One of the most magical parts of the holiday season is how it inspires so many people to give back to their community in many ways.
If you are searching for ways to help this holiday season, your contribution to the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation has the power to change a child’s life forever.
What are the Ways to Give to the AFFCF?
In the nearly four decades since our founding, the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation has served close to 70,000 children throughout the state. Financial contributions from individuals and businesses, no matter how small or large, are how we are able to continue carrying out our organizational mission: to create opportunities to build self-esteem and empower children and youth in foster care by funding services to enrich their life experiences and ensure their successful transition to adulthood.
There are several ways you can give to the AFFCF, including:
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- Make an online donation
- Donate via mail
- Contribute over the phone
- Participate in the Amazon Smile program (and selecting the AFFCF)
- Sign up for the Fry’s Community Rewards Program
We understand that not everybody can make a direct donation, but many individuals still want to find some way to contribute to our efforts. If you aren’t presently able to donate but still want to help, we invite you to consider joining the Amazon Smile and Fry’s Community Rewards programs. These programs allow you to support your chosen organization every time you do your regular shopping, setting aside donations at no cost to you.
Celebrate with Holiday Generosity
Because of the generosity of our donors, the AFFCF can fund and facilitate our various programs because they provide the financial means to provide grants, scholarships and other gifts to children in foster care. As our community of repeat contributors grows, we are incredibly honored to expand our efforts and reach even more children than ever.
We are a non-profit organization, which means that 90 percent of every donation goes directly into children and young adult programs. The remainder is put toward fundraising management and administrative tasks. This means that when you choose to donate to AFFCF, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your money is truly going toward a wonderful cause.
Are you curious about what your donation can mean for a child? Here are a few examples:
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- A $50 donation can purchase admission to a local children’s museum for a child, opening up their world to new experiences and exploration.
- A $100 donation can purchase a weighted blanket or vest for a child in foster care who struggles with severe anxiety due to their circumstances.
- A $200 donation can provide a child with their first-ever pair of brand-new sneakers, warm clothing for winter, and a few books.
- A $500 donation can allow four children to sign up for a community baseball team, encouraging new friendships and increasing their confidence.
- A $1,000 donation can pay for six months of services for a youth in Keys to Success, a program designed to help young people aging out of foster care to lead successful, independent lives.
Your Donation May Qualify You for an Arizona Tax Credit
An Arizona charitable donation made to the AFFCF may qualify you to receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit. The Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit puts a financial donation within easier reach, providing a credit of up to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for joint filers who make a donation to a qualifying organization (such as the AFFCF).
Keys to Success
Key to Success is an AFFCF program that supports teens and young adults preparing to “age out” of the foster care system, helping to provide them with a path toward a successful, fulfilling future. Program participants are able to receive career development services, and our team works diligently to match each teen/young adult with community resources and employment opportunities.
The Bobby Ed Penson Fund
Even a seemingly small unexpected expense can completely derail the hopes and dreams of a young adult who has recently left the foster care system. Because many young adults that age out of foster care do not have a family support system of any kind, something as simple as car trouble can be incredibly difficult to manage. The Bobby Ed Penson Fund is designed to provide financial aid to students dealing with emergency expenses, ensuring that they can continue their education without interruption.
The AFFCF Post-Secondary Scholarship
Post-secondary education can often be out of reach for many teens and young adults from foster care because so many obstacles stand in the way. Our post-secondary scholarships ive prospective students the financial means to attend four-year or community colleges, empowering them to achieve their educational and career dreams.
Support Arizona Children in Foster Care for the Season of Giving
At the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, we are incredibly grateful to the contributors that help us make a meaningful difference in the lives of Arizona children in foster care. And although donors play a vital role in our efforts all year long, donations made during the holidays truly empower us to continue the programs that serve children and youth in need throughout our state.
Celebrate the true meaning of the holidays by making a charitable contribution to AFFCF today.
Image Source: Elena Srubina / Shutterstock