Ways to Contribute to the Scleroderma Foundation

Did you know that the work of the Scleroderma Foundation is supported completely by private and corporate donations? We do not receive any government support, and that includes the Foundation’s $1 million per year commitment to fund medical research. Thanks to the generosity of the scleroderma community—those living with the disease and those whose lives have been touched by it due to a friend or family member who has been diagnosed—the Scleroderma Foundation is able to meet its mission of support, education, and research.

We know that much more can be done to provide services to the scleroderma community; and we certainly know that more research needs to be funded, so it’s important that we strive to uncover and develop new funding sources to support our cause.

For those of you who support the work of the Foundation through financial contributions and volunteerism, we are truly grateful. Without you, we could not fulfill our mission.

But beyond writing a check or supporting a local fundraising event, there are many other ways that you can ensure that the work of the Foundation continues.

Planned Giving

It’s not always easy to talk about planned giving, but it’s a great way to support causes that are important to you and your family. Whether it’s through a bequest in your will of real or appreciated assets, gifts of stock, or adding the Scleroderma Foundation as a beneficiary on an insurance policy, there are numerous ways to support our mission.

The Foundation has a section on its Web site devoted to planned giving, including ways that can allow you the tax benefits of making a gift while ensuring an income for yourself for your lifetime. Our Planned Giving page has been recently updated and has numerous informational brochures that you can download. Check it out at www.scleroderma.org. Once on the Web site, go to the “Donate” button on the upper right side of the screen and select the “Planned Giving” option from the drop-down menu.

You an also get this information by calling the National Office at
800-722-HOPE (4673), and asking for Robert Riggs. He’ll be glad to provide you with any information that you need.

Throw a Party to Benefit the Foundation

A fun way to get your friends and neighbors involved in supporting scleroderma is to throw a party. From back-yard barbeques to elegant in-home dinners or cocktail parties and everything in between, many Foundation members use social events to generate awareness of and support for scleroderma and the Foundation by simply entertaining friends. The Foundation has a “Cooking up a Storm for Scleroderma” program that can help you plan for such an event, and our staff can also help you with creative ideas to make your next party a fun time while doing important work of charity. Call our Development Department at 800-722-HOPE (4673) to learn more.

Everyday Tasks That Can Add Up to a Lot of Support

What has your bank done for you lately? If you live in one of the 12 states (mostly in the southeastern part of the United States) where SunTrust Bank operates, you may want to consider banking with them. SunTrust Bank will make a $100 donation for each checking account that is opened between now and Oct. 12. We encourage you to select a bank that best suits your personal needs, but if you’re in the market for a new bank or a new bank account and you’re in a market where SunTrust Bank operates, we encourage you to explore what they can offer you—and the Scleroderma Foundation.

Do you ever search the Internet using Yahoo! or Google? If so, try a new search engine at www.goodsearch.com. Powered by Yahoo!, this online search engine provides about a penny to the user’s charity of choice for every internet search that you conduct. The Foundation is a registered user, as are five of its chapters.

Want to Learn More?

There are so many ways that we can support the scleroderma community. Do you have an idea or would you like to learn more about giving opportunities? Please call the National Office. Our staff will be happy to provide you with whatever type of information you’re looking for.