Do you have a Donor Advised Fund?

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that allows individuals to contribute cash, stocks, or other assets to a sponsoring organization, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to charities from the tax-free growing fund over time. DAFs provide a tax-efficient and flexible way to manage charitable giving, offering benefits like avoiding capital gains tax on appreciated assets while streamlining the process compared to a private foundation.

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since I began my journey as Executive Director at Chesterwood. What an incredible year it has been! I’m thrilled to share that Chesterwood welcomed 60% more visitors this summer—a remarkable milestone that speaks to our growing reach and renewed energy.

This success is thanks to dynamic programming and strong community partnerships. We opened new exhibition spaces on the second floor of the Residence, launching Modeling Women: Female Artists and Models of Chesterwood, showcasing works by Daniel Chester French, Evelyn Beatrice Longman, and Margaret French Cresson.

The 47th annual Contemporary Sculpture at Chesterwood, Global Warming / Global Warning, featured powerful installations by artists Natalie Tyler, Ann Jon, Kathleen Jacobs, DeWitt Godfrey, and Harold Grinspoon—bringing critical conversations into our landscape. And Chesterwood’s Garden Tea Party awarded the inaugural Daniel Chester French Award to American sculptor Richard Blake.

Our ArtsAlive! Series hosted 16 live events this summer in the Studio and Gardens, including dance, theater, poetry, lectures, opera, chamber music, and more. We also expanded our educational and nature offerings:

• In partnership with Mass Audubon, we hosted three guided nature walks on our historic grounds.

• We collaborated with OLLI at Berkshire Community College to offer four enriching programs.

• And, thanks to Berkshire Art Center, Chesterwood became a studio space for four hands-on art classes.

Our beloved Ice Cream Socials for Children drew over 300 young preservationists this summer! Families enjoyed scavenger hunts, garden games, storytelling, and of course—ice cream from High Lawn Farm.

This incredible momentum positions Chesterwood for even greater impact in 2026—but we need your support to keep this progress going.

As a valued supporter, we invite you to make a tax-deductible end-of-year gift to Chesterwood. Your generosity fuels our mission to preserve and share this national treasure, inspiring future generations through art, history, and nature. Together, we honor the legacy of Daniel Chester French—ensuring that Chesterwood continues to thrive for years to come.

Thank you for being such an important part of our community.

With gratitude,

Miguel A. Rodríguez, Executive Director