Donation Opportunities
THE BENEFITS OF YOUR DONATIONS
The Foundation’s research discoveries have the potential to save substantial sight and to reduce healthcare expenditures by $50 million annually. The research efforts have also generated more than 700 publications and presentations and earned a particularly strong reputation in the areas of eye trauma and surgical treatment of the center of vision, the macula. The Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research was established to honor research excellence and is now commonly regarded as the premier award in vision research.
The Foundation’s public awareness efforts guided by Helen’s niece, Keller Johnson-Thompson, remind the world of the inspiration of its namesake and the importance of vision research. The Character Education Program has touched the lives of more than 500,000 school children across the United States.
The Foundation is seeking private donations, corporate gifts and development grants to fund research and education programs on a national and international scale. There are many ways to give. Please contact the Foundation at (205) 933-9389 for more information.
DONATIONS VIA CHECK OR ONLINE PAYMENT
The Foundation graciously accepts personal, private, corporate and institutional donations in any denomination. Donors may make gifts in memory of or in honor of a family member, friend or colleague. Any gift can be designated for the Foundation’s research programs, education programs or for general operating support.
Donation checks made payable to “The Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education” may be mailed to the following address:
2208 University Boulevard, Suite 101
Birmingham, Alabama, USA 35233
To make a donation via online payment, please click here.
GIFTS OF STOCK
Giving stock that has appreciated in value is a popular way to provide support for the Foundation and potential tax savings for the donor. Generally, the donor may be able to avoid the usual capital gains taxes associated with selling the stock. The amount of the charitable income tax deduction is equal to the full fair market value of the stock upon transfer.
To make a gift of stock, please contact the Foundation at (659)297-5577.
GIFTS-IN-KIND
The Foundation appreciates all donations in support of its mission to save sight, hearing and speech. The Foundation considers each gift-in-kind on an individual basis to evaluate its best use. For more information, please contact the Foundation at (659) 297-5577.
WORKPLACE CONTRIBUTIONS AND CORPORATE MATCHING
Many employers participate in corporate matching programs designed to echo employees’ charitable donations. Please contact your employer’s Human Resources Department to inquire about your particular gift matching programs.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS AND CAMPAIGNS
The Foundation welcomes corporations to join the fight to save sight, speech and hearing. Please contact Laura Beckwith, Executive Director, to discuss how your company can support the Foundation.
PLANNED OR DEFERRED GIFTS
You can provide for the future of the Foundation through a variety of estate planning options, including bequests, life insurance policies, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts and retirement plans. Each of these options includes particular benefits to your estate and to the Foundation. Please consult your attorney regarding the best approach to fit your individual needs. For more information on arranging a planned or deferred gift, please call the Foundation at (659) 297-5577.
You can remember The Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education in your will through a gift of a specific amount of money, a specific item of property or a specified percentage of the residue of your estate. We recommend that your bequest be for unrestricted purposes or be directed generally to research.
You can include language similar to the following either in the body of a will or as an amendment (codicil):
“I give and devise to The Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education, or its successor, the sum of _________ Dollars ($_________) to be used for such charitable purposes as the governing body of The Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education deems appropriate; provided, however, that at the time of such gift, The Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education, or its successor, must be a charity as described in Sections 170(c) and 2055(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.” OR “I give and devise ________ percent (________%) of my residuary estate to The Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education, or its successor, to be used for such charitable purposes as the governing body of The Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education deems appropriate; provided, however, that at the time of such gift, The Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education, or its successor, must be a charity as described in Sections 170(c) and 2055(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.”
Please consult your attorney and/or financial adviser for specific information on estate tax deductions associated with gifts made through a bequest.
