$20 Million Donation for Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz at Lincoln Center has announced that Robert J. Appel, a financier and philanthropist, has pledged $20 million to benefit the organization's performance, education and broadcasting efforts. The gift will also be used to help promote the center's global initiatives of audience development and jazz advocacy. According to a news release, it is the largest single private contribution to date in support of jazz music. Mr. Appel joined the Jazz at Lincoln Center board in 2008 and was appointed chairman in 2012.