Gifts in kind, such as your Steinway piano, help the Cleveland Institute of Music empower the world’s most talented classical music students to achieve their dreams and potential.

How to Make a Donation

Step 1: Gather the Following Information

If you have an instrument you would like to donate, please gather the following information prior to contacting CIM:

  • Instrument manufacturer. For pianos, CIM is an "All Steinway School" and in general, we only accept Steinway pianos. CIM may still accept donations of some non-Steinway pianos or facilitate a connection for students seeking a piano for their home practice.
  • Model of the instrument. For Steinway pianos, this could include models such as S, M, L, O, A, B, D or 45" uprights.
  • Serial number and/or the age of the instrument, if known.
  • Condition of the instrument.
  • Any available details about the history of the instrument, such as where the instrument has been kept and/or used, how often it has been played and/or tuned, what repair or refinishing work (if any) has been done, etc.
Step 2: Contact CIM to Initiate a Review

Once you have gathered any details available about the instrument, contact Claire Parobek to initiate a review of the potential donation. For pianos, CIM may arrange for one of our piano technicians to inspect the instrument.

Step 3: Seek an Appraisal

CIM encourages you to seek an appraisal when you are considering donating an instrument. When the donated instrument is valued at or above $5,000, CIM requires a qualified appraisal per IRS regulations. The appraiser will require a fee to conduct the appraisal. Additionally, the donor will need to complete IRS Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contribution) and CIM will require a fully executed copy of this form. CIM strongly encourages you to consult with your tax advisor when donating an instrument and considering this gift for a charitable deduction.

Please note: IRS regulations prohibit CIM from making a formal appraisal of any kind.

Step 4: Schedule Delivery

CIM will make arrangements for the delivery of the donated instrument. For pianos, CIM will arrange and pay for the instrument to be moved from your location to our campus.

Step 5: Receive Acknowledgement Letter

Once CIM has received your donated instrument in good condition, the Development Department will send an acknowledgement letter recognizing the receipt of the instrument and thanking you for your gift; the letter will include any specific terms from the appraisal if one was submitted. You should retain the acknowledgement letter, the IRS Form 8283 and the qualified appraisal for your tax records and provide a copy to your tax advisor.

If you have any questions about donating your instrument to CIM, please contact Mark Litzler.