A planned gift gives hope that lasts beyond a single lifetime. Through a Charitable Gift Annuity, or by designating Perkins School for the Blind as the beneficiary of a will, trust, retirement plan, life insurance policy or other types of deferred giving arrangement, you can make the future brighter for people with visual impairments — today and for years to come.
Leaving a legacy for every child: The 1829 Circle
Since 1829, hundreds of thousands of children and young adults have benefited from the generosity of our donors who have included Perkins in their estate plans.
If you have already included Perkins in your estate or financial plans, whether through a bequest, beneficiary designation, or other means — thank you! By notifying us of your gift via our online form you’ll be welcomed into a special group of supporters — the 1829 Circle.
The satisfaction of knowing you have helped the children and adults we serve become as independent as possible, for a lifetime
The opportunity to join fellow donors at select events
Recognition of your commitment in Perkins publications, if you choose, to inspire generosity in others
There are many easy giving options from which you can choose — strategies that can enhance your personal goals, as well as Perkins’. We’re always here to help. Simply contact us or call 617-972-7328 with any questions.
Lifetime annuity income for you and/or a loved one, at an attractive rate.
The option to defer your annuity payments for an even higher rate.
A charitable income tax deduction and potential capital gains tax savings.
A future gift to Perkins School for the Blind.
A Charitable Gift Annuity may be created at age 55. Annuitants must be at least 65 years of age at the start of income payments. Perkins School for the Blind uses the rates recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities.
Individuals over 70 1/2 may use up to $50,000 from their IRA for a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to fund a Charitable Gift Annuity tax-free.
Charitable Gift Annuities are not available in all 50 states.
“Perkins has a special place in my heart because of all that it did for my son, who had enormous educational needs and challenges. My heart is grateful, and my philanthropy follows my heart.”
As a young man, I saw the movie ‘The Miracle Worker’ and found myself fascinated by the title character, Annie Sullivan. I read everything I could on this remarkable woman. I was struck by something she wrote to her Perkins mentor, Michael Anagnos, the morning of her breakthrough with Helen Keller.
‘My heart is singing for joy this morning! A miracle has happened. The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil’s mind and behold, all things are changed!‘
I have supported Perkins for the last four decades, and will continue to support them in the future with a planned gift, made through my estate plan, because they help the light of understanding shine upon the minds of their incredible pupils, and children around the world, and it changes everything. – Father Joseph Mazzone, 1829 Circle Member
The terms legacy or planned giving refer to charitable gifts that require more financial planning and thoughtfulness than a typical one-time contribution. This type of giving is popular because it can provide you with valuable tax benefits while giving Perkins the resources we need to improve the lives of children and young adults who are blind.
Through planned giving:
You can make a gift that costs nothing during your lifetime.
You can receive larger tax savings by giving stock.
You can donate your house, continue to live there and receive a tax break, all at the same time.
You can build a better future for the people we serve by remembering Perkins in a will, trust, retirement plan or life insurance policy. Helping Perkins and securing your financial future or the financial security of your loved ones starts with a solid estate plan. And a solid estate plan begins with your will.
The following language may be used for an outright gift by will:
Specific dollar amount or percentage:
“I give the (sum of dollars or percentage of estate) to the Trustees of Perkins School for the Blind, located in Watertown, Massachusetts, to be used for the school’s general purposes.”
Part or all of residue:
“I devise and bequeath to the Trustees of Perkins School for the Blind, located in Watertown, Massachusetts, (all or specify a portion) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to be used (for the school’s general purposes or insert a specific program or purpose.).”
Step 1: Get a copy of your current will.
Step 2: Mark the areas you would like to change.
Step 3: Meet with your estate planning attorney to draft and prepare your new document.
Step 4: Consider discussing changes with us if they affect your bequest to Perkins.
Just a few sentences in your will are all that is needed. You can give all of your estate, a percentage of your estate, a specific sum of dollars or the remainder of your estate (after other bequests) to Perkins. Your gift can be used for general support for Perkins or to fund specific programs or initiatives.
Any gift you make to Perkins is valued and will make a long-term difference in the lives of those we serve.
Planned giving staff is available to answer any questions attorneys or other financial advisors might have about making a gift to Perkins School for the Blind. While we can’t offer legal or financial advice, we can share giving options, draft language and provide other resources you’ll need to help your clients achieve their philanthropic, financial and estate-planning goals. Simply contact us or call 617-972-7328 with any questions.
Please note, donors are encouraged to consult an attorney, estate planner, financial advisor, accountant or other professional before making any major charitable donations. We would be happy to answer any questions that you have or prepare a no-obligation life-income gift proposal for you to share with your family and financial advisor.
Perkins School for the Blind is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
Charitable gifts should be directed to:
Development Department Perkins School for the Blind 175 North Beacon Street Watertown, MA 02472
Perkins’ federal tax ID number is 04-2103616.
Perkins’ full legal name is PERKINS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND.
Bill and Margot’s son, David, was the first non-deafblind child with multiple disabilities accepted by Perkins. Now, more than 40 years later, Bill and Margot continue supporting Perkins.
