Support Us

Make a Sound Investment

We are part of the Smithsonian Institution, but rely exclusively on revenues, grants, private donations, and good will to survive and to carry out our mission. With your help, we can continue to preserve our audio heritage, document and strengthen cultural diversity, and bring you great music and other sounds from around the world.

Private donations allow us to take on projects in service of our mission that are otherwise not possible through the revenues they generate. We are a federally nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. There are many ways of giving but it's as simple as entering a dollar amount in the field below.

Other ways you can you help? Click for more information:

Buy our recordings

Revenues from recordings that are sold through our website and retail distributors support our ongoing work.

Individual Donation

Tax deductible donations of any amount and denominations are welcome. Donations may be made by check to "Smithsonian Folkways Recordings" and mailed to our address or made online above.

Does your company match your charitable giving? Check with your human resources department to see how you can increase your support for Smithsonian Folkways.

Donate Stock

Tax deductible donations of stocks, bonds, and other securites are welcome. You receive a tax deduction and offset capital gains taxes when you give stocks that have appreciated in value. Please consult with your financial planner, accountant, or estate attorney to discuss your specific situation. Consider donating stocks that do not meet your criteria for social responsibility and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings will use them to preserve and disseminate the sounds you love.

Endowed Support

Consider a major gift to Smithsonian Folkways Recordings in the form of an endowment. With an endowment, the principal is a permanent, non-spendable asset. Only interest income from the fund is used for charitable activities and the endowment remains in perpetuity. Endowed funds provide you with substantial tax benefits and secure the future and growth of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Please consult with your financial planner, accountant, or estate attorney to discuss your specific situation.

Leave a Sound Legacy

As you prepare for your future, please consider the benefits of a bequest in your will, a charitable gift annuity, or a charitable trust for Smithsonian Folkways. Planned Giving to Smithsonian Folkways can greatly assist your financial and tax situation today and leave a lasting legacy for generations to hear. Please consult with your financial planner, accountant, or estate attorney to discuss your specific situation.

Foundation/Corporate Support

Foundations and corporations are a vital source of support to Smithsonian Folkways, offering much needed operational funds or championing specific projects that further their goals. Smithsonian Folkways welcomes the opportunity to work together. Corporate support has the potential for strong returns in marketing, PR, brand awareness, and government relations.

Apply for internships or volunteer

Internships and volunteer work offer both an educational experience in a lively environment for the intern or volunteer and enhance our ability to carry out our mission. Visit here for further information.

More Information

For more information please contact Cynthia Jacobs Carter at CarterCJ@si.edu,
or 202-633-1110.

If you are already a donor to the Smithsonian Institution, please designate your gift to Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.