the Iris Network - Support Empowerment Independence

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“I wouldn’t be doing the things that I am doing today,
if it wasn’t for The Iris Network. I am doing things myself
such as writing, going out by myself and not having to be
dependent on my daughter so much.” --M. H.
How to Donate
The Iris Network makes a difference every day! 

Helen Keller raised $1,000 to help launch the Maine Institution for the Blind, which opened its doors in 1905.  Though our name has changed to the Iris Network, our need for donor support has never been greater.  The ability of The Iris Network to continue with our mission rests upon the charitable support we receive from donors of all means, making gifts both large and small.  When you contribute to the Iris Network you give the gift of support, empowerment and independence.

Become a Donor

You can give the gift of support.

 Every seven minutes, someone in the U. S. loses the sense of sight.  If you don’t already know someone who is coping with vision loss, you will.  Your gift will ensure that there continues to be experienced support in Maine, ready to help those in need.  Adjusting to vision loss takes time and patience.  The Iris Network provides the tools our clients need to improve their quality of life. 

You can give the gift of empowerment. 

The Iris Network is a statewide resource that promotes the empowerment of people who are visually impaired or blind to attain their determined level of independence and integration into the community. Your generosity will make it possible for our clients to learn new ways to navigate their world -- sharpen and develop new skills, receive instruction in the use of white cane, maximize opportunities, gain greater confidence --  so that the pathways of daily life become second nature.

You can give the gift of independence.

With support and empowerment come new skills and abilities. Picture of Pottery ClassVision Rehabilitation Services offers instruction in all areas of independent living, from regaining skills and safety in the kitchen, to managing a busy street crossing. Individuals who are visually impaired learn ways to live, work and travel safely and independently. 

Please consider including The Iris Network among your charitable donations.  Your donation can bring the promise of a more independent future for those facing the challenges of vision loss. 

Help us In a Way That Is Right for You 

Donate Online 
Click the button to make an online donation to the Iris Network through JustGive.org.
 
Mail a gift
Iris Network, c/o Contributions Office, 189 Park Avenue, Portland, ME 04102.

Many companies offer matching gift programs that will match your gift to the Iris Network.  Please inquire with your company and mail your completed matching gift form to the Iris Network.

Call in your gift
(207) 774-6273 to make a Visa or Master Card contribution. All gifts in any amounts are very helpful and truly appreciated. 
 
Pay tribute in a meaningful way
Consider a meaningful tribute, by making a gift in that persons’ name to the Iris Network.  We will notify them of your generosity in a timely way.  This method of tribute is also very appropriate as a memorial gift, rather than sending flowers or other traditional expressions of sympathy.  The closest family member will be notified of your very thoughtful tribute. 
 
Make a gift of stocks 
The total value of the stock upon transfer is tax deductible, and you will not be obligated to pay any capital gains taxes on appreciation.
 
Leave a legacy through a planned gift
By naming the Iris Network in your will, you will give the gifts of freedom and independence to generations to come. It is a simple and effective way to ensure the future of programs and services you care about while providing tax benefits for your heirs. A bequest in your will is exempt from federal and state estate taxes and can be designated as a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or a specific item or property. Your gift may be made as a general and unrestricted bequest or you can indicate a specific use. If you do have a specific purpose in mind, consider consulting with us to be sure that the gift can be used exactly as you wish. 

Including the Iris Network in your planned giving strategy is an important opportunity to make a significant and lasting contribution to Maine residents coping with vision loss. We, at the Iris Network can not give legal or financial advice. Consult with your attorney or financial advisor to determine the best strategy for you, your family and your favorite charities. These strategies might include gifts of appreciated assets (real estate or life insurance) or gifts that provide income (charitable trusts or gift annuities).

Here is some language that can be used to make a bequest: 

"I give (___ dollars) or (percent of the residue of my estate) to the Iris Network or its charitable successor, for the benefit of the Iris Network and for its general purposes." 

Here is some language that can be used to designate a specific  purpose:

"I give (___ dollars) or (percent of the residue of my estate) to the Iris Network, a charitable organization or its charitable successor, with a preference that the income only be used for the following purpose": (state the purpose).  

A bequest, gift annuity, insurance policy, or charitable remainder trust are some of the vehicles that are available to demonstrate your continued and long-term support of our mission. 

Please know that any gift, no matter how large or small, is appreciated at the Iris Network.  For more information on making a tax-deductible contribution call Terri Tomchak, Contributions Director, or Lesley Heiser, Development Director, at
(207) 774-6273 or if you prefer by email ttomchak@theiris.org or lheiser@theiris.org

 

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