Legacy gifts, also known as planned gifts, are those you arrange during your lifetime with the benefit to the Academy Center of the Arts deferred to a future date.

Since its opening on February 1, 1905, the Historic Academy of Music Theatre has stood as a beacon of artistic excellence in Lynchburg. From hosting iconic luminaries such as Sarah Bernhardt and Will Rogers, to overcoming the challenges of closure, to undergoing the successful merger of the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center with the Historic Academy of Music Theatre — resulting in the creation of the Academy of Fine Arts — our National Historic Landmark has continually evolved. Its triumphant reopening in 2018 as the Academy Center of the Arts stands as a testament to its resilience, cultural significance, and the unwavering spirit of community that has sustained it through the years.

By joining the 1905 Legacy Society, you become part of this remarkable journey. Your legacy gift ensures that the curtain will continue to rise, the lights will shine brightly, and new generations will experience the magic of the performing arts in this meticulously restored landmark.  In return, contributions to the 1905 Legacy Society could benefit you and your heirs.

Just as the visionary business leaders and investors of the early 20th century recognized the importance of the arts to Lynchburg’s cultural landscape, your contribution will help us:

  • Inspire individuals of all ages through transformative artistic experiences
  • Maintain our state-of-the-art facilities, preserving a piece of Lynchburg’s history
  • Foster community connections and personal growth through the arts
  • Ensure that our theater remains a space where all are welcome

 

1905 Legacy Society Intention Form

View Form

Academy Center of the Arts’ Federal Tax ID Number (EIN): 23-7061145

Ways to Give


Gifts That Provide Income


Donor Advised Funds

Donor Advised Funds →


Beneficiary Designations

A Retained Life Estate is a giving arrangement that allows you to make a significant gift to the Academy Center of the Arts using your home or farm, while continuing to live there for the rest of your life or a specified period.

Bequests →

Beneficiary Designations and Retained Life Estate →

Benefits of Joining the 1905 Legacy Society

As a member of the 1905 Legacy Society, you’ll enjoy:

  1. Recognition: Your name will be honored on our Legacy Society donor wall and in our annual report (unless you prefer anonymity).
  2. Insider Access: Receive invitations to exclusive events at the Academy Center of the Arts.
  3. Direct Impact: Know that your gift will have a lasting effect on the arts in Lynchburg for generations to come.
  4. Newsletter: Receive our bi-annual newsletter, keeping you informed about the impact of legacy gifts and the latest news from the Academy.
  5. Tax Benefits: Potential tax advantages, depending on the type of planned gift you choose (consult your tax advisor for details).

The 1905 Legacy Society isn’t just about safeguarding our illustrious past—it’s about scripting the next act in our story. Your generosity will help cultivate a more vibrant, interconnected Lynchburg through the arts for decades to come.

Be part of our encore. Leave your legacy and help us continue to light up Lynchburg’s cultural landscape for the next century and beyond.

All planned gifts, regardless of the amount contributed, enroll donors into the 1905 Legacy Society, making this a meaningful way for anyone to leave a lasting impact on Lynchburg’s arts community.

To include the Academy Center in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID. Please let us know of your gift (many retirement providers assume no responsibility for letting nonprofits know of your intentions so your goals won’t be honored).

  • Legal Name: Academy Center of the Arts (gifts also accepted under Lynchburg Fine Arts Center and the Historic Academy of Music Theatre)
  • Legal Address: 600 Main St. Lynchburg, VA 24504
  • Federal Tax ID Number (EIN): 23-7061145