Giving to ASTA

Supporting the Future of String Teaching

ASTA envisions a world where our members are empowered to provide universal access to string teaching, playing and learning. Help us ensure the future of string music education by giving to ASTA.

Whether you choose to make a one-time contribution, establish recurring support, or include ASTA in your long-term plans, your generosity helps advance teaching, learning, leadership, advocacy, and opportunities for string educators and students.

Impact

6,000+ Members
50 States Represented
80+ Years Advancing String Education
Thousands of Students Reached

Tax-Deductible Giving ASTA is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to ASTA may be tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Legal Name: American String Teachers Association Inc.

Employer Identification Number (EIN): 22-6080964

Giving Today

Online and Check Donations - You may support ASTA at any time by making a secure online donation using a credit or debit card or by mailing a check.

Please make checks payable to: American String Teachers Association (or ASTA)

and mail them to: P.O. Box 551 Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

Recurring Giving - Recurring giving is one of the most effective ways to sustain ASTA’s mission and provide reliable, year-round support for its programs and initiatives. Recurring gifts can be established through ASTA’s online giving platform. You may choose the amount and frequency that best fits your philanthropic goals and may update or cancel your recurring gift at any time.

Honorary and Memorial Gifts - Honorary and memorial gifts provide a meaningful way to celebrate the lasting impact of teachers, mentors, colleagues, family members, and friends while supporting the future of string teaching.

Tax-Smart Giving

Retirement accounts are often among the most tax-efficient assets to leave to charity. Many donors can make tax-efficient gifts through an IRA, donor-advised fund, or appreciated securities.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) - If you are age 70½ or older, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to ASTA. A QCD may provide tax advantages while satisfying all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), if applicable. Please consult your financial advisor or IRA custodian before initiating a QCD.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) - A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount certain retirement account owners must withdraw annually beginning at the age required under current IRS rules. Some donors choose to direct all or part of their RMD to a qualified charity through a Qualified Charitable Distribution, which may provide tax advantages.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) - If you have a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) through Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or another sponsoring organization, you may recommend a grant to ASTA. If you need additional information to complete your recommendation, we are happy to assist.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities - Donating appreciated stocks, mutual funds, or other publicly traded securities may provide tax advantages while supporting ASTA’s mission. In many cases, donors may be able to avoid capital gains taxes while also receiving a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the gift, subject to IRS rules and individual circumstances.

Please contact us for brokerage transfer instructions before initiating a securities transfer so we can properly identify and acknowledge your gift.

Legacy Giving

Beneficiary Designations - You may designate ASTA as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension plan (where permitted), life insurance policy, donor-advised fund, or other financial account. Beneficiary designations are often simple to establish or update and can create a lasting legacy while supporting ASTA’s mission. If you have already included ASTA as a beneficiary, we would be honored to know so we can thank you and better understand your charitable intentions.

Estate Gifts - Including ASTA in your will, trust, or other estate planning arrangements is a meaningful way to support future generations of string educators. If you are considering an estate gift—or have already included ASTA in your plans—we would welcome the opportunity for a confidential conversation.

How Your Gift Makes A Difference

Every contribution helps strengthen the string teaching profession through professional learning, conferences, advocacy, leadership development, scholarships, research, and member services. Whether supporting today’s educators or investing in future generations, your generosity helps ensure that teachers and students have access to the resources, community, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Thank You To Our Donors

ASTA is deeply grateful to the individuals, families, organizations, and businesses whose generosity strengthens the future of string education.

Thank you to those who made donations to ASTA during the 2025 - 2026 giving year. We are honored to recognize their support.

Ana Abrantes-Sicilia

Kenny Baker

Joshua Bamberg

Susan Basalik

Corie Benton, monthly contributor

Louis Bergonzi

Emily Biggins

Barbara Bowman, yearly contributor

Carol Briselli

Katarzyna Bugaj

Trina Christensen

Emily Hanna Crane, monthly contributor

Winifred Crock

Rachel Dirks, yearly contributor

David Eccles

Gary Frisch

Miranora Frisch, monthly contributor

Melissa Gillette

Adrian Gordon

Katherine Hallum

Ross Harbaugh

Cynthia Heidel

Karin Hendricks

Linda Hills

Reylynn Imai

William LaRue Jones

Ronald Juzeler

Rebecca Klueg

Karen LaFrance

Scott Laird

Jeff Lipscomb

Amy Lybarger

Jennifer Lyford

Rebecca MacLeod

Connie McCullough

Peter Miller

Natalie Morrison

Linda Newland

Katherine Ng

Hillary Nordwell

JJ Norman

Duane Padilla

Pamela Phillips, yearly contribution

Evelyn Porter

Stephen Radcliffe

Annaliese Reed

Emma Scheneman

Paula Shaw

Karey Shively

Hannah Shively

Daryl Silberman, monthly contributor

William Slechta

Alexandra Smith

Nancy Snustad, yearly contributor

KariAnne Spicer

Judy Stafford

Marcus Thompson

Beth Titterington

Stephanie Trachtenberg

Samuel Tsugawa

Lynn Tuttle, monthly contributor

Daniella Valdez

Wendy Velasco

Nina Vigil

Mary Wagner, yearly contributor

Benjamin Whitcomb

Michael Winer

Deb Wyant

Anonymous Donors - We gratefully acknowledge those who chose to remain anonymous.

We strive to ensure the accuracy of our donor recognition. If you notice an error or omission, please contact ASTA so we may promptly correct our records.

Disclaimer - The information provided in this guide is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary, and donors are encouraged to consult their attorney, accountant, financial advisor, or other professional advisor before making any charitable gift. American String Teachers Association Inc. does not provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice but is pleased to work with donors and their professional advisors to facilitate charitable giving.