The end-of-the-year giving season is an ideal time to donate to the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) and support its research, educational and advocacy initiatives.
“Every donation that we receive allows us to better support our community today, tomorrow and 10 years from now,” says James Uyeda, NHF’s director of development. “We understand that the money we receive from a donor is more than a donation; it is an investment in a brighter tomorrow. It represents a relationship with a grandmother, father, brother, sister. NHF uses these investments to ensure donors’ loved ones get the support and care they deserve.”
NHF’s influence reaches beyond just the bleeding disorders community, Uyeda says.
“While hemophilia and other bleeding disorders are rare, when you take a look at the things we’re fighting for—such as our advocacy efforts to make sure that pre-existing conditions will be covered and there are no lifetime caps, and our research efforts—the impact that we have on all people with chronic diseases is profound,” he says.
Here’s what you need to know about supporting the bleeding disorders community:
1. No gift is too small.
Many people think you need to make a big donation to really make a difference, but that’s the furthest thing from the truth, Uyeda says. “The only gift that is truly too small is no gift at all.”
That’s especially the case now, with many people and families struggling financially because of the pandemic. “We want to stay engaged with our donors throughout their lifetimes, and we understand there are going to be times when someone’s ability to give may fluctuate,” he says.
2. You can donate in different ways.
There are a variety of ways to support NHF:
- Make a one-time donation either online or by sending a check to National Hemophilia Foundation, ATTN: Development Department, 7 Penn Plaza, Suite 1204, New York, NY 10001.
- Set up an automatic monthly credit card donation, which provides NHF with a reliable source of income while reducing fundraising and administrative expenses.
- Consider planned giving options, which allow you to make charitable gifts, continue to meet your income needs and take advantage of tax incentives.
3. Consider holding a Facebook fundraiser.
In recent years, more and more people have raised money for NHF through Facebook fundraisers, Uyeda says. “The great thing about Facebook fundraisers is that it’s pretty simple. You have your built-in audience right there, and you don’t need to send out a separate email to family and friends asking for donations,” he says. Lots of people share Facebook fundraisers during their birthday months, but you can set one up at any time of the year.
4. Get creative with virtual fundraiser events.
Think outside the box and plan an online fundraiser. “While it’s not the same when we can’t all be together in person, our community members have found that they’ve been able to invite people to events who could not traditionally attend, and that’s been a really positive outcome,” Uyeda says.
5. Your gift is in good hands.
Not all charities are the same, and some are better than others at meeting their missions and keeping overhead costs low. For the past few years, Consumer Reports has named NHF one of the top 5 healthcare organizations to donate to. In addition, NHF earns high marks from Charity Navigator.
“At NHF, we are very appreciative of all of the generosity we receive. Donors entrust us to be good stewards of the funds, and we take pride in ensuring the donors’ intentions are met and sharing with them tangible examples of their gifts at work,” Uyeda says. “Donors’ gifts to NHF allow us to better serve the community and strive to achieve our mission of developing better treatment options and cures.”