We are Accountable To You

Thanks to you, we have made an impact in the lives of over 145,000 people in 65 countries around the world. Here is how your generosity made an impact in calendar year 2010:

• 566 blind or deafblind infants and toddlers received in-home services from our Early Intervention program, ensuring they will get the best possible start in life.
• 14,016 people received assistive-living tools and training from Perkins Products, making it possible for them to live more independently.
• 1,176 infants, children and adults visited our Low Vision Center and discovered ways to maximize their visual functioning.
• 50,214 children who are blind and their teachers in 65 countries received support, training and hope for a better life from our Perkins International programs.
• 589 students took life-skills classes from our Outreach Services, gaining the experience they need to become confident, self-sufficient adults.
• 29,556 children and adults enjoyed audio, braille books and publications delivered right to their homes free of charge by our Braille & Talking Book Library.

Over 180 years of challenging what is possible

In these challenging economic times, Perkins is especially proud to assure our supporters we are making the most of each and every dollar and using innovation to grow our programs and reach more people. As a trusted leader in global education, you can give with confidence to Perkins and know that we use your dollars wisely, enabling individuals who are blind, deafblind or visually impaired to reach their fullest potential and achieve independence.

"Exceptional" Designation - Achieving a 4-Star Rating

Charity Navigator is America's largest independent, non-profit evaluator of charities. Its mission is "to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of America's largest charities." Each year, Charity Navigator evaluates Perkins' programs, administrative, and fundraising expenses, as well as fundraising efficiency and program growth.

Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that a charitable organization adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. Approximately a quarter of the charities that Charity Navigator evaluates receive their highest rating, therefore indicating that Perkins School for the Blind outperforms most other charities in America. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Perkins School for the Blind from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.  See Perkins page on Charity Navigator.

What does a BBB charity accreditation mean to you?

Perkins School for the Blind is a BBB Wise Giving Alliance Accredited Charity - meaning that we meet all of the alliance's 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. This accreditation provides our supporters an additional reassurance that Perkins School for the Blind is accountable in its financial management and stewardship. Click to check the BBB's Confirmation for Perkins.

About the BBB & Wise Giving: The BBB Wise Giving Alliance is a national charity monitoring organization affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. The Alliance and its predecessor organizations have over a century of combined experience in charity evaluation.

An Opportunity to Transform Lives

When considering your charitable giving in 2011, we hope you will remember Perkins and trust that every dollar helps create new possibilities for babies, children and adults who are blind, deaf blind, or visually impaired with or without other disabilities.  Your best gift today will transform the life of a student.