Hello, fellow colleagues and members of CMS.
The College Music Society operates as a 501(c)(6) membership nonprofit organization that promotes members’ professional interests by offering development opportunities, resources, and services. Funding for CMS is primarily derived from membership dues and earned revenue for the organization’s professional services, which include conferences, the Music Vacancy List, and the Professional Notices service, among others.
The CMS Fund functions as the 501(c)(3) philanthropic branch of CMS to support the membership organization's educational and public service activities through tax-deductible donations, which fund scholarships, grants, and initiatives. The CMS Fund operates as a separate entity with a Board and President approved by the CMS Board of Directors. Together, CMS and The CMS Fund combine professional services with charitable support to advance and promote scholarship in music higher education.
In 2022, the CMS Board confirmed former CMS Executive Director Bill Pelto to serve as the President of The CMS Fund Board.
From Bill Pelto and the CMS Fund Board:
The CMS Fund was founded in 1998 by visionary members of CMS who knew that our organization needed philanthropic support to ensure ongoing scholarship, travel, and other activities of its members. Current investment holdings are used to support student travel to national conferences, celebrations of the organization, and recognition of achievement in traditional scholarship, curriculum development, performance, community engagement, and change leadership.
In the next ten years, The CMS Fund seeks to increase its available resources tenfold, leading to impactful support that can influence music in higher education throughout our organization and its widely varying constituents.
Any contribution from $10 to $1M is a valued gift to CMS and is used to directly impact members and provide awards to our members. Additionally, here are two programs that you might consider supporting as members:
The Eileen M. Hayes Fund for Equity and Opportunity
The Eileen M. Hayes Fund for Equity and Opportunity is The CMS Fund’s newest philanthropic venture. Created in 2023 by an initial swell of support from CMS leaders, the Hayes Fund currently holds approximately $15,000, with plans to name a $500 award recipient in Fall 2025. The Hayes Fund is currently seeking additional donations to match a $2,500 pledge, given anonymously, guaranteed if donations are received by December 31, 2024.
Estate Planning via the CW Woodworth Legacy Society
The CW Woodworth Legacy Society is composed of CMS members who have included The CMS Fund in their estate planning, guaranteeing significant future financial strength of The CMS Fund. Consider joining these dedicated CMS members who want to know that CMS and The CMS Fund will continue to grow and prosper.
Please consider making an end-of-year donation to support the future of music in higher education. Looking forward to seeing you in DC!
BC
Brian Kai Chin
President, College Music Society
