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Giving Guide: Investing in Access. Inspiring Independence.

Your guide to giving opportunities that directly support Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities. Every day, Oregonians with disabilities face barriers to basic needs—housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and community access. For those living on limited incomes, these challenges are even greater.
The Blanche Fisher Foundation and the Independence Fund for Oregonians exist to help remove those barriers. With your support, we fund nonprofits and programs across Oregon that provide direct services and resources to people with disabilities who need them most.

“I couldn’t afford the ramp I needed. I was stuck — until your grant helped me leave my house safely for the first time in months.”
— BFF Grantee

DONATE TODAY

Welcome from the Board of Directors

At the Blanche Fischer Foundation, we believe that independence is a right — not a privilege. Through the Independence Fund for Oregonians, we are expanding our impact by inviting donors to stand with Oregonians who live with permanent physical disabilities.

This Fund allows us to grow beyond our original mandate, building stronger pathways to access, mobility, and opportunity statewide. It reflects not only our legacy — but also our future.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank you for your interest in supporting this work and for joining us in investing in independence across Oregon.

Why Your Support Matters

Roughly 1 in 8 adults in Oregon lives with a permanent physical disability — impacting their ability to move, live independently, and fully participate in daily life.
Many essential tools — like ramps, wheelchairs, vehicle lifts, or adaptive supports — are not fully covered by public programs.
Your gift helps fill these critical gaps, supporting safety, dignity, and full community participation.

“A wheelchair lift changed my life. Without your help, I couldn’t leave my home safely.”
— BFF Grantee

How You Can Give: Two Powerful Paths

1. Give Now — Direct to Grantmaking

Immediate impact. 100% of your gift goes directly to grantmaking.

Funds are held in a dedicated grantmaking account and used only for current-year grants to individuals and nonprofits. You can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring monthly donation to provide consistent, year-round support.
Gift language:
“This gift is designated for immediate use by the Independence Fund for Oregonians to support grants for individuals and organizations.”

2. Invest in the Future — Grow the Endowment

Create a lasting legacy of access and inclusion.

Your gift is invested as part of the Blanche Fischer Foundation endowment. A portion is distributed annually to support our giving, while the principal is preserved.
Bequest language:
“I give and bequeath [specific amount, percentage, or asset] to the Blanche Fischer Foundation (EIN: 93-0790099), to be used as part of its permanent endowment to support the Independence Fund for Oregonians and its mission.”

Tax-Efficient Giving Strategies

Gifts of Stock or Securities - Avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction.
Contact us for brokerage transfer instructions.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) - If you're 70½ or older, you can donate up to $100,000/year
directly from your IRA to satisfy your RMD without increasing taxable income.

Checks must be payable to:
Blanche Fischer Foundation (for the Independence Fund for Oregonians)
PO Box 22411, Eugene Oregon 97402

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
Recommend a grant to:
Blanche Fischer Foundation
EIN:93-0790099
Purpose: “For the Independence Fund for Oregonians”

Ready to Give?

Ready to make a difference? You can give a one-time gift, set up monthly giving, or choose a tax-smart method that aligns with your goals:

DONATE ONLINE

OR
Mail a check to: PO Box 22411, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact us for more details - and/or link to Independence Fund donation page

Thank you for investing in community access, dignity, and inspiring independence. 

A Note from Our Executive Director

Your generosity is not just a gift — it's a lifeline to mobility and independence.

Whether you give now or invest in our future, you’re helping create real, lasting impact for people living with permanent physical disabilities.

We recognize that the landscape of public and private support for individuals with disabilities is changing. As resources shift and shrink, the need for sustainable, long-term solutions becomes more urgent. That’s why the Blanche Fischer Foundation is committed to growing our endowment — to ensure future generations have access to the critical tools and support they need to thrive.

As part of our long-term vision, we are working to grow our portfolio from $2 million to $10 million by 2030. This goal reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that the Independence Fund for Oregonians becomes a lasting source of empowerment for Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities.

I welcome your questions, ideas, and partnership. We’re stronger with you beside us.

Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind — not today, and not tomorrow.

Sincerely in Service,
Kristin Fay Venus
Executive Director
📧 [email protected] | 📞 503 858 9320 | 🌐 www.bff.org

"Your privacy matters to us. The Blanche Fischer Foundation does not sell, trade, or share donor information. All gifts are processed securely, and donors may choose to remain anonymous. For details, please see our full Donor Privacy Policy."

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