As the year draws to a close, many donors look for meaningful — and tax-smart — ways to give back. Your generosity makes it possible for Guiding Eyes for the Blind to provide life-changing guide dogs to people with vision loss, free of charge.
If you’re considering ways to make your impact go even further this giving season, here are four strategic options to explore:
1. Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
- A Donor Advised Fund allows you to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants from your fund over time.
- If you already have a DAF through Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, or another provider, you can easily direct a gift to Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
- Your DAF gives you the flexibility to support our mission now — or plan a future gift — while maximizing your charitable investments.
2. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
- If you’re age 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
- This type of gift can satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD) and may reduce your taxable income — all while helping to empower people with vision loss through guide dogs.
- It’s a simple, tax-efficient way to make a meaningful difference.
3. Corporate Matching Gifts
- Many companies match employee donations, often doubling (or even tripling) your impact.
- Check with your employer to see if your gift to Guiding Eyes for the Blind qualifies for a corporate match.
- Submitting a quick match request can turn your generosity into even more guide dog partnerships — at no additional cost to you.
4. Donating Stock
- A gift of appreciated stock can provide significant tax advantages.
- By transferring stock directly to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, you may avoid capital gains taxes and receive a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the asset.
- It’s an excellent way to make a larger gift while keeping your cash on hand.
Every Gift Changes Lives
Whether you give through a donor-advised fund, IRA, matching gift, or stock transfer, you’re helping us continue our mission — pairing exceptional guide dogs with people who need them most. Your thoughtful planning today ensures independence, confidence, and companionship for years to come.
