The Samaritans face a host of economic challenges. Here in Rhode Island, many of our major funders are changing the way grant dollars are awarded. Additionally, many national organizations are vying for both our callers and our funding. This makes the future of The Samaritans very tenuous.
As the only volunteer based organization in Rhode Island dealing with the stigma of suicide, The Samaritans is driven purely by philanthropy in terms of volunteer time and donations. Fees cannot be charged and we are not eligible for third party reimbursements.
How You Can HelpDonations help to support The Samaritans in many ways. The list below identifies what types of charitable donations can be made to the organization. Click on any category for an explanation of how we utilize a specific type of donation to further our efforts of suicide prevention and community awareness.
The Samaritans now accepts PayPal donations through this website. Just use the "Make a Donation" button at the top of this page. For special events, purchase your ticket online using PayPal and you'll be added to the guest list at the door.
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Annual gifts provide the most flexible support to operate our agency and its programs. Undesignated annual gifts are immediately available for use where they are most needed. These funds also support the development of new programs. Annual gifts may be restricted to support a specific program such as Hotline and Safe Place Support Group. [Return to top]
Many Rhode Islanders make donations to The Samaritans in memory or in honor of someone they care about or love. These gifts are acknowledged with a thank you note to the donor and a letter acknowledgement to the noted person or family. Additional recognitions are made in our annual report. [Return to top]
Hundreds of corporations, foundations and other organizations match their employees charitable contributions dollar for dollar, 2-to-1, 3-to-1 and even 4-to-1 for every dollar given. To take advantage of this giving opportunity, and increase the value of your gift to The Samaritans, you must obtain the form from your employer and submit it for processing. It is always helpful to let us know that your gift will be matched so we can notify you when the transaction is completed or if any questions arise. [Return to top]
Major educational and medical institutions have known for years, that endowments provide long-term financial stability to their organizations. The Samaritans is currently in the process of creating an endowment fund to ensure the continuing impact of its programs on the lives of Rhode Islanders in need. [Return to top]
Each year, The Samaritans receives gift giving opportunities such as bequests, life insurance proceeds, deferred gifts and residual gift annuities that can be beneficial to both the donor and The Samaritans. The Samaritans encourages you to contact your financial advisor and legal counsel to determine the best way to maximize these giving vehicles for you, your family and our agency. We would be happy to work with you on this giving option. [Return to top]
You can make an annual gift directly benefiting The Samaritans, through a United Way Community Impact Partner, by writing in The Samaritans on your United Way of Rhode Island workplace giving card. Donations to the United Way can be mailed to: The United Way, 229 Waterman Street, Providence RI 02906.
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Donating to The Samaritans through The Fund for Community Progress
You can make an annual gift directly benefiting The Samaritans through The Fund for Community Progress. Donations can be made online at
www.fundcp.org or may be taken over the phone at (401) 941-7100.
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Throughout the state, employers, employees, civic, fraternal and religious organizations help us to raise dollars to support the work of The Samaritans. Dress down days, days of remembrance and proceeds from cover charges for special events are just a few examples of how Rhode Islanders help us.
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