Why do people like making planned gifts?
Planned gifts (most commonly a donation made in your will or trust) cost nothing today and allow you to make an incredible impact, which is why so many people choose to make them.
There are some other exciting but less common gifts — scroll down to learn more!
Popular gifts for the future
See what types of gifts many people choose to make. Many people make these to honor a loved one, to show what’s important in their life.
Gifts in a will or trust
Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will or trust – for free!
Beneficiary designations
Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.
Popular gifts for today
Many people love these donation options because they fit with their personal circumstances and financial goals.
Stocks and securities
Many people love donating stock or mutual funds because it may help them avoid paying capital gains taxes.
Donor Advised Funds
Easily recommend grants to American Foundation for the Blind for tax-efficient giving.
Cryptocurrency
Donate Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more to save on taxes and make a big impact.
Qualified Charitable Distributions
Use your IRA to make tax-free gifts that benefit you and our mission.
Please let us know if you’ve already included us in your estate plans!
Letting us know is incredibly helpful to our team and helps to make sure your gift is used the way you want it to be.
Planned Giving Helps Drive AFB’s Mission
The American Foundation for the Blind relies on the generosity of donors to fulfill its mission of creating equal opportunities and expanding possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. These gifts provide long-term support, ensuring we can continue making a positive impact for years to come.
As a blind person and a worker in the field of services for people with vision loss, I always believed the American Foundation for the Blind is the most important and impactful organization for blind people. Therefore, it was my honor to serve as president and CEO for AFB for 25 years.
My wife, Sue and I have been members of the Helen Keller Society since it was established in the early 90’s. We decided then to have AFB a beneficiary in our will while continuing to remain major donors during our lifetime. Through its programs, AFB empowers people with vision loss to live and work with dignity and success in the mainstream of their communities.
Please join us in our crusade to build upon AFB’s accomplishments by becoming Helen Keller Society members.
Carl Augusto
AFB President Emeritus
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.
Yes! Knowing in advance about your intentions is quite helpful to our staff, but you are always welcome to not share your gift.
We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney (who is likely to have a fee associated with finalizing your plans).
Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.
Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.
We’re here to help you meet your goals!
Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.
Name: Melody Goodspeed
Title :Associate Director of Development
Phone: 212-502-7614
Email: mgoodspeed@afb.org
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know