Planned Giving

At the Goodman, we understand that the decision to designate a planned gift is one of the most personal commitments a patron can make, and we appreciate your consideration.

Whether it’s a straightforward bequest, trust, annuity or an arrangement made through your IRA, planned gifts of all sizes support the Goodman’s vision and mission and often provide financial benefits to you as well. Plus, you can designate your support to programming that is most important to you, such as new work, classics or education future investments or annual operating.

Your legacy planned gift can provide resources that could:

• Support a staged reading of a new play as it moves from page to stage with programs like the Playwrights Unit and the New Stages Festival
• Immerse a student in the Goodman’s progressive educational offerings, such as PlayBuild Youth Intensive, Musical Theater Intensive and the Youth Arts Council
• Sponsor a teacher workshop, emphasizing the integration of artistic practice and socio-emotional learning in the classroom
• Underwrite a week of rehearsal, a vital aspect of the creative process, ensuring the fullest breadth of exploration
• Be designated to support current operations or the Goodman’s future as part of the theater’s investment funds

All bequests from individuals who join the Goodman’s Spotlight Society before the maturity of their estate gift will have that gift designated to investment funds unless otherwise directed by the donor.

At the Goodman’s discretion, bequests below $50,000 from individuals who have not formally joined the Spotlight Society may be utilized to support either future investments or annual operating expenses, unless the donor specifies a designation in the bequest.

All donors who make an estate gift posthumously will be added to the list of Spotlight Society members whether their gift is designated for operating support or future investment.

Those who do join the Spotlight Society enjoy these benefits:

• Invitations for you and a guest to behind-the-scenes events as they occur throughout the season. (events may be virtual or in person)
• Access to priority subscription renewals, complimentary ticket exchanges and to purchase house seats.
• One complimentary evening each season for up to six guests in the Goodman Lounge with drinks and light hors d’oeuvres. (reservation required)
• Opportunities to learn more about estate planning and the newest tax laws from the Goodman’s Advisory Council.
• Recognition as a member of the Spotlight Society in Playbill throughout each season; on the Spotlight Donor Wall in the Goodman lobby and on the Goodman website.

Arranging a planned gift with the Goodman and formally joining the Spotlight Society will give you benefits to enjoy now and may also provide tax advantages for your estate! We encourage you to talk with an estate advisor or financial planner to find out how.

Goodman Theatre is grateful for the assistance provided by the Spotlight Advisory Council, a group of prominent estate planning professionals who serve as volunteer advisors for the Spotlight Society.

Take a look at our additional Planned Giving Resources:

Estate Planning Worksheet and Ways to Give
Planned Giving Guide
Demystifying Estate Planning

Planned Gifts may be made to Goodman Theatre/Chicago Theatre Group, Inc. by using the following language:

“I hereby give and bequeath to the Goodman Theatre, incorporated as Chicago Theatre Group, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation in Chicago, Illinois [specific amount, percentage of estate, or specific property] [Annual operating support, or one of these Investment categories:] designated for [General Purposes, New Work Development, Education and Engagement or Accessibility programs].”

BECOME A SPOTLIGHT SOCIETY MEMBER