Ways to Make a Difference
We Can't Do It Without You!
What does it mean to give to Braille Institute? When people donate money, they do so for many reasons. Many do it because they or a loved one have been personally touched by our services. Some simply find the work we do to be worth supporting, while others are looking for a way to make a difference.
Braille Institute is built upon a strong tradition of philanthropy dating back to 1919, the year of our founding, when Mary and John Longyear’s generous gift first made the work of Braille Institute possible. And that same spirit of philanthropy carries on today through donations made by businesses, service clubs, foundations and individuals—people like you, whose gifts continue to sustain and grow our vital programs and services.
We are proud to be one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive blind service organizations. And we are proud of our ability to maintain low administrative and fundraising expenses, which ensures that donations are used most effectively.
Braille Institute does not seek government funding nor do we charge for any of our services. And the one constant since our founding has been that the impact we have on the lives of blind and visually impaired men, women, children and their families each year is not possible without our generous donors. Thank you so much for caring enough to consider a donation to Braille Institute.
Donate Now Online, By Phone or By Mail – Your gift now will bring hope to thousands in Southern California and across the nation.
Honor a Loved One – You can honor a special occasion, pay tribute to someone you care about or celebrate the memory of a loved one.
Founder’s Circle – Founder’s Circle donors support vital projects and programs that might go unfunded without their special support.
Giving Through Your Employer – Many supporters of Braille Institute donate through payroll deductions or through their employer’s matching gift program.
A Bequest for Braille Institute – Leaving a bequest through your will or trust is easy.
Charitable Gift Annuities – A Charitable Gift Annuity will pay you lifetime income in return for a donation to Braille Institute.
Donate Real Estate – If you own property, perhaps now is the time to consider the many advantages of a gift of real estate to Braille Institute.
Planned Giving – Click here to visit our special Braille Institute Planned Giving Web site. The term “planned giving” refers to charitable gifts that require some planning before they are made. Planned gifts are popular because they can provide valuable tax benefits and/or income for life.
What to Give – Planning a gift carefully can be as important to you as the gift is to us. This section summarizes the many ways available for you to make a gift to Braille Institute.
Donor Stories & Inspirational Individual Profiles – This is a direct link to SCENE, our quarterly newsletter, Heritage, an estate and financial planning newsletter from Braille Institute, and to Individual Stories of Hope and Inspiration.
Join an Auxiliary – Braille Institute enjoys the support of Auxiliaries which raise funds on our behalf in the following communities: Los Angeles, Pasadena, Rancho Mirage, San Diego, San Gabriel Valley and Santa Barbara.
Donor Recognition – There are many ways to be remembered for years to come by making a gift to Braille Institute.
Professional Advisors – Information tailored to attorneys, CPAs, financial planners and real estate professionals interested in working with Braille Institute, or on behalf of donors.
Donation Team – Who’s who in the Development and Planned Giving Office.
Annual Report – A visual and narrative report about Braille Institute’s good works and financial highlights.
Audited Financial Statement – A report of the financial position of Braille Institute as reviewed by an independent auditor.
IRS Form 990 – A report that Braille Institute files with the IRS. It provides information on Braille Institute’s mission, programs and finances.
Privacy Policy – We respect the privacy of every individual who utilizes our services, who donates to our organization, and who visits our Web sites. This policy describes our personal information practices.
For more information about one of Braille Institute’s donor programs please contact our Office of Development & Planned Giving.
Office of Development & Planned Giving
Braille Institute of America, Inc.
741 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90029
Phone: 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553), Ext. 1256
FAX: (323) 663-1428
E-mail: plangift@brailleinstitute.org
Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST), Monday through Friday