CONTRIBUTIONS TO TRI-STATE JAZZ SOCIETY
NEW CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP FOR CONTRIBUTORS
To better recognize contributors and to encourage more consistent funding in the future, two new classes of premium memberships have been created. Members can now choose to support traditional jazz and the work of the jazz society by renewing their memberships as sponsors or patrons. Like many other cultural nonprofit organizations this year, lower contributions and lower attendance at Tri-State Jazz Society concerts have resulted in net losses. In the past, member contributions have enabled the organization to make up for budget shortfalls and to maintain a full concert schedule even though many of the concerts have operated at losses. This has been possible only because of the generosity of donors. The board and membership express their appreciation for the on-going support of members at all levels. Contributions are still welcome throughout the year. Memberships will be upgraded any time the total amount donated during the year reaches the sponsor or patron level.
SPONSORS
Membership Dues: $50 for individuals / $70 for couples
By including an extra $30 contribution as part of their annual dues, sponsors help Tri-State Jazz Society to meet operating expenses and sustain a full schedule of concerts. The new half-priced admission policy makes it possible to share traditional jazz with more people, but it will take the contributions of many sponsors to continue these discounts in the future. The board invites members who love this music to share it by renewing at the sponsor level if they are able to.

PATRONS
Membership Dues: $100 or more for individuals / $120 or more for couples
By including an extra $80 or more as part of their annual dues, patrons enable the society to expand its educational programs and to include exceptional bands from outside the local area. Many of the New York City based bands that have played for Tri-State Jazz Society in recent years have been subsidized by contributors at the patron level.
SPECIAL BENEFITS AND RECOGNITION
In addition to the benefits of regular membership, each sponsor and patron receives one free pass good for admission to any concert during the year. Couples receive two free passes. The pass may be used for the member's own admission to one concert during the membership year or given to any first-time non-member. Sponsors and patrons will be recognized in The Strutter and on the Tri-State Jazz Society Web site unless they ask to be omitted from the listings. The names of members who upgrade to sponsor or patron later in the membership year will be added to the published lists and free passes will be provided as soon as the total contributed reaches sponsor level.
TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Tri-State Jazz Society, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational nonprofit corporation. The full amount of annual membership dues at the regular, supporter, sponsor or patron level may be deductible as a charitable contribution for some taxpayers, but check with your tax advisor.