Meany Center 25-26 Donor Handbook

Donor Handbook

YOUR GIFT. A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE.

2025–26 CALENDAR of EVENTS OCTOBER

FEBRUARY

Mahani Teave 7:30 p.m. on Fri, Oct 3, 2025

The Baylor Project 8 p.m. on Sat, Feb 14, 2026

Mariachi Herencia de México 8:00 p.m. on Fri, Oct 17, 2025

yMusic 7:30 p.m. on Sat, Feb 21, 2026

Jerusalem Quartet 7:30 p.m. on Tue, Oct 21, 2025

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company 8 p.m. on Thu–Sat, Feb 26–28, 2026

NOVEMBER

MARCH

Music for New Bodies 7:30 p.m. on Sat, Nov 1, 2025

Andrew Bird with Ted Poor 8 p.m. on Sat, March 14, 2026

Jon Kimura Parker 7:30 p.m. on Thu, Nov 6, 2025

Augustin Hadelich, violin & Francesco Piemontesi, piano 7:30 p.m. on Thu, March 19, 2026

Mariam of Amadou & Mariam: L’Amour à la Folie 8 p.m. on Sat, Nov 8, 2025

APRIL

Parsons Dance 8 p.m. on Thu–Sat, Nov 13–15, 2025

Circa: Duck Pond 8 p.m. on Thu–Sat, April 2–4, 2026

DECEMBER

Joyce Yang 7:30 p.m. on Tue, April 14, 2026

Christmas with Cantus: Three Tales of Christmas 7:30 p.m. on Sun, Dec 7, 2025 Michael Feinstein in Coming Home: The Holiday Celebration 7:30 p.m. on Tues, Dec 9, 2025 Dianne Reeves 7:30 p.m. on Thu, Dec 11, 2025

JANUARY Karim Sulayman, tenor & Sean Shibe, guitar 7:30 p.m. on Sat , Jan 17, 2026 Leif Ove Andsnes 7:30 p.m. on Fri , Jan 23, 2026 Ephrat Asherie Dance with Arturo O’Farrill 8 p.m. on Thu–Sat, Jan 29–31, 2026

Pablo Sáinz-Villegas 8 p.m. on Sat, April 18, 2026 An Evening With Yo-Yo Ma: Reflections in Words and Music 7:30 p.m. on Wed, April 22, 2026 MOMIX: ALICE 7:30 p.m. on Fri–Sat, April 24–25, 2026

MAY Mark Morris Dance Group 8 p.m. Thu–Sat, May 7–9, 2026 Min Kwon 7:30 p.m. on Tue, May 12, 2026 East Coast Chamber Orchestra with Shai Wosner, piano 7:30 p.m. on Thu, May 14, 2026

Cover: MOMIX: ALICE. Opposite page: Michelle Witt by Steve Korn.

Welcome and THANK YOU Welcome back for the 2025–2026 Meany Center season! We look forward to sharing with you an exciting season of innovative and inspiring performances by diverse leading artists from around the world. The generosity of donors like you is what makes everything we do at Meany possible, and we are grateful for your support.

To show our gratitude, we invite you to take advantage of a set of donor benefits and insider opportunities designed to enrich your experience of the artistry you see on our stage. You can read more about these exclusive benefits on pages six and seven.

We are eager to see you back at Meany, and for you to enjoy the upcoming season.

Warmly,

Michelle Witt Executive and Artistic Director P.S. Make sure to save Saturday, March 21, 2026 for Meany’s Center Stage Gala!

PIANIST JOYCE YANG; PHOTO BY KT KIN

A World of EXCELLENCE We are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and the expansion of human potential through arts and learning.

PHOTO BY SEATTLE YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

FRIENDS of MEANY CENTER Make a gift of any amount — then take a seat and watch the curtain rise on a season that you helped make possible. Ticket sales cover only 45% of bringing world-class artists to the Meany stage — and the rest comes from you, our generous community of donors.

NEW DONORS We are thrilled to welcome you to the Meany family with an extra perk to show our appreciation. For first-time gifts of $50 or more, you will receive one Meany Center Lounge Pass (for 2) for the intermission of your choice.

Meany Center donor benefits compound to include those listed in previous levels.

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CJ CLAIR

FRIENDS of MEANY CENTER Friend ($50–$99) Season-long recognition in Encore programs Subscription to the director’s quarterly Inner Circle e-newsletter

Key Player ($100–$249) One Meany Center Lounge Pass (for 2) for the intermission or pre-show reception of your choice Plus benefits above

Great Performer ($250–$499) Two Meany Center Lounge Passes (for 2) for the intermission or preshow reception of your choice Plus benefits above

Patron ($500–$999) Season-long access (for 2) to the Meany Center Lounge for intermission or pre-show receptions Plus benefits above

Distinguished Patron ($1,000–$2,499) Meany Center Lounge access for you and your guests (with prior RSVP) Priority seating upgrades Exclusive behind-the-scenes artist invitations Plus benefits above See page 15 for more information about The Meany Society. 2 See page 17 for more information about Ticket Concierge Services.

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EDLYN D'SOUZA

Event Sponsor ($2,500–$4,999) Sponsorship of your event of choice, including: Two complimentary tickets to your sponsored event Encore program Event Sponsor recognition Membership in the U.W. President’s Circle Plus benefits above

Series Benefactor ($5,000–$9,999) Membership in The Meany Society 1 Sponsorship of your Subscription Series, including: Four complimentary tickets to your Series event of choice Season-long Encore program Series Sponsor recognition Personal Ticket Concierge Service 2 Complimentary parking for your series subscription(s) Plus benefits above

Director’s Circle ($10,000–$24,999) Season-long recognition in Encore programs for each series Recognition during curtain speech Opportunity to include a Donor Profile on the Meany Center website Plus benefits above

Producer’s Circle ($25,000+) Customized benefits package with personalized artist engagements Plus benefits above 7

CIRCA: DUCK POND; PHOTO BY PIA JOHNSON

A World of INSPIR ATION We cultivate the capacity to find joy and meaning through creativity and artistic exploration.

Your DONOR EXPERIENCE The Lounge at Intermission Eat, drink and be merry! Located on the Mezzanine level, the Meany Lounge welcomes donors at the Patron level ($500+) and above to join us for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages during intermission or pre-show receptions. Please bring your Meany Lounge Membership Card or Lounge Pass for admittance. (If you forget to bring it, don’t worry, we’ll let you in!)

For a list of performances with an intermission, please inquire in advance: 206-685-2819 or supportmeany@uw.edu.

Meany Society Events Donors at the Distinguished Patron giving level ($1000+) will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite artists during the season with special events such as post-show champagne toasts and backstage meet and greets. For members of the Meany Society 3 ($5000+), you will also receive invitations to special dinners and events with artists outside of Meany Hall.

For additional information on upcoming events, please contact Francesco D’Aniello at 206-685-2819 or fdanie94@uw.edu.

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See page 15 for more information about the Meany Society.

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EDLYN D'SOUZA

SAVE the DATE

2026 MEANY

CENTER STAGE GALA DATE Saturday, March 21, 2026, 5:00–8:00 p.m.

LOCATION Meany Center for the Performing Arts A gala benefitting the artistic and educational programming of Meany Center for the Performing Arts

EDLYN D'SOUZA

WAYS to GIVE

Gifts to Meany Center can be made by cash, check, credit card, mutual funds, stock or via donor-advised funds. Make checks payable to "Meany Center for the Performing Arts." The below donate now link on the Meany Center website redirects to UW Giving and a list of Meany Center Funds from which you may choose. Our most popular fund is "Friends of Meany Center Fund."

Online: Phone: Mail:

meanycenter.org/donate/donate-now 206-685-2819 Meany Center for the Performing Arts Attn: Gift Services U.W., 4333 Brooklyn Ave NE Box 359505 Seattle, WA 98195–9505

Matching Gifts Your employer may double or even triple the impact of your support to Meany Center. Many employers take part in a matching gift program. To find out if your company is one of them, please contact your human resources department. They may require the following information: University of Washington Foundation Tax ID: 94-3079432 Notate: Gift is intended for Friends of Meany Center Fund 11

EDLYN D'SOUZA

WAYS to GIVE Donor-Advised Funds Meany Center gratefully accepts gifts made via donor-advised funds (DAFs).

DAF distributions will apply toward your annual giving level and offer excellent tax advantages. Please contact your DAF for more information on making charitable contributions via donor-advised funds. They may require the following information: University of Washington Foundation Tax ID: 94-3079432 Notate: Gift is intended for Friends of Meany Center Fund * Per IRS guidelines, DAFs have explicit restrictions on donor benefits and your fund may have specific guidelines for your charitable giving.

Please contact your DAF for more information or questions.

Evergreen and Sustaining Gifts Reach your philanthropic goals on your schedule. Opt for our monthly evergreen giving plan or arrange a customized schedule for gifts of any size and duration. To learn more about our sustained giving plans or for questions on how to give, please contact us at 206-685-2819 or to set up your monthly gift online on the UW giving portal.

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Honorary and Memorial Gifts Making a gift to Meany Center is a beautiful way to honor or memorialize a friend or family member passionate about the arts and the transformative outreach Meany Center is known for. All Honorary and memorial gifts are directed to the Friends of Meany Center Fund, unless otherwise instructed.

You may request these gifts receive special recognition in Encore programs throughout the season.

Gifts of Stock and Securities Your gift of stock or securities to Meany Center is a simple way to make a contribution and may have significant tax benefits. Please consult your tax advisor to receive personalized advice for your specific portfolio.

To make a transfer of stock, you must send your broker a letter of authorization to transfer shares of your chosen stock. Your instructions should include your account number, the date by which you wish to complete the gift, the name and number of shares you would like to donate, the purpose of your gift and the following transfer information: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management DTC 0015 University of Washington Securities Tax ID: 91-6001537 Account No. 144-153275-535 Notate: Friends of Meany Center Fund Contact: Robert Bradshaw | 206-685-3814 Gift values are determined by the mean price of the stock on the day it is received.

Charitable Ira Wire Transfers Your charitable IRA contribution to Meany Center is an easy and excellent way to express your support and it comes with many tax benefits. Please consult your IRA account manager for personalized advice and a comprehensive assessment of your IRA tax benefits. To execute a wire transfer, please contact us at 206-685-2819 and we'll email you further instructions.

DONATE TODAY !

meanycenter.org/donate/donate-now 206-685-2819 13

ALONZO KING LINES BALLET; PHOTO BY JIM COLEMAN

A World of CONNECTION We bring diverse artists, community, students and faculty together in transformative experiences that promote the exchange of ideas and perspectives from around the world.

DEEPEN your COMMITMENT The Meany Society The exclusive Meany Society was established to honor the profound generosity of our top-tier donor-investors who express their impassioned support by one or more of the following: Giving at the Series Benefactor level of $5,000 and above Including Meany Center in their estate plans Founding a Meany Center Endowment Serving as members of the Meany Center Emeritus Board Members of The Meany Society enjoy special benefits and opportunities, making their Meany experiences all the more enriching. Membership benefits include: Free parking for performances on your series subscription(s) Personal Ticket Concierge Service for ticket purchases and exchanges Four complimentary tickets to a performance of your choice Exclusive invitations for behind-the-scenes artist engagements

Legacy & Planned Giving When you make a gift in perpetuity, you become a member of The Meany Society. Gifts in perpetuity include bequests, charitable remainder and lead trusts, charitable gift annuities, beneficiary designations and life insurance designations.

Planned gifts may provide significant tax savings and are a way to leave a truly permanent legacy. Planned and legacy gifts can be designated toward the Meany Center Annual Fund, Meany Center Education and Outreach Programming or toward one of our endowments.

Sponsorships Sponsorship of a specific series, artist, event or education program is a brilliant way to share your passion for the arts. A sponsorship gift contributes to your overall giving level and may qualify you for additional benefits and recognition.

A sponsorship and the related benefits can be customized to meet your philanthropic priorities and may include print, web and on-site recognition.

For more information, please contact Cristi Benefield at 206-616-6296 or cristi@uw.edu.

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BILL T. JONES/ARNIE ZANE COMPANY PHOTO BY MARIA BARANOVA

A World of INNOVATION We encourage artistic risk-taking and collaboration to advance new creative expressions and engage important issues of our time.

General INFORMATION Ticket Exchanges

Subscribers can exchange tickets for any 2025–26 Meany Center performance (excluding academic or rental events) at no extra charge — a $12 savings per ticket. Exchanges must be made before your show. For lower-priced events, the price difference is not refundable. Free youth tickets can be exchanged within the Chamber Music and Piano Series if the accompanying adult ticket is also exchanged. To exchange, contact the ArtsUW Ticket Office by phone or email before your performance. Provide your name, ticket numbers (top left corner), and the show you want. Visit or call to pay any upgrade. Complimentary or auction tickets are not eligible.

Subscriber Extra Single-Ticket Discounts All current subscribers may purchase additional tickets at 10% off single ticket base prices in Zone 1, 2 or 3. Order online or by phone using the promo code provided in your season ticket handbook.

Ticket Office Information Hours: Phone: Email: Address:

Monday—Friday, 12–4 p.m.

206-543-4880 or 800-859-5342 ticket@uw.edu 1313 NE 41st Street, Seattle, WA 98105

Ticketing Services Donors giving at the Series Benefactor level ($5,000+) and above and members of The Meany Society 5 enjoy access to Ticket Concierge Service for all ticket purchases, exchanges and subscription renewals. If you qualify for this benefit, please contact your personal Ticket Concierge by email at meanyviptix@uw.edu.

They will assist with priority seating upgrades, ticket exchanges, additional ticket purchases and redemption of complimentary tickets.

Join The Conversation Website: Facebook: Instagram: Youtube: TikTok: LinkedIn: 5

meanycenter.org Meany Center for the Performing Arts @meanycenter @Meanycenter @meanycenter Meany Center for the Performing Arts

See page 15 for more information about The Meany Society.

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DONOR FAQ How is my giving level determined?

Your household giving and benefits level is calculated based on the sum of your gifts, made between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, meeting the following criteria: Gifts made to the Friends of Meany Center Annual Fund Gifts made in support of Meany Center Education and Outreach Fund Gifts made in sponsorship of a specified series, artist or event Gifts made to Meany Center Endowments Gifts of in-kind contributions, including ticket donations Gifts made in support of the Meany Center Gala Matching gifts 6

What calendar does Meany Center use to recognize gifts?

Meany Center uses the University of Washington’s fiscal year to calculate giving and benefit levels and recognize gifts. The university’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. We recognize that our individual donors report their charitable giving on a calendar year for federal taxes. If you have any questions at all regarding your year-end charitable giving, please contact us — we are here to help.

What document should I use for tax reporting?

You will receive two forms of acknowledgment once your gift has been processed: 1) Meany Center Letter of Acknowledgment and 2) UW Letter of Receipt from the Office of Gift Services. 7

Do I get tax credit for my ticket donations?

Yes! You will receive an acknowledgment letter of your ticket donation from Meany Center and a Letter of Receipt from the UW. For tax reporting purposes, please use only the Letter of Receipt from UW Gift Services.

How am I able to determine if my company has a matching gift program?

You can look up your employer using the online UW Matching Company Form located here: meanycenter.org/donate/matching-gifts. If you do not see your company listed, they may still offer a matching gift benefit. Contact your Human Resources department to find out more.

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What if I want to request a matching gift through my employer, but Meany Center is not listed as an option?

Meany Center for the Performing Arts is an independent organization within the University of Washington. You may direct the matching gift to the University of Washington Foundation (501c3) with clear notation that the match is intended for Meany Center for the Performing Arts. The UW Foundation Tax ID is 94-3079432.

Am I able to set up a monthly or recurring gift?

Yes, absolutely! Meany Center is grateful for our evergreen and sustaining donors. You may make a recurring gift of any size and for any duration.

Please contact Meany Center Philanthropy at supportmeany@uw.edu or 206-685-2819 to arrange a plan.

Still have questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re here to help!

206-685-2819 supportmeany@uw.edu

6 IRS guidelines state that gifts from a donor-advised fund (DAF) and matching gifts administered through a DAF are not eligible for benefits that carry a fair market value (FMV). Please consult your fund advisor or matching organization for more information.

7 For tax reporting purposes, please only use the Letter of Receipt.

“If I have seen a little further, it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

— B E R NA R D O F C H A RT R E S

From Haydn to Mozart to Beethoven to the Beatles, each generation owes its progress to the ones that came before.

You, too, can be a giant.

Consider a gift to Meany Center through your will, trust or retirement plan, and help future generations of artists and arts lovers see a little further by standing on your shoulders.

Contact: Cristi Benefield, Director of Philanthropy 206-616-6296 • cristi@uw.edu meanycenter.org/donate

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Our Mission Meany Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Washington fosters innovative performances that advance public engagement, cultural exchange, creative research and learning through the arts.

Meany Center provides opportunities for diverse artists, community, students and faculty to connect in the discovery and exploration of the boundless power of the arts to create positive change in the world.

Thank You

To all our donors who invest in Meany Center.

You make it all possible.