The Stratford Circle – A Gift for the Ages
Joining The Stratford Circle is a powerful way to support Shakespeare & Company’s mission of bringing integrated and sustainable Performance, Training, and Education programs to our community. Not only does your gift provide essential financial support, but it can also offer valuable tax benefits during your lifetime and beyond.
The Stratford Circle honors those who have committed to the future of Shakespeare & Company through wills, trusts, or beneficiary designations. In recognition of their deep commitment, members are given unique opportunities to engage with the Company through exclusive events, and are acknowledged with special appreciation in the annual Playbill unless anonymity is requested.
Stratford Circle Member Benefits
- Invitations to our annual Stratford Circle event with our Artistic Director, and other special occasions
- Recognition in our annual Playbill and on our website
- The reassurance that you’re helping Shakespeare & Company thrive for future generations
To learn more, contact our Development Department at 413.637.1199 ext. 180, or email development@shakespeare.org.
Ways to Give
A Gift in Your Will
It’s easy to leave a future gift to Shakespeare & Company by writing a new will or adding to an existing one. Start your legacy with Shakespeare & Company with a gift in your estate plan. In 20 minutes or less, you can write or update your legal will for free here.
We suggest the following sample language for bequests; always consult an attorney before finalizing any estate plans.
Percentage Bequest (Most Flexible Option)
“I give, devise, and bequeath to Shakespeare & Company, a non-profit organization located at 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA 01240, ______ Percent (____%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to be used for its general purposes.”
Fixed Amount Bequest
“I give, devise, and bequeath to Shakespeare & Company, a non-profit organization located at 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA 01240, the sum of ______ Dollars ($____) to be used for its general purposes.”
Family First Provision
“If my spouse/partner survives me, I leave my entire estate to them. If not, I give, devise, and bequeath to Shakespeare & Company, ______ Percent (____%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to be used for its general purposes.”
Gift by Beneficiary Provision
Request a Beneficiary Designation form from your bank, insurance carrier, or other institution and complete it using the following information:
Shakespeare & Company, Inc.
70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA 01240
EIN: 04-2666826
You can name Shakespeare & Company as a beneficiary of your:
- Checking or Savings Account
- Recognition in our annual Playbill and on our website
- The reassurance that you’re helping Shakespeare & Company thrive for future generations
Distribution by Revocable Trust
“Upon my death, the Trustees shall distribute to Shakespeare & Company, of Lenox, Massachusetts, [the sum of ______ Dollars ($__)] OR [____ Percent (____%) of the trust property], to be used for its general purposes.”
Other ways to give
Charitable gift annuities, deferred gift annuities, charitable annuity trusts, charitable lead trusts, and charitable remainder unitrusts. Consult your financial advisor for more information.
Shakespeare & Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN# 04-2666826). All gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law. Please consult your legal or financial advisor to determine your personal tax and estate plans.
Already Included Us in Your Plans?
Let’s celebrate together!
Let us know by completing this letter of intent or sending us an email at development@shakespeare.org.
We would like to thank you, invite you to our annual Stratford Circle event, and ensure our records are up-to-date.
“Because they give so much to our Berkshires Community - and to audiences world-wide, we decided several years ago to make Shakespeare & Company a major component as we planned our long-term giving. Make your plan now, and help nurture the future growth and vitality of this rare visionary organization.”
Trustee Sandy Bourgeois and Sarah Lytle
Shakespeare & Company Volunteers
Your legacy gift will make a lasting impact on the future of Shakespeare & Company. Thank you for considering this meaningful way to give. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the following supporters who have included Shakespeare & Company in their estate plans:
- Carol Anderson
- Jerry Berko*
- Elayne P. Bernstein Schwartz*
- Sandy Bourgeois and Sarah Lytle
- Shera Cohen
- Carol Braun
- Claire Cox*
- Gretchen DeKalb
- Rith Dinerman
- Hans R. Fehlmann*
- Stuart M. Fischman, Esq.
- Katharine Goodland
- Robert D. Gorden*
- Howard Kaufman*
- Jeff Kenowitch
- Dennis Krausnick*
- Greg Lipper
- Lucille McCabe*
- Robert B. Neff*
- Tina Packer
- Richard Russell
- Linda Sambel*
- Marilyn Thompson*
- Nancy* and Michael Vale*
- Dr. Raymond Vale
*deceased
“When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st,
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
-Sonnet 18
