After seven decades of music-making, CYSO is continuing to shape the future of music. As the nation’s leading youth orchestra, we remain committed to encouraging, educating, and investing in the next generation of young musicians. CYSO promotes and provides ensemble-focused programming because we believe in the power of community. A young musician’s time at CYSO is a pathway of opportunity and growth and they do not walk it alone. By supporting CYSO, you are making an impact on what music means for young musicians today, tomorrow, and the future.


Your Support Makes Our Work Possible

60% of CYSO’s operating budget comes from your generosity. 40% comes from tuition, concert tickets & other earned income.

Donate Now

A cash gift to CYSO helps out where it is needed most.

Donate to CYSO

Monthly Giving

Monthly contributions are a convenient and easy way to provide a reliable source of support for CYSO.

Set up a monthly gift

Fundraising Events

Each year, with CYSO’s signature fundraising events draw 300 supporters who value the importance of music education.

Learn about events

Matching Gifts

Many employers will match your gift, thereby doubling or tripling your impact on CYSO.

Learn about matching gifts

Give Through Your Workplace Campaign

For federal employees, postal workers or members of the U.S. military.

Learn about workplace giving

Create Your Own CYSO Online Fundraiser

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or life event and want to include CYSO? Our crowdfunding tool supports you and thanks your donors.

Click here to sign up

Planned Giving

Make a gift that will benefit thousands of children for generations to come.

Learn about planned giving

Corporate Sponsorship

Be a part of this positive identity – branding your business along side a widely respected and recognized CYSO.

Learn about corporate sponsorship

Sponsor an Event

CYSO also offers corporate event sponsorships and donating goods for raffles and auctions.

Learn about event sponsorship

Participate in a Fundraising Event

Each year, our signature CYSO Gala draws 300 supporters who value the importance of music education. The event features performances by the young musicians of our world-renowned Symphony Orchestra, as well as music from CYSO’s Preparatory Strings and Steel Orchestras. Opportunities to support CYSO’s gala include purchasing a ticket, becoming a sponsor, or donating goods for raffles or auctions.

See our events to learn more. Stay tuned to learn more about the event. If you would like to sponsor the event or join this year’s host committee, contact Marc Bitler at mbitler@cyso.org

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Sponsor a CYSO Fundraising Event

CYSO hosts multiple fundraising events each year, reaching our large community of families, supporters, and music lovers. Your company can sponsor a CYSO event and donate goods for raffles and auctions. Contact Marc Bitler at mbitler@cyso.org or at 312-939-2207 if you are interested in corporate sponsorship.

Contact Your Employer About a Matching Gift

Many employers will match your gift, thereby doubling or tripling your impact on CYSO. Check with your employer to see whether it offers a matching gift program. Often times, you will be required to submit a form to your employer with your donation amount and the date you made your gift.

Give Through Your Workplace

Donating to CYSO is easy when you give through your workplace! If you are a federal employee, postal worker, or member of the U.S. military, please remember to give to us through your Combined Federal Campaign by using CYSO’s CFC number 32586.

State, municipal, and many corporate employees can also donate through their workplace campaigns by choosing Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras in their giving directory.

Plan a Gift

A planned gift is a time-honored of ensuring that your support of CYSO continues for future generations. Anyone can make a planned gift and together we can make a lasting impact on the futures of countless student musicians that pass through our programs. Contact Tamisha Gamble at tgamble@cyso.org or at 312-939-2207 if you are interested in planning a gift.

Corporate Sponsorship

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras continues to provide the highest quality and most enriching musical experiences for its students and audiences each year. Whether it is a concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park or Orchestra Hall, an international tour, or a display of musicianship In Chicago public schools, CYSO is recognized as one of the premier youth orchestras in the United States. By becoming a corporate sponsor, you will be a part of this positive identity – branding your business alongside a widely respected and recognized CYSO. There are many levels of sponsorships available depending on the size and need of your company.

Become a Corporate Sponsor

There are many opportunities to become one of CYSO’s Corporate Sponsors throughout the season. Contact Tamisha Gamble at tgamble@cyso.org or at 312-939-2207 if you are interested in corporate sponsorship.

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