Ways to Give
Since 1973, it has been our mission to support people who are visually impaired
One thing that has never changed is the importance of financial support from generous people like you. Your gifts make it possible to expand our services and ensure better outcomes for our patients and community. There are many ways to contribute to Lions Eye Institute Foundation. If you would like to make a gift online, you can go to our online giving page. If you are interested in other ways to make a gift, see the many ways you can make a difference below.
Make a Gift by Mail
When possible, we encourage our supporters to make their gifts through our online giving form.
This ensures that it does not get lost in the mail and allows your gift to be acknowledged sooner.
Make a Gift via Check
If you would prefer to make your gift via check, you can send your donation to:
Lions Eye Institute Foundation
1410 N. 21st Street
Tampa, FL 33605
Please be sure to include any special instructions and contact information that may be different from the information on your check.
Remember a Loved One
Our work is made possible by organ donors and their families.
Losing a loved one is a devastating experience, but we encourage our donor families to remember their loved ones by making a gift in their memory.
Make a Gift in Memory
You can make a gift in memory on our online giving page by following the onscreen instructions.
In Lieu of Flowers
If you would like to select Lions Eye Institute Foundation for an In Lieu of Flowers gift, you can simply indicate the following in your loved one’s obituary:
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable contribution to:
Lions Eye Institute Foundation
In Memory of [LOVED ONE’S NAME]
1410 N. 21st Street
Tampa, FL 33605
LionsEyeInstitute.org
Tree of Remembrance:
This memorial wall lives in the lobby of our headquarters in Ybor City and was established in memory of our loved ones and the thousands of individuals who with their lives, gave the gift of sight. If you are interested in establishing a permanent memorial to your loved one on the Lions Eye Institute Foundation – Tree of Remembrance, contact us at Foundation@LionsEyeInstitute.org or at 813-289-1200.
Gifts in Honor
Making a gift in honor of someone is a great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
It is also a great way to thank a mentor or friend for their support. No matter your reason, you can make a gift in honor of someone important in your life on our online giving page by following the onscreen instructions.
Become a Member
We have several membership circles that you can become a part of.
These exclusive groups provide unrestricted cash donations starting at different levels. Members receive regular organizational updates, event invites, and honor role recognition. To learn more about how to become a member, contact us at Foundation@LionsEyeInstitute.org or at 813-289-1200.
Circle of Remembrance:
Our Circle of Remembrance program is for donor family members and friends as well as cornea and tissue recipients who give $1,000 or more in memory of a loved one who has passed away or in memory of their tissue donor. When someone first becomes a member of the Circle of Remembrance, they will receive a spot on the Tree of Remembrance in our lobby. This membership is renewed on an annual basis.
Dan Carter Fellowship Award:
The Dan Carter Fellowship Award is a special membership program. Lions Clubs can nominate a Lion who exhibits exceptional dedication to service and embodies the spirit of Lionism. Lions Clubs can nominate a member when they give at least $500. It comes with a certificate signed by the President of Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research and an exclusive Lions pin. This is a lifetime membership for the Dan Carter Fellowship Awardee.
Lions’ Pride:
The Lions’ Pride is an exclusive group of Lions Clubs who have given at least $1,000 during one calendar year. This membership is renewed on an annual basis and is separate from the Dan Carter Fellowship Award gift. The first time that a Lions Club becomes a member, they will receive a patch for their club flag. Each year they renew their membership, the Lions Club will receive a chevron to go under the original patch.
Fundraising Events
The Lions Eye Institute Foundation hosts two major annual events to raise funds and awareness for our mission: The Eye Ball and the Roar Through Ybor.
The Eye Ball
The Eye Ball is our annual gala. It is typically held in the Fall and brings in over 300 guests. Each year we have a different Eye Ball concept, but it is always fun! To learn more about this years’ Eye Ball, visit our Eye Ball page.
Roar Through Ybor
The Roar Through Ybor 5K Race and 1-Mile Fun Run has been evolving for over 20 years. These days, the event is a joint effort by Lions Eye Institute Foundation and LifeLink Legacy Fund and is held annually in the Spring. To learn more about Roar Through Ybor, visit our race page
Planned Giving
Many people choose to make charitable giving part of their end-of-life planning.
This may include making us a beneficiary on your life insurance policy or including our organization in your will. To learn how to include Lions Eye Institute Foundation in your estate plans, contact us at Foundation@LionsEyeInstitute.org or at 813-289-1200.
Naming Opportunities
We have many different programs that are looking for generous change-makers like you!
If you are interested in making an investment in our mission, we have several naming opportunities that we could offer you. To learn more, contact us at Foundation@LionsEyeInstitute.org or at 813-289-1200.
Employer Match
Did you know that many employers offer matching gifts when you make a contribution to a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization?
Check with your employer about their matching gift policy and you may be able to double your impact! Our tax ID is 01-0843838.
Giving With Amazon
So many of us use Amazon.com for our shopping needs
If you use Amazon, there are two ways that you can support Lions Eye Institute Foundation while you shop!
Amazon Smile
Did you know that Amazon will take a percentage of your purchase and donate it back to the nonprofit of your choice? When you are shopping, visit smile.amazon.com and select Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research Foundation as your charity of choice. The more you shop, the bigger difference you make!
Amazon Wish List
You can now purchase needed supplies for your favorite organization through Amazon. When you purchase an item from our Amazon Charity Wish List, it is shipped directly to us!
Become A Fundraiser
Making a gift is important, but spreading the word is essential!
There are many ways you can raise money on behalf of Lions Eye Institute Foundation to support the mission.
Facebook Fundraiser
Are you on Facebook? If so, you can start a fundraiser for Lions Eye Institute Foundation whenever you would like. When you go to make a post, select “Raise Money” from the “Add to Your Post” menu. Then select “Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research Foundation Inc” and start sharing with your friends and family. Facebook will send the money directly to Lions Eye Institute Foundation so you can focus on raising funds and awareness.
Roar Through Ybor
Our Roar Through Ybor Race has a fundraising component built in! When you register for the race at runsignup.com/roarthroughybor you will be given the option to start a fundraiser. Once you are set up, ask your family and friends to support you in your race for organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Other Fundraiser Ideas
Do you have something else in mind? We would love to hear it! If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser on behalf of Lions Eye Institute, let us know how we can support you. Contact us at Foundation@LionsEyeInstitute.org or at 813-289-1200.
Giving from your IRA
If you are over 70 ½ years old, you are generally required to take a minimum distribution (RMD) from your individual retirement account (IRA).
When you contribute your RMD to a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, you can deduct that from your taxable income later. To discuss designating Lions Eye Institute Foundation as the recipient of your RMD for your IRA, talk to your wealth management advisor.
Non-Cash Gifts
For various reasons, some of us prefer to make our charitable gifts as noncash contributions.
To learn about what kind of non-cash gifts that Lions Eye Institute Foundation will accept, please review our Gift Acceptance Policy. If you have specific questions regarding your intended donation, you can contact us at Foundation@LionsEyeInstitute.org or at 813-289-1200.