 students enrolled
🌍 32 languages spoken by WYSO students
🏙️ 47 schools / 39 cities / 14 counties represented
💯 100% of students pay no more than 30% of program cost
👩🎓 17% of students receive full-need scholarships
🎶 30+ free outreach performances annually
Come See WYSO’s Mission in Action
The best way to understand what your support makes possible is to see it in person. Join us on a rehearsal Saturday and watch nearly 500 students bring the WYSO Center for Music to life, full orchestras rehearsing, teachers coaching, and the next generation of musicians hard at work. Email development@wysomusic.org or charles@wysomusic.org and we’ll set up your visit.
Naming Opportunities
Now that the WYSO Center for Music is open, naming opportunities remain available for approximately one year for donors giving to the endowment or capital needs fund. These honor loved ones, celebrate a passion for music, or create a permanent legacy — while directly supporting music education for generations to come.
A variety of spaces and symbolic roles — such as rehearsal halls, gathering areas, and named section chairs — are available. Each opportunity includes recognition within the WYSO Center for Music. Gifts of $1,000 or more to capital needs this fiscal year also qualify for a name on our donor wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does my Annual Fund gift go?
Tuition and rental income cover only part of the true cost of WYSO’s programs. Your Annual Fund gift closes that gap — supporting instructor salaries, instruments and sheet music, and the need-based scholarships that let 17% of our students attend tuition-free, while ensuring no student pays more than 30% of the real cost of participation.
Why give unrestricted, rather than to a specific program?
Unrestricted gifts are some of the most powerful gifts we receive. They let WYSO direct resources where they’re needed most in a given year — a scholarship for a family facing hardship, an instrument repair, or an unexpected opportunity for our students. Restricted gifts are wonderful for specific goals, but unrestricted giving is what keeps WYSO nimble and responsive.
I already gave to the capital campaign — do I need to give again?
The capital campaign built our home; the Annual Fund keeps the music going inside it. They’re two different needs, and a gift to one doesn’t carry over to the other. If you gave to help us build the WYSO Center, thank you — we hope you’ll consider joining us again to help sustain what happens inside it.
What ways can I give?
Beyond a one-time or recurring gift by card or ACH bank transfer, WYSO also accepts Qualified Charitable Distributions (if you’re 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA and avoid income tax on the distribution — consult your tax advisor), grants from Donor-Advised Funds, and gifts of appreciated stock (see our Ways to Give page for details). Many employers will also match your gift — check with your HR department.
What’s the difference between the Annual Fund, the Capital Reserve, and Legacy Giving?
Annual Fund gifts support this year’s programming. Capital Reserve / WYSO Center for Music Fund gifts keep our new building in excellent shape for decades to come. Legacy gifts, made through your estate plan, secure WYSO’s future for generations. All three matter — pick the one that speaks to you, or ask us where the need is greatest.
Thank you to all of our Note by Note and WYSO Center campaign donors for supporting the next generation of Wisconsin musicians.
Would you like to speak with a member of WYSO’s Development Team? Email development@wysomusic.org or Charles McLimans, Director of Philanthopy, at charles@wysomusic.org or call 608.733.8283