Leave Your Legacy

Creating Opportunities That Last a Lifetime

Since our founding in 1887, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children has been dedicated to providing education, care and services to support children with visual impairment and blindness. A lot has changed since then, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to meeting the needs of the children and young adults we serve.

For over a century, philanthropy has sustained our mission, allowing us to adapt and grow in response to the evolving needs of our students.

In 1885, Pittsburgh philanthropist Jane Holmes bequeathed $40,000 for the “care and education of the blind.” Two years later, in January of 1887, the Western Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind was chartered.

The School was constructed in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh on 5.1 acres of land donated by Mary Schenley.

We are able to remain a source of education, care and opportunity thanks to the philanthropic support from donors like you. We are deeply grateful for the continuous generosity and compassion that enables us to serve our students today, and in the future. Legacy giving provides a meaningful way to create a lasting impact, ensuring that your support for our students continues for future generations to come.

Legacy giving is a significant source of the School’s revenue and contributes to the long-term sustainability of WPSBC. These gifts provide a stable source of funding that allows us to continue offering individualized education, innovative programs, and personalized care and services to our students. Your planned gift can help us expand our programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources that directly impact the lives of the children and families we serve.

Discover how making a legacy gift can support our students while continuing to meet your current financial needs.

With legacy giving, you maintain full control over your assets, directing contributions to causes that matter most to you. By designating where your gift will go, you can be assured that your legacy will reflect your personal beliefs and continue to make a difference in the areas closest to your heart.

Legacy giving not only benefits our students, but it can also offer financial advantages for you. Many planned gifts provide significant tax benefits, including reduced estate taxes and capital gains tax avoidance. Additionally, certain planned gifts, like charitable gift annuities and trusts, can provide you with income during your lifetime while supporting the causes you care about.

Bequests - Gifts in Your Will

A bequest is a gift made through your will or trust. You can designate a specific amount of money, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset to WPSBC. Bequests are flexible, easy to arrange, and can be adjusted as your life circumstances change.

Beneficiary Designations

You can name WPSBC as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy, retirement account (such as an IRA or 401(k)), Donor Advised Fund, or other financial accounts. These gifts are simple to set up and ensure that your support for our school continues without affecting your current financial situation

Gifts of Appreciated Assets

Donating stocks, bonds, or other appreciated assets can allow you to avoid capital gains taxes while supporting WPSBC. You may also receive a charitable deduction for the full value of the asset.

Charitable Gift Annuities

A charitable gift annuity allows you to make a donation to WPSBC and, in return, receive a fixed monthly income for life. This option offers you the security of steady income while providing future support to the School.

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)

With a CRT, you can transfer assets into a trust that provides income to you or other beneficiaries for a set period of time, after which the remaining assets go to WPSBC. This type of gift may offer tax benefits and help you support your loved ones while leaving a lasting legacy.

Create Your Legacy Today!

By including WPSBC in your estate plans, you can ensure that your legacy of generosity and compassion continues to make a difference for years to come. We encourage you to speak with your financial advisor or institution, or an attorney to discuss your options and determine the best type of legacy gift for you. They will help guide you through the process and make arrangements for your personal choices.

Legal Name: Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children

Tax ID Number: 25-1095385

Address:

201 N Bellefield Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15129