Options for Giving Now
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
We rely on the generosity of our donors to invest in our current programming and to help us plan for our future, by ensuring we have the funding to offer these services at no or low cost. Your investment in the BVIC allows individuals to define and live life on their terms rather than letting their vision loss define it for them. Please be generous.
For a confidential conversation, please contact Steven Macias, 831-649-3505 or steven@blindandlowvision.org.
Your Gift Will Make a Difference!
Gifts of cash, stock, bonds, mutual funds, property, life insurance or other assets are greatly appreciated. We also welcome monthly giving, legacy gifts, and gifts-in-kind. Your gift is tax-deductible.
Donate by mail:
Donations at BVIC
225 Laurel Ave
Pacific Grove, Ca 93950
Donate Online through PayPal:
Lives Changed – Your Support Paves the Way Toward Independence
Our work as a nonprofit organization providing low vision assessments, training, social adjustment and independent living skills, we instill hope and empower individuals with vision loss to gain the skills and confidence they need to maintain their independence and desired quality of life. This is only possible through the generosity of donors, foundations and corporations like you.
Need for Services
As with other health issues, Low Vision conditions increase with age, with a marked rise beginning in the mid-sixties. According to a 2010 NEI study, 2% of all races aged 40+ will experience low vision, with those aged 80+ experiencing reduced vision at a rate of 17.25%. Females account for 63%, compared to males at 37%. This is partly due to females out living males. The prevalence by race is: White-2.2%, Black-1.2%, Hispanic–1.7%, and all other 1.5%. Of the average 2% of population experiencing low vision: 84% are White, 7% Black, 6% Hispanic, and 3% all other. Our 2015 statistics are in line with these numbers except with a higher Hispanic population, which is expected for our community.
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For Monterey County, with a population of 431,344 (2014 census.gov) this means an average of 8,626 of all residents are living with low vision. With 12% (51,761) of the population being age 64+, this means an estimated 1,035 seniors are experiencing vision loss. As the baby boomer population continues to age, the numbers in the 64+ range will increase. The National Federation of the Blind estimates that 2.4% (compared to NEI 2% rate) of the adult population is blind or has low vision, so these numbers could be even higher. The BVIC saw 355 unduplicated clients in 2016, far less than the projected needs of Monterey County, as this is what our current budget and staffing levels allow. Our staff works hard to efficiently and effectively use their time, but even so we have waiting lists for our various program services.
It can be an overwhelming and difficult adjustment to transition from living fully sighted to partially or not sighted. The BVIC is here as a safe harbor of hope and as a partner in the journey through this adjustment. As the only center for teaching low vision and blindness skills in the county, we take our role very seriously.
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Corporate Giving – Become a Visionary Partner
Your business or company can show its compassion for our mission by becoming a Visionary Partner. Through corporate grants, event sponsorship, donations and in-kind services, your partnership helps to remove barriers and build independence.
Please help us in supporting and thanking our generous business partners who make a difference in the lives of those in our community who are visually impaired!
List of Visionary Partners under development…
Give with Confidence
All gifts are receipted. BVIC will never rent, sell or share your information. If you wish your donation to be anonymous, please notify us at the time you make your gift. Your gift is tax-deductible.
Federal Tax ID #23-7221588
Confidentiality is very important to us, both for the individuals we serve and for our donors. BVIC will never rent, sell or share your information. The BVIC abides by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights.