Communication Center Fundraising

Communication Center

Information
Why Donate
Individuals Who Benefit From Services
How To Contribute
Donor Bill of Rights
Read Helen's Story About Making A Donation
Annual Reports - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us

INFORMATION:
In a world of printed information, what is it like to be blind?

For more than 100,000 Minnesotans, it means not being able to read:

Their local newspapers
Their school textbooks
The best-selling novel their friends are reading
Training materials for their job
Their phone, utility and credit card bills
Their bank statements
Restaurant menus
The recipe for their favorite dish
The manual for their new appliance
Advertisements

The Communication Center, part of State Services for the Blind, is the only organization in Minnesota that provides blind, visually impaired, learning disabled and physically disabled individuals with access to print materials to meet their educational, vocational, self-sufficiency and recreational needs.

Despite the great need, we've had to reduce service in some areas by as much as 40 percent because of funding cutbacks. This is in spite of receiving the equivalent of more than a million dollars each year in volunteer hours.

Although the Communication Center serves more than 15,000 Minnesotans annually, there are 70,000 to 100,000 additional Minnesotans who could benefit from our services, but who are not being reached.

We need your help. Please consider making a gift to the Communication Center . Help us ensure that Minnesota's blind and visually impaired citizens have the same access to information that you do.

To make a donation:

It's easy to donate to the Communication Center. Simply:

Mail a check or money order:
(Payable to The Communication Center Fund)
Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Communication Center Development Office
Attention: Angela K. Bodensteiner, Development Director
2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1840

Mail completed credit card form to:
Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Communication Center Development Office
Attention: Angela K. Bodensteiner, Development Director
2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1840

Download Donation Form

Stop by the Communication Center office:
Upon arrival ask the front desk receptionist to speak with development staff (Angela Bodensteiner, Sharon Ostrom or Gwen Bighley).

Questions? Call Angela Bodensteiner, Development Director for the Communication Center at (651) 642-0445.

Inquire with your company's Human Resource Department to see if they have a matching gift program. Click on How to Contribute and scroll down to the matching gift section.

WHY DONATE:

For the blind and visually impaired, the services provided by the Communication Center can be life-changing: a chance to be more independent, to continue their education, to feel part of the community. By making a donation to the Communication Center, you will help ensure that Minnesota 's blind and visually impaired citizens have the same access to information that you do.

Picture of Charlie Boone
Charlie Boone
WCCO Radio personality, Communication Center volunteer, and Chair of the Development Committee

“There are so many things sighted people take for granted—particularly the amount of information we get from printed material. The Communication Center provides a vital service to our blind and visually impaired neighbors, allowing them the same access to newspapers, novels, textbooks, manuals, and other materials as sighted people. I'm pleased to be able to support this service.”

As the baby boomers age, we need to prepare for a growing population of people who will need our services. Most of the federal funds we receive are designated for vocational rehabilitation and our working age consumers benefit greatly from those services. However, seniors are our largest and fastest growing population of consumers.

Currently, 70 percent of Communication Center users are over age 55. By 2010, demographic trends indicate that 80 percent of our consumers will be above the age of 55. We need to find additional resources to serve this growing population. There is also a large population of students with learning disabilities who need our services. State and federal funds available to cover services for the blind and visually impaired are not available for students with learning disabilities.

INDIVIDUALS WHO BENEFIT FROM OUR SERVICES:

Picture of Roosevelt
Small business owner and community volunteer, Communication Center user for 23 years

“When I was younger, they wanted to put me in a sheltered workshop because I was blind. But, with reasonable accommodations, I can be just as independent as anyone. I retired from my full-time job in 1997 and now have my own business. That's been possible because the Communication Center puts any work information I need onto Braille or tape. The same is true for my leisure activities—I get recipes put into Braille because I love to cook, and information I need for my volunteer activities.”

Photograph
Sixth grader, active in many after-school activities, Communication Center user for six years

“I think it's cool that the Communication Center puts all my stuff into Braille and does it so fast! They do all my school books, and they've also done my script for a community play, my Girl Scout manual and my camp materials. It's faster than having someone read to me, plus I can read it when I have time. It's also nice to be able to read along with everyone else. It makes me feel more a part of the group.”

Photograph
Avid reader and active retiree, Communication Center user for three years

“I lost my vision three years ago due to macular degeneration. I've always been a reader and because of the Communication Center's Radio Talking Book programs and Talking Book Cassettes, I've been able to continue participating in my book groups and my current events discussion group. It's kept the world open to me.”

Photograph
Former president of Piper Jaffray's equity capital markets and returning student, Communication Center user for more than 30 years

“My biggest fear growing up was that I would never get a job. You have to be able to read to be a valuable employee. Because the Communication Center put all my required books on tape, I had the foundation of reading I needed to succeed. I became Wall Street's #1 airline analyst before returning to Minnesota to work. Now I've decided to change careers and am pursing other opportunities. I will be using the Communication Center services again to put my books and other materials onto tape.”

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE:

“The Saint Paul Foundation is a proud partner of the Communication Center—one of Minnesota 's best kept secrets. The Center has touched the lives of thousands of Minnesotans over the past 50 years. We are fortunate to have such a resource in our state.”

Paul Verret, President Emeritus
The Saint Paul Foundation

The Communication Center offers a variety of ways you can support our programs and services, including gifts of time, leadership, gifts of stock or cash, and gift planning. The Communication Center has established a special fund at The Saint Paul Foundation to accept your tax deductible contribution. All checks should be made to The Communication Center Fund. Below is a brief overview of ways to contribute to the Communication Center. We would be delighted to answer any questions you may have and may be reached at (651) 642-0445.

Tribute Gifts:

Tribute gifts include commemorative and memorial gifts. Both provide a meaningful opportunity to support the Communication Center and recognize significant people in your life, and both can be given in honor of a family member, friend or organization.

When you give a commemorative gift, the Communication Center will send a letter to the person you have chosen to honor, letting her/him know of your contribution (no gift amount is mentioned).

Memorials are tribute gifts that honor a lost loved one. When you give a memorial gift, the Communication Center will send a letter to the family of the deceased (no gift amount is disclosed).

To make a donation:

It's easy to donate to the Communication Center. Simply:

Download Donation Form

Stop by the Communication Center office:
Upon arrival ask the front desk receptionist to speak with development staff (Angela Bodensteiner, Sharon Ostrom or Gwen Bighley).

Questions? Call Angela Bodensteiner, Development Director for the Communication Center at (651) 642-0445.

Inquire with your company's Human Resource Department to see if they have a matching gift program. Click on How to Contribute and scroll down to the matching gift section.

Corporate Sponsorship:
Sponsorship of the Minnesota Radio Talking Book (RTB) provides organizations with a unique and valued opportunity to reach 9,000 blind, visually impaired, physically disabled or learning disabled Minnesotans by opening their world with high quality, timely access to printed material. RTB program sponsors are recognized and greatly appreciated by our customers. They are an integral part of the Communication Center community making some of our customer's most valued programs possible.

As a result of their relationship with the Communication Center of Services for the Blind, our sponsors are rewarded through both their opportunity to support programming that informs, engages and inspires; and their ability to extend their corporate messaging and build loyalty amongst thousands of Minnesota listeners. If you are a corporation, brand, or agency interested in sponsorship or underwriting information, please contact Angela K. Bodensteiner, Development Director at (651) 642-0445.

Matching Gifts:
Some employers have a matching gift program that will double or even triple your contribution. Please obtain a matching gift form from your employer and send to:

Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Communication Center
Angela K. Bodensteiner, Development Director
2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1840

For more information, please call the Development Office at (651) 642-0445.

Volunteer:
If you are interested in any of our volunteer positions please click here .

As a volunteer at the Communication Center you will be giving the gift of time and talents. Currently the Center has 650 volunteers who donate the equivalent of $1.3 million in work hours each year. Volunteer opportunities include:

Radio or Tape Transcription (requires passing a short reading test taken at home and an oral reading test administered during a scheduled audition at the Communication Center).
Learning Braille and helping transcribe books into this code for use by Minnesota students.
Operating duplication equipment which is designed to produce copies of Braille books needed on a statewide and national basis.
Preparing tactile illustrations including math configurations in textbooks, graphs and maps.
Typing on a computer and helping produce work-related and leisure materials (requires passing a typing test).
Reconditioning radio receivers, phonographs and cassette players used by the Center‘s blind and visually impaired customers (training provided).

For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact Chris Schmiesser at (651) 642-0885

DONATE NOW:

It's easy to donate to the Communication Center. Simply:

Mail a check or money order:
(Payable to The Communication Center Fund)
Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Communication Center Development Office
Attention: Angela K. Bodensteiner, Development Director
2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1840

Mail completed credit card form to:
Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Communication Center Development Office
Attention: Angela K. Bodensteiner, Development Director
2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1840

Download Donation Form

Stop by the Communication Center office:
Upon arrival ask the front desk receptionist to speak with development staff (Angela Bodensteiner, Sharon Ostrom or Gwen Bighley).

Questions? Call Angela Bodensteiner, Development Director for the Communication Center at (651) 642-0445.

Inquire with your company's Human Resource Department to see if they have a matching gift program. Click on How to Contribute and scroll down to the matching gift section.

PLANNED GIVING:
Gift planning is a simple process that involves four important initial steps:

Take time to reflect on your values, life and what is important to you.
Consider the goals of the organization and if they align with your values.
Review your finances and financial needs for the future. Perhaps you may consult with your financial advisor(s).
Create a charitable gift that meets your goals and life values.

Determine if your values fit with the Communication Center's Mission—The Communication Center seeks to ensure that blind, visually impaired, physically disabled and learning disabled Minnesotans of all ages have timely, high-quality access to printed material that meets their educational, vocational, self-sufficiency and leisure needs.

The Communication Center has entered into an agreement with The Saint Paul Foundation whereby The Saint Paul Foundation will administer a Gift Annuity program for the Communication Center. A charitable gift annuity is a legally binding agreement between a person and a charity (in this case, The Saint Paul Foundation). The donor transfers assets to a charity and in return, the charity agrees to pay the donor, the donor and one other person, or one or two people who do not include the donor, a fixed income for life. The income is expressed as a percentage of the gift and varies with the number of income beneficiaries and their ages. The Gift Annuity payments are “backed” by all the assets of the charity.

At the inception of the Gift Annuity, the donor receives a charitable deduction for a portion of his/her contribution (the rest of the contribution is used to “back” the Gift Annuity payments). At the death of the last income recipient, the amount remaining in the Gift Annuity will be transferred to the Communication Center Endowment Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation. This fund will annually provide money for the general philanthropic purposes of the Communication Center, unless the donor has requested the contribution be used for a specific charitable purpose within the Communication Center. As of December 31, 2002, the market value of The Saint Paul Foundation's assets backing their Gift Annuity program exceeded $525.9 million.

Understanding the Process of a Charitable Gift Annuity:

You make a gift of cash, stocks or other assets to the Communication Center Fund.
The Communication Center Fund provides you or someone you designate with a guaranteed annual income for life.
You will benefit from an initial tax deduction on a portion of the gift.
You will also benefit annually from a tax-free portion of the income.
At the end of your lifetime, the Communication Center receives the balance of the annuity.
You receive the satisfaction of making a lasting contribution to the Communication Center for the Blind.

Here is an example:

Helen, an enthusiastic volunteer of the Communication Center , wants to make a contribution she knows will positively impact blind, visually impaired, learning disabled and physically disabled Minnesotans in the future.

She makes a gift of $10,000 to the Communication Center.
In return, the Communication Center Fund at The Saint Paul Foundation invests the gift and pays her 7.4% annually ($740) for the rest of her life. (The rate of return is based on the donor's age.)
Approximately $420 of this annual payment is tax free.*
The gift annuity helps sustain the timely high-quality services of the Communication Center that the volunteer and donor values.

*Professional staff of The Saint Paul Foundation and Angela Bodensteiner, Development Director of the Communication Center, will gladly provide you with tax and financial information for any size gift. Each donor is advised to consult with his or her own advisor(s) regarding the specific tax consequences of a charitable gift annuity.

For More Information Contact:

Angela Bodensteiner would be delighted to answer your questions about charitable gift annuities. If you wish, we can provide you a free gift annuity analysis. Please contact her via phone (651) 642-0445 or E-mail: abodenst@ssb.state.mn.us or write to:

Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Communication Center Development Office
Attention: Angela K. Bodensteiner, Development Director
2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1840

DONOR BILL OF RIGHTS

A Donor Bill of Rights

PHILANTHROPY is based on the voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements.
To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

Developed by:
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF FUND RAISING COUNSEL (AAFRC)
ASSOCIATION FOR HEALTHCARE PHILANTHROPY (AHP)
COUNCIL FOR ADVANCEMENT AND SUPPORT OF EDUCATION (CASE)
ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS (AFP)

Endorsed by:
(IN FORMATION)
INDEPENDENT SECTOR
NATIONAL CATHOLIC DEVELOPMENT ON PLANNED GIVING (NCPG)
COUNCIL FOR RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (CRD)
UNITED WAY OF AMERICA

READ HELEN'S STORY ABOUT MAKING A DONATION:

Helen Untereker worked just blocks from the Communication Center's main office in St. Paul for many years. But it wasn't until she moved to St. Cloud after her retirement that she discovered just how valuable the Communication Center's services could be.

"I've had vision problems since grade school," said Helen. "But I learned to do a lot with the vision I had." By 1979, however, when she retired, her central vision was gone completely as a result of macular degeneration.

"I heard about State Services for the Blind and the Communication Center and decided I should see what was available," she said. "I wanted to extend my vision as much as I could and do as much with my life as possible."

Helen stays fit by working out to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book's Take 20 for Fitness every day and walking a mile a day, weather permitting. She keeps connected to the community by listening to the St. Cloud newspaper every night on the Radio Talking Book. An added attraction is that she's often listening to the voice of a friend. "Some of my friends have become volunteer readers because they know how important this service is to me," said Helen.

She also reads talking books for pleasure using equipment supplied and repaired by the Communication Center. "I've always loved to read," she said. "I never feel lonely when I have my books to listen to." She receives other services from the Senior Services Unit of State Services for the Blind. Most recently, they loaned Helen an Aladdin Reader, which magnifies type onto a monitor, making it easier for her to read printed materials. "It's such a help for things like reading my mail," she said.

Helen finds the services so valuable that she's made it a mission, she says, to make sure other people in her building know about them. "I can't believe how many people have macular degeneration, but aren't using the Communication Center," she said. "I make sure people know about them. People need to take advantage of their wonderful services."

Helen has also become a contributor to the Communication Center. "They have given so much to me, and I know the recent cutbacks have been hard on them," she said. "l want to continue to contribute to the Communication Center as long as I'm able. They've been a godsend. We are so fortunate to have this kind of service in Minnesota."

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What programs and services does the Communication Center offer?

The Communication Center is a special library and transcription service providing reading material in alternate formats to citizens of Minnesota who have trouble reading normal print due to a visual or physical limitation. Services and programs of the Communication Center are made possible in part by the dedication of more than 650 volunteers.

Audio Services provides custom recordings of textbooks and other books in audio format and circulates Minnesota Radio Talking Book Receivers and Library of Congress Cassette Talking Book Machines. The machines use a nonstandard speed and special track format that enhances usability—the cassettes are incompatible with commercial machines—thus providing copyright protection. It takes a skilled volunteer three hours to record approximately 30 pages.

Braille Services produces Braille versions of textbooks and other books, as well as other printed material including phone and electric bills, bulletins, restaurant menus, and theater and music programs. Last year, 715,000 Braille pages were produced for Communication Center consumers.

Minnesota Radio Talking Book provides approximately 9,000 Minnesota listeners with 24-hour access to magazines, newspapers, and best selling books via special radio receivers and the Internet. Radio Talking Book was developed by the Communication Center in 1969 and has been replicated throughout the United States.

Dial-In News and NFB NEWSLINE® provide access to three local and 95 national newspapers via touchtone phone.

Engineering Services is responsible for the upkeep, development and maintenance of 23,000 pieces of audio equipment used by Communication Center consumers, and volunteers and staff that produce audio materials.

Will I be eligible for a tax deduction if I contribute to the Communication Center Fund?

Yes. The Communication Center has established a special fund at The Saint Paul Foundation to accept your tax deductible contribution. All checks should be made to The Communication Center Fund.

You may be receiving a separate receipt for tax deduction purposes directly from The Saint Paul Foundation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Angela K. Bodensteiner, Development Director at (651) 642-044.

Who does the program serve?

The Communication Center serves blind, visually impaired, learning disabled and physically disabled Minnesotans of all ages. In 2003, the Center served 15,215 Minnesotans of which 62 percent were female and 38 percent were male.

Percentage of Communication Center Consumers by Age

0-18: 5%
19-25: 6%
26-40: 9%
41-55: 10%
56-64: 7%
65-74: 8%
85+: 36%

Does the Communication Center accept donations of any size?

Yes. The Communication Center welcomes donations in any amount. In 2003, the average gift amount was $40 however, donation amounts ranged from $4 to $1,000 plus. See Donate Now for information on how to make a donation.

If I donate, will my name be shared with other non-profits?

No. The Communication Center does not share donor names or exchange lists of donors with other non-profits.

Is it possible to make an anonymous gift?

Yes. The Communication Center respects the donors right to remain anonymous.

How many donations come into the Communication Center each year?

In 2003—from October 1, 2002 to September 30, 2003—the Communication Center received 1,500 donations totaling $142,452. For more information click here for the Center's 2004 Annual Report.

Contact Us:

(800) 652-9000 Toll Free
(651) 642-0445 Angela Bodensteiner, Development Director
(651) 642-0437 Sharon Ostrom, Development Associate
(651) 642-5905 Gwen Bighley, Database Manager

*If you or someone you know could use our services, please call the Communication Center at: (800) 652-9000 Toll Free or (651) 642-0885 for information on Eligibility requirements.

To make a donation:

It's easy to donate to the Communication Center. Simply:

Mail a check or money order:
(Payable to The Communication Center Fund)
Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Communication Center Development Office
Attention: Angela K. Bodensteiner, Development Director
2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1840

Mail completed credit card form to:
Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Communication Center Development Office
Attention: Angela K. Bodensteiner, Development Director
2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1840

Download Donation Form

Stop by the Communication Center office:
Upon arrival ask the front desk receptionist to speak with development staff (Angela Bodensteiner, Sharon Ostrom or Gwen Bighley).

Questions? Call Angela Bodensteiner, Development Director for the Communication Center at (651) 642-0445.

Inquire with your company's Human Resource Department to see if they have a matching gift program. Click on How to Contribute and scroll down to the matching gift section.