Charity
Non-profit charitable organizations play an important role in most communities. The larger organizations (hospitals, universities and community funds) are more widely known and tend to be better funded. Our purpose here will be to present some of the smaller, less well known charitable organizations that are also doing great work in our communities. All of these organizations, both large and small, are worthy of support. They also fit well into our planning model at Legacy Financial given the tax benefits and other advantages they can provide. In presenting a small sample of worthy organizations, we are not endorsing particular organizations or causes, but rather hoping to inspire your consideration of charitable giving as a component of your financial plan.
Gateways: Access to Jewish Education
Year Founded: 2006
Mission: Gateways provides high quality special education services, expertise and support to enable students with diverse learning needs to succeed in Jewish educational settings and participate meaningfully in Jewish life.
Geographic Reach: Boston Metropolitan area and New England, with additional professional development work in communities beyond Boston.
Annual Budget: $2.8 Million
Impact to date: Gateways has deeply and positively impacted the lives of hundreds of children and families with disabilities for whom Jewish educational options were limited or challenging and has been able to see over 70 of these children through their b’nei mitzvahs at dozens of synagogues of all denominations. The organization has also provided the in-school support services that have made it possible for thousands of students to attend Jewish day schools. Gateways has also built a strong reputation in the Jewish educational arena for its stellar professional development offerings, curricular materials and successful programs for students ages 4–18.
Special Note: Gateways is the most comprehensive Jewish special educational organization in North America.
Contact: Arlene Remz, Executive Director. 617-630-9010 x101 / arlener@jgateways.org
English for New Bostonians
Year Founded: 2001
Mission: To increase access to high-quality English language learning opportunities for adult immigrants. ENB works to support high-quality, accessible English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL programs); to expand Boston’s capacity to serve English language learners; to test new strategies to reach learners at home, in the community, and at work; to encourage new investment by diverse stakeholders; to heighten awareness about the importance of adult English language learning; and to support the development of a coordinated ESOL system in Boston.
Geographic Reach: Boston, Massachusetts
Annual Budget: $1,574,300
Impact to date: Every year, ENB reaches over 1,100 students from around the world, including parents, refugees, the newly arrived, and people living on very low incomes. ENB creates new opportunities for students to learn English, for teachers and volunteers to improve their skills, and for the public to better understand the importance of English to immigrants’ ability to achieve their American dreams as parents, community members, workers, voters, business owners, and leaders. ENB works with schools, students, community activists, government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses to create a welcoming Boston that offers immigrants the opportunity to learn English and take part in all aspects of civic life.
Special Note: English for New Bostonians funds one third of the total number of seats in ESOL programs Boston. Last year ENB reached 1,123 adult learners.
Contact: Claudia Green, Executive Director. 617-982-6861 / cgreen@englishfornewbostonians.org
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
Year Founded: 1991
Mission: Care. Cure. Thrive.
Geographic Reach: Nationwide
Annual Budget: $5M+ (2016 preliminary financials)
Impact to date: The organization is the largest nonprofit funder of childhood brain tumor research with nearly $30M invested, and also provides support services while families are navigating these devastating diseases.
Special Note: In late 2016, the CDC announced that pediatric brain tumors had surpassed leukemia as the deadliest form of childhood cancer.
Contact: Vladimir Giterman, Task Force Leader. 617-686-6092 / vlgiterman@gmail.com
PBTF: Our Mission Is to Cure the Kids from Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation on Vimeo.
Entities listed are independent charitable organizations. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.