Ways to Give
Since 1969, it has been our mission to support people who are visually impaired and make sure as many people as possible receive the gift of sight.
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 World Vision Institute Foundation. If you would like to make a gift online, you can make a gift securely online. If you are interested in other ways to make a gift, see the many ways you can make a difference below.
Make a Gift
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.
If you would prefer to make your gift via check, you can send your donation to:
Lions World Vision 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.
Sustainers Giving Society
Support the gift of sight year-round: become a Sustainer.
Children and adults in Tampa Bay and around the world need us. Since our inception in 1969, Lions World Vision Institute has given the gift of sight to over 500,000 children, women and men in Tampa Bay and around the globe. In celebration of this milestone, we invite our supporters to become part of the Sustainers Giving Society. Becoming a Sustainer by giving monthly is one of the best and easiest ways to show your support. Whether it is $10 or $50 per month, we believe everyone can make an impact in the Tampa Bay community’s vision needs. Your monthly gift ensure that we have the consistent resources needed to provide life-changing services to our community.
Remember a Loved One
Our work is made possible by organ donor 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.
Planned Giving
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 SBoyes@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.
Matching Gifts
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. Join us today and give the gift of sight.
Lions Club
Dan Carter Fellowship Award
Lions Clubs can nominate a Lion who exhibits exceptional dedication to service and embodies the spirit of Lionism. Lions Clubs can nominate a member for the Dan Carter Fellowship Award when they contribute over $500 annually to Lions World Vision Institute. It comes with a certificate signed by the President of Lions World Vision Institute and an exclusive Lions pin. This is a lifetime membership for the Dan Carter Fellowship Awardee.
To learn more, contact Foundation@LWVI.org.
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.