How to Support Us / Contribute

The Society is able to offer services to over 1,500 individuals annually thanks to the generous donations from individuals, community organizations, corporate foundations and contracted services. Additionally over the years many individuals have named the Society as a beneficiary in their estate planning, which has enabled the Society to establish a long-term endowment and receive income from this Board Restricted fund.

The Society receives no funds from the United Way and minimal funds from government sources through contractual agreements for services required to be provided by law. The Society receives no government grants or other tax-based funding. The Society is a member of Community Health Charities of Kansas and Missouri for workplace giving.

For purposes of direct solicitations, the Society is registered to solicit in the states of Illinois and Missouri.

Confidentiality of Donor Names

The Society does not rent, sell or share the names, addresses, phone number or any other personal information of anyone making a contribution to the Society with other organizations or outside charities. Information on individuals who donate is made available only to select Society staff with information maintained in a secure and protected database.

The Society may utilize the name and address of donors to send newsletters, annual reports, program information, or solicitations. The Society will honor all requests from individual’s who notify the Society they prefer not to be sent specific information or mail appeals from the Society. The Society uses names and addresses of donors for internal purposes only.

Charitable Giving Tax Status

The Society is an IRS recognized 501 (c) 3 charitable organization with all donations tax-deductible as allowed by law. If donors are unsure about their donation’s tax-exempt status they are advised to consult their tax advisor before making a donation.

The many possible ways of supporting the Society include:

Individual Donations

Individuals may make a direct contribution to the Society as a way of showing their appreciation and support for the work we do. Some individuals make donations in this manner in recognition of all services being given to the individual. Some employers make matching contributions, enabling a persons gift to be doubled.

Memorial Donations

A significant person in ones life can be honored at their time of passing by making a donation in the loved ones memory. Additionally, some families specifically name the Society as the charity of choice for memorial donations.

The Society will send an acknowledgement to the family for all donations given in this manner, as well as a confirmation to the individual making the donation.

The individual who has passed away and the names of all those giving this kind of gift are published in the Society's quarterly newsletter and yearly program report.

Tributes and Honors

Some people prefer to honor an individual, family member, or couple through a contribution for a special person or occasion. Reasons for paying tribute in this manner include anniversary's, birthdays, special events, good health, or just one special way of saying "thanks".

All persons honored in this manner receive a notice from the Society that a gift was made in their name and who honored them in this manner. The person being honored, the occassion, and who made the donation are published in the Society's quarterly newsletter and yearly program report.

Community Organization

Some individuals belong to other community groups who make donations to charitable organizations. The inclusion of the Society as a recipient of such contributions is also one way an individual can help support the Society. Many individuals encourage, and speak up on behalf of the Society in their local Lions, Kiwanis, or other groups to donate toward the work of the Society.

Wills and Bequests

Over the years many individuals have included the Society in their personal will as a gesture of past and future support. Such designation should be done through a person's lawyer and may be for a specific dollar amount or percentage of an individuals' estate.

Charitable Remainder Trust

A gift can be given to the Society by creating a charitable remainder trust. This type of trust will produce income for you during your lifetime and provide estate tax savings at the same time. If interested, consultation with your lawyer would be appropriate.

Gifts of Property Securities, and Life Insurance

There are increasingly many opportunities to transfer property and other investments to the Society and receive tax benefits at the same time. Gifts of improved or unimproved real estate give an income tax deduction and estate tax savings. Donations of securities may be tax-deductable at full fair market value.

The Society may also be named as the owner and beneficiary of an existing or new life insurance policy, providing immediate tax deduction equal to any cash surrender value of the policy. Policy premiums may also be deductable.

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