Thank you for considering a gift to the Conklin Center. There are many ways to help. Your gifts are important to our ability to sustain and grow the daily residential, vocational and community-based programs that help children and adults who are blind to fully develop their potential. To keep you informed of how your contribution is transforming lives, you will receive our newsletter through the year.

General Donations: These gifts directly support all aspects of our work with children  who are blind or visually impaired and multihandicapped blind adults. The consistent support of donors sustains our daily academic, residential and community-based programs. You can designate that your gift be used to fund a specific program or need (employment services for adults, for example, or services to infants and toddlers).

Tribute Gifts: Gifts made “in memory” commemorate the life of a loved one who has passed away. Honorary gifts can celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday, graduation, anniversary or other important event.

Bequests and Planned Gifts: A bequest is an uncomplicated and effective way to ensure the Center’s training and support services will be available to children and adults who are blind whenever needed. Designating the Center as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account are other ways to create a legacy. Gifts of stock or real estate can provide you with income tax benefits while providing support. Please consult with your financial planner or attorney when considering this type of gift. Contact for a free copy of our will kit.

Sponsor an Event: The Conklin Center holds four annual special events: Ride for Sight Poker Run,  Motorcycle Giveaway of a Classic Harley Davidson, Night for Sight Casino/Dinner/Auction, and the White Cane Awareness Walk & Roll. Sponsorship highlights your company’s community spirit while helping multi-impaired children and adults develop their potential. Please contact for details.

Matching Gifts: A simple way to increase your donation is through your employer’s Matching Gift program; some companies even double or triple a gift. Often, the Human Resources Department can provide information about the company’s matching gift program and will provide a form for you to send us.

Giving Clubs:
     The Four Seasons Monthly Giving Club helps provide a stable source of income throughout the year. Your credit card is charged once each month for the amount that you choose.
     The Conklin Center Circle acknowledges annual gifts of $1,000 and above. In appreciation for this level of commitment, in addition to our newsletter and annual report, you will receive quarterly updates from the Executive Director.
     The Legacy of Hope is a special group of friends who have included the Center is their estate plans. Their commitment to ensuring the Conklin Center’s services are available when needed for years to come is permanently remembered on our website and in each year’s annual report.

Life Membership: Originally designed as steps to build endowment fund for the future, Life Membership funds were invested in a perpetual trust with only the interest being used. Now you may choose how your gift is used. Select the Operating Fund to help us serve our current students or the Endowment Fund to help build a source of stable income for the future. A named Life Membership is a wonderful way to honor someone in recognition of an accomplishment or major life milestone.

However you choose to help, your donation will have a significant and long lasting impact in the lives of children and adults who are blind and also have other disabilities.