Ways to Give

Our work is made possible by organ donors and their families. Losing a loved one is a devastating experience. Sharing and celebrating your loved one’s life and their gracious decision to help others through donation is a decision that lasts a lifetime. To make a dedicated gift, visit our donation form.

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.

Here are a few other ways you can give the gift of sight and save on taxes*:

Leaving a Legacy

When you designate retirement plan assets to your heirs, as much as 65% in taxes can be deducted before your loved ones receive anything. Consider including Lions World Vision Institute in your estate plans today and make an impact in our community lasting generations.

IRA Charitable Rollover

If you are age 70 ½ of older and own a Traditional or Roth IRA, you can directly transfer up to a total of $100,000 annually from your account while realizing the tax benefits. This transfer counts toward your required minimum distribution which means you don’t have to pay federal income taxes on it. Making your gift is easy. Before December 31 of this year, contact your IRA custodian and ask that your distribution be a charitable rollover to The Florida Holocaust Museum. Please be certain to ask them to include the following in the transfer: Your name and your address.

Stock Gifts

Giving marketable securities that have appreciated in value is an especially prudent and economical way to support the Lions Eye. If you would like to make an outright gift of stock, please contact: sboyes@LWVI.org

Donor Advised Fund

A donor advised fund is like a checking account. You contribute when it makes the most sense of you – and get a charitable deduction at that time. DAFs reduce your income tax and lets you set up an account with an outright gift.

Charitable Remainder Trust

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can reduce taxes by converting highly appreciated assets (e.g., stock or real estate) into a lifetime income stream. You simply transfer assists to an irrevocable trust. For more information, talk to your attorney.

Interested in learning more?

For more information on how you can make a gift that will last generations, contact Sharon Boyes, Executive Director, at (813) 289-1200 x 714 or Sharon.Boyes@LWVI.org

*As always, if you have any questions or need additional information on your personal financial situation, please consult your Certified Financial Planner, Tax Accountant or attorney.

Did you know every year, about $6 to $10 billion of matched donations are left unclaimed?

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer, and send it completed and signed with your gift. We will do the rest. The impact of your gift to our organization may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies also match gifts made by retirees and/or your spouse.

Check if your company matches donations here. 

Have questions? Email our team at Foundation@LWVI.org.

The LWVI SightSavers Team Member Giving Campaign embodies the spirit of compassion and community that lies at the heart of our organization’s mission. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can collectively make in transforming lives through the gift of sight. It is a testament to the belief that each one of us can be a beacon of hope, and together, we can illuminate the path toward a brighter future for those in need. Giving back through the SightSavers Campaign is not just a gesture; it’s a testament to our shared commitment to making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of others. Our SightSavers are Illuminating the Future, One Gift at a Time.

To learn more about a payroll deduction, click here.

To make a gift, visit our giving form.

At LWVI, we offer diverse volunteer opportunities. Join as an event volunteer in vibrant Tampa, Florida, or Seattle, Washington, or help make a difference in our Family Services program virtually, or express your gratitude as a Thank-A-Thon volunteer at our headquarters in a historic Ybor City cigar factory.  Your time and dedication can impact lives through vision programs, medical research, and community outreach. Together, we’re working tirelessly to protect and restore sight, and we welcome you to be part of this incredible journey. Explore the many ways you can get involved and make a meaningful contribution to our cause. Click here to sign up. 

If you are a licensed Optician, Optometrist, or Ophthalmologist, please sign up using this form to become a volunteer for our Vision Health Program events.