Make an
impact today

When you choose to give, you become part of something bigger—something powerful.

3% Cover the Fee

Why give?

  • ✽

    Make A Difference

    Your donation helps create real, measurable change in the lives of those we serve.

  • ✽

    Support A Cause You Love

    Give back to something that aligns with your values and passions.

  • ✽

    Be Part of A Solution

    Join a community of caregivers and providers working together to address important issues.

  • ✽

    Create Lasting Impact

    Your contribution helps fund programs, and create new ones.

  • ✽

    Fund Grassroots Work

    Support local, hands-on efforts that make a difference where it matters most.

  • ✽

    Inspire Others

    Your generosity can motivate friends, family, and colleagues to support our Special Friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes — donations to Special Friends of Northwest Ohio are generally tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

    Key points:

    • Special Friends of Northwest Ohio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contributions made to our organization are tax-deductible as charitable donations for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

    • To claim a deduction, you must itemize deductions on your federal tax return (Schedule A of Form 1040). If you take the standard deduction, you cannot also claim a charitable deduction.

    • For cash donations:

      • Keep bank statements, cancelled checks, or a written acknowledgement from the charity for any single donation of $250 or more. The acknowledgement must state the amount of cash and whether you received any goods or services in return.

      • For donations under $250, a bank record or receipt is generally sufficient documentation.

    • Non-cash donations (clothing, household items, securities, vehicles, etc.):

      • Obtain a written receipt from the charity describing the donated items and, for donations over $500, complete IRS Form 8283 when filing your return.

      • For items valued over $5,000, a qualified appraisal and additional IRS rules may apply.

    • If you received goods or services in return for your donation (tickets, memberships, goods), you can only deduct the amount that exceeds the fair market value of those goods/services. The charity should provide a written statement indicating the value of any benefits received for donations of $75 or more.

    • State and local tax treatments may differ from federal rules. Consult your state tax authority for details.

    This is general information and not tax advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a tax professional or the IRS. If you need a donation acknowledgement or receipt from Special Friends of Northwest Ohio, contact our office and we will provide one.

  • Donations to Special Friends of Northwest Ohio directly support programs and services that improve quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funds are used for:

    • Direct services: funding community-based activities, job coaching, skill-building classes, and day programs that promote independence and inclusion.

    • Program development and staff training: investing in new initiatives, curriculum development, programs and professional training to improve service quality.

    • Administrative and compliance costs: covering essential operational expenses to ensure programs are well-managed, safe, and compliant with regulations.

    • Classrooms and community events: Donations help fund our instructor + teacher assistance programs and ensure in-classroom needs are met.

    We strive to stretch every dollar for maximum impact, prioritize direct services, and maintain transparency so donors know their contributions make a measurable difference in people’s lives.

  • Yes. You can donate in honor or memory of someone.

    When making an honor or memorial gift, we recommend discussing operational needs with the person making the donation so we can identify the best fit for both parties. Some donors prefer to support general operating expenses, which provide flexible funding for day-to-day programs, staffing, and facility needs. Others choose to direct their gift to a specific program, service, or capital need (for example: program scholarships, equipment, facility improvements, or a specific program area).

    What we’ll do with you:

    • Review current operating priorities and funding needs.

    • Explain how different types of gifts (unrestricted vs. restricted) are used and any timeline or reporting associated with a restricted gift.

    • Suggest options that match the donor’s intent—honoring a person

    If you have specific requests for how the gift is used or how the honoree’s family should be notified, tell us up front so we can honor those wishes while ensuring the gift supports our most effective work.