Giving FAQ's

Q: Is The Chicago Lighthouse a registered charity?  Is my gift to the Lighthouse tax-deductible?

A:  The Chicago Lighthouse For People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is a registered charity in the state of Illinois and has a tax exempt status from the IRS as a  501c3 organization (IRS 501(c)(3) Form). Once you make a gift to the Lighthouse, you will receive a receipt or confirmation letter to keep for your records and to use for tax purposes.

For more information about the Lighthouse and its status as a charitable organization, you can also visit www.guidestar.org to obtain any organization's address, names of their governing body, and copies of their income tax filings.

Q:  Does the Lighthouse ever sell its donors’ addresses to other organizations?

A:  Absolutely not!  The Chicago Lighthouse places the highest priority on protecting the privacy of our donors.  We hold all donor information in strict confidence. The Chicago Lighthouse does not and will not sell or trade a donor’s information to any other entity.

Q:  What if I want to make an anonymous gift to the Lighthouse?

A: The Chicago Lighthouse always respects the privacy of our donors who do not wish to reveal their generosity to the general public.  If you wish this to be the case, simply let us know when you make your donation that you want to remain anonymous.

Q:  Who am I helping with my gift to The Chicago Lighthouse?

A:  Our organization is home to over twenty-four unique programs serving infants, children, adults and seniors who are blind or visually impaired.  When you make a gift to our organization, your dollars are used where they are most needed – and you have the satisfaction of supporting an established charity with a 101-year-old track record of responsibility and success.  For a complete list of our programs, please visit our homepage.

If you would like to direct your gift to a specific program of The Lighthouse, you may indicate your intention in a note accompanying your gift or in the memo area of your check.

Q:  Will The Lighthouse accept donations of food, clothing, books or other in-kind items?

A:  The Chicago Lighthouse is always grateful for the generosity of our donors.  However, please call Cacia Sit at (312) 666-1331, extension 3137, to inquire about the suitability of your in-kind donation before making plans to drop it off at The Lighthouse.

Please note: The Chicago Lighthouse is not able to accept used computer hardware or software of any kind.

Q: How can I include The Chicago Lighthouse in my will or estate plans?

A: Click here or call us for more information.  To discuss estate gifts to The Chicago Lighthouse, please contact Jennifer Miller, Director of Development, at (312) 997-3643 or via e-mail at jennifer.miller@chicagolighthouse.org.   

Q: Is it possible to make a gift of stock to The Chicago Lighthouse?

A:  A stock gift to The Chicago Lighthouse is not only possible, but it can also help the donor to avoid paying capital gains tax.  Selling appreciated stock leaves the seller responsible for paying the taxes on any gains; however, the IRS waives capital gains taxes on all stocks gifted directly to a qualifying charity.  To make a stock gift, please contact Jennifer Miller, Director of Development, at (312) 997-3643 or via e-mail at jennifer.miller@chicagolighthouse.org.  

Q:  Who do I call if I have more questions about giving to The Lighthouse?

A:  Please call (312) 666-1331 and ask to speak to a member of the Development Department to speak further about financial support of The Chicago Lighthouse.