Chuck Noll Road to Independence Society
Members of this special group are “starting player” philanthropists who have pledged to make unrestricted gifts of at least $1,000 per year for five years. Through the generosity of these special donors, BVRS is able to meet many of its clients’ needs. Diamond shaped plaques bearing the names of these distinguished donors form a path along a wall in the main lobby of the Homestead building, forming the “Road to Independence.” The society honors Chuck Noll, former Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Emeritus Chairman of the Board for BVRS. For information on how to become a member, please contact the Development Department at 412-368-4400. 

Visionary Society
The Visionary Hall of Honor recognizes those who have joined the Visionary Society by donating a gift of $1,000 or more during the calendar year. Each donor’s name is inscribed on a plaque that is displayed in the agency’s lobby. The society is also acknowledged during a dinner that is held each spring honoring the recipient of the Monsignor Paul M. Lackner Person of Vision Award. All contributors to this society receive complimentary tickets to the dinner.

Corporate Opportunities
BVRS offers numerous support opportunities for businesses and corporations. Monetary donations through corporate giving and matching gifts programs are greatly appreciated.

Cause Related Marketing
Nonprofit organizations are constantly developing creative new fund raising ideas as corporate dollars become more stretched. While many corporations choose to make out-right donations, others prefer to consider a partnership with BVRS that yields mutually beneficial results.

BVRS is open to partnerships that provide opportunities for companies to reach business objectives while participating in a program with one of Pittsburgh’s well known, long standing non-profit organizations. Public opinion has shown that Cause Related Marketing programs have worked to strengthen both image and sales.

If your company is interested in exploring a Cause Related Marketing partnership to achieve your sales, marketing or public relations goals, please contact the development department.

Corporate Sponsorships
BVRS offers sponsorship opportunities for several special events throughout the year. Sponsorship packages vary according to event and giving level. Visit our calendar of events for more information.

In-Kind Donations
BVRS welcomes donations of items that can be used by the agency. An example is books on tape that are loaned to consumers and staff members.

Donated merchandise and gift certificates are always appreciated for prizes and auction items for our special event fundraisers.

We offer a wide range of opportunities for those who wish to make planned gifts. We are grateful for supporters who keep us in mind when preparing their wills. The proper wording for a bequest is as follows:

Bequests
“I give, devise and bequeath to Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, a Pennsylvania not-for-profit corporation with offices located at 1800 West Street, Homestead, Pennsylvania 15120, county of Allegheny the sum of $___ to be administered by the said Blind & Vision
Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh for persons with disabilities.
                                                 

Insurance
Very often policies have outlived their usefulness as a means of security. If you no longer need a policy, you may donate it by naming BVRS as a beneficiary. You may receive income tax benefits as well.

Gifts of Real Estate
You can make a gift of personal property, including real estate such as a residence, vacation home, or condominium.  You may continue to use the residence and you may realize a sizable income tax reduction as well.

Charitable Remainder Trusts
Trusts can provide an opportunity to receive income for life, avoid capital gains tax, reduce income and estate taxes, secure benefits for children and grandchildren, and make a significant gift to charity. There are several types of trusts including a “unitrust” which pays a fixed percentage of the
fair market value of the trust and the “annuity” which pays a fixed dollar amount each year. In both, the charity receives the remaining interest upon the death of you or your spouse.

Charitable Lead Trust
This tool is designed to reduce taxes of the estate left by the deceased. BVRS would receive income from assets that a donor places in a trust for a specific period of time. At the end of the trust term, the assets and any growth they have realized are passed to the donor’s heirs.

For more information about Planned Gifts please contact us at 412-368-4400 ext. 2253. You may call 1-800-706-5050 for a toll free call within Pennsylvania.