Imagine the smiling faces of an older adult and their volunteer friend when they enjoy time visiting a museum, walking outdoors, or engaging in lively conversation over a cup of tea. Think of the joy when an older adult experiences the unconditional love of a pet, or the feeling of support and safety going to a doctor’s appointment.
These moments and meaningful connections are made possible by your gift; your caring; your belief in our mission to reduce elder isolation. You help to ensure that older adults in Greater Boston have the friendship and assistance they need. Currently, 50% of our funding comes from individual supporters like you. (See "Where our Funding Comes From" in the sidebar.) Your investment supports our work to end elder isolation!
“No one should be alone that doesn’t choose to be.”
Janet Seckel-Cerrotti
FriendshipWorks Executive Director since 1984
“I can see my dollars at work, making a difference in people’s lives.”
FriendshipWorks Supporter
Thank you for your interest in learning how to support FriendshipWorks. Discover how you can help end elder isolation by exploring the many giving options below. Together we can make Boston a model city for compassionate aging where no one has to face the challenges of aging alone. Need help determining the best giving option for you? Please contact our Director of Development and Communications, Patty Catalano, by email at pcatalano@fw4elders.org or by phone at (617) 482-1510 X124.
Gifts in Honor or in Memory: Gifts can be made in honor or in memory of someone special or important in your life, and can also be made to commemorate special occasions. You can also request that gifts to FriendshipWorks be made in your name for any occasion.
Monthly / Recurring Giving Program (Best Funding Friend-BFF): This giving option lets you decide on a recurring monthly gift amount, which is automatically charged to your credit or debit card — and you don’t have to think about it again after it is set up. Consider becoming a Best Funding Friend (BFF) by selecting "Make This a Monthly Payment" at check-out.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAF): Give through your donor-advised fund to maximize the impact of your generosity. Your fund sponsor (local community foundations; investments companies like Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard; and other select nonprofits) handles all record-keeping, disbursements, and tax receipts. You can find us on your donor-advised fund sponsor’s list of charities as FriendshipWorks. You can also find us through our tax ID #04-3140541. Click here to make a donation via a Donor Advised Fund with Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or BNY Mellon.
Planned Giving: Everyone can benefit from having a will to carry out their wishes, and planned gifts create extraordinary opportunities for FriendshipWorks and help to preserve our future. There are many easy giving options, ranging from naming our organization as a beneficiary in your will to more complex trust arrangements. Please consult with your estate planning attorney to determine the right plan to achieve your goals.
Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds: Make your contribution go further and take advantage of tax benefits by donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds to FriendshipWorks. Your gift will support our mission while avoiding capital gains tax on the appreciation of your stock. Doing so may allow us to receive a larger donation while saving you money on your taxes.
Donate Your Old Car: FriendshipWorks now offers a vehicle donation program through a third-party company called CARS Partners. You make the call, and they arrange the tow at your convenience, with no charge to you! The company then sells the car at auction, and FriendshipWorks receives a donation based on your car’s value (less costs of towing etc.)
Join the Philanthropets Society: When you enroll your pet, you join a community of like-minded individuals who share a profound appreciation for the boundless, unconditional love that pets bring into our lives.
Corporate Matching Gifts: Does your employer offer matching funds for charitable donations? Many companies will match your gift dollar for dollar—ask your human resources department, as different companies have different deadlines by which to participate. It’s an easy way to increase your support for the important work we do!
Workplace Giving Programs: We welcome being included in your company’s workplace charitable giving campaigns. This is an easy way for companies and their employees to support FriendshipWorks through automatic payroll deductions, or via check or credit card.
Learn More About the Impact of Your Gift
Your support is needed, now and throughout the year. Your donation is a gift of friendship to an isolated older adult who needs a warm smile, a conversation, or a helping hand. THANK YOU for helping to build connections that reduce isolation and create stronger communities!
This chart showcases the vital revenue streams that sustain our mission to reduce elder isolation in Greater Boston. We would like to acknowledge the generous donations from our individual supporters. And a special thank you to those who choose to leave a lasting legacy by including FriendshipWorks in their will.
Host Nichole Davis interviews FriendshipWorks Executive Director Janet Seckel-Cerrotti on the role of FriendshipWorks in reducing elder isolation throughout Greater Boston.
