Friends of NOW

The Friends of NOW are champions of creativity, inclusivity, and community-building, and your contributions make it possible for NOW to thrive and expand its impact. By joining Friends of NOW, you are helping to build a cultural legacy that reflects the richness and diversity of today’s world.

Our donors come from a diverse range of backgrounds but are united by a belief that we can build a better and more harmonious society together by making transformative musical experiences accessible and available to all.

1. Harmony Supporter $1 - 499

  • Recognition on the orchestra’s digital concert programs.

  • Personalized thank-you message from a musician or staff member.

2. Community Champion $500-1,499

  • All benefits of the Harmony Supporter, plus:

  • Invitations to open rehearsals.

3. Cultural Catalyst – $1,500-4,999

  • All benefits of the Community Champion, plus:

  • Invitations to special donor events.

4. Artistic Visionary – $5,000-19,999

  • All benefits of the Cultural Catalyst, plus:

  • Sponsorship opportunities available for a production or an initiative.

5. Innovation Partner – $20,000+

  • All benefits of the Artistic Visionary, plus:

  • Full-season sponsorship opportunities available.More Information

The Friends of NOW are champions of creativity, inclusivity, and community-building, and your contributions make it possible for NOW to thrive and expand its impact. By joining Friends of NOW, you are helping to build a cultural legacy that reflects the richness and diversity of today’s world.

  • The Friends of NOW have a deep appreciation for the arts and believe in the transformative power of music. They contribute to support NOW’s innovative programming and help make the orchestra's cutting-edge performances accessible to all. They may have a personal connection to classical music and want to ensure its relevance in the presence and future.

  • The Friends of NOW are passionate about using the arts as a means of fostering inclusivity and community engagement. They recognize NOW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion access and our outreach programs—such as free family concerts, performances in non-traditional urban spaces, and educational initiatives like Beyond Our Dreams, a partnership with MCPS to bring access to high-quality music education to Community Schools. The Friends of NOW believe in NOW’s mission to break down barriers to access and want to help reach new audiences.

  • Many businesses and foundations align themselves with NOW’s innovative and inclusive approach to programming and community outreach. They provide essential financial backing through sponsorships or grants, supporting our concerts, community outreach and educational initiatives. These sponsors see the value in investing in organizations that enrich the cultural fabric of their communities, promote creativity, and offer inclusive experiences.

  • These donors, often younger professionals, are drawn to NOW because of our fresh, modern approach to classical music. They support initiatives that bring music into unconventional spaces and engage a broader, more diverse audience. These emerging philanthropists may also be attracted to NOW’s approach to programming based on multi-disciplinary, diversity, and experimentation and see their support as a way to sustain and expand creative, forward-thinking projects.

  • These are donors who have supported the orchestra for many years and wish to leave a lasting impact. Their annual giving may be part of a larger legacy plan, where they aim to ensure the orchestra's long-term sustainability. These donors often value NOW’s mission to preserve the value of classical music while pushing the boundaries of the art form through innovative programming, diverse representation, and education initiatives.