WHAT OUR FUNDRAISING MAKES POSSIBLE

Simply put, independent schools like the Independence Academy (IA) fundraise on an annual basis because the cost of tuition alone does not cover the educational experience provided at IA. While tuition covers many of the fees associated with providing an IA education, it is philanthropic support that provides the additional resources necessary to enhance our facilities, ensure our programs remain accessible to a diverse group of students, recruit specialized teachers, generate annual operating revenue — and consequently offer our students a world-class education that no other school in Indiana can provide.

Fundraising events are designed to offer a wide array of options for IA families and supporters to participate in philanthropically supporting the school. An annual gift to IA is an investment in our students, our faculty, our facilities, and our potential. 

Independence Academy is a nonprofit school. There are numerous ways to contribute to ensure that autistic children continue to receive the educational, social, and emotional support they need to live productive, fulfilling lives.

Since our inception in 2008, the Independence Academy has thrived because of the continued support of philanthropic individuals, families, friends, and alumni who believe in our mission to nurture students on the autism spectrum intellectually, emotionally, and socially in a distinctive atmosphere of academic excellence. Your financial support is a vote for this innovative school. Students eagerly engage in conversation with teachers, develop social skills with peers, participate in the arts, and collaborate on STEM projects as they achieve their highest potential.

 
 
Todd Root Director of Advancement

CONTACT

For more information about Independence Academy Giving, please contact:

Todd Root Director of Donor Advising

(317-785-0915)
troot@iaindiana.org

 
 
 
 

WHY GIVE TO Independence?

Expand our autism friendly technologies
Technology is continually being developed that directly benefits our students' unique needs. We look to provide our students with state-of-the art tools that enable them to thrive in a tech-centered world.

Teacher Development
The needs of our students are constantly changing, requiring the IA faculty and staff to adapt in order to serve students in the best possible way. Participating in specialized training allows teachers to master new techniques and approaches, thus enabling students to learn at their fullest potential.

Provide need-based scholarships
Many students could not attend The Independence Academy without tuition assistance. While we are not able to provide assistance to everyone who may need it, we provide scholarships as funding permits. With the exception of the School Choice voucher program, tuition assistance is made possible solely through the generosity of our donors.

 

How to DONATE

Give online using the button above
Make a gift online through our convenient, secure system.

Mail a cash gift
The Independence Academy
7302 Woodland Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46278


In-Kind/Item Donations

  • The Independence Academy welcomes in-kind gifts. Please contact the school prior to delivery or drop-off to ensure the item/items can be utilized. 317-926-0043

  • In-kind donations can be 100% tax-deductible. Please complete an in-kind/item donation form from the office.

  • Each in-kind donation will be recognized by the school with a thank-you acknowledgement.

  • Please check with your employer or former employer to see if they participate in a matching gift program.

Wills & Living Trusts

By including the Independence Academy in your will or living trust, you can make the important and lasting gift of a specialized education for students while meeting your financial and estate planning goals.

  • A bequest can take many forms, and because a bequest qualifies for the estate tax charitable deduction, it may reduce your taxable estate.

Retirement Plan Assets

Your IRA, 401(k), 403(b) or other qualified retirement plan may be heavily taxed if left to anyone other than a legally recognized spouse. By naming the Independence Academy of Indiana as a beneficiary of all or a portion of a retirement plan, you avoid both the estate tax and income tax due on these tax-deferred plans than if you distributed them to your heirs.

Insurance

If you have a life insurance policy you no longer need, you may consider transferring ownership to the Independence Academy of Indiana.

  • You may also purchase a new policy and later name the Independence Academy of Indiana as the owner and beneficiary. Either gift generates a charitable income tax deduction. The payment of premiums on behalf of the Independence Academy of Indiana will also enable you to claim income tax charitable deductions.

Gifting Stocks & Securities

Gifts of securities are simple to donate and may provide favorable tax benefits.

Gifts of securities are credited on the date of transfer to the Independence Academy of Indiana and are valued at the mean of the high and low quoted sales price on that day.

Stock may be donated by electronic transfer as follows:

Utilizing the Depository Trust Company (DTC), transfer shares between your broker and Independence Academy of Indiana’s investment custodian at Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group- Wise Financial. Please call our office at 317-785-0915 to notify us of your plans to make a gift of stock.

Donors can instruct their brokers with the following information needed to process their gift:

Investment Firm Custodian: Pershing LLC

DTC Eligible Securities: 0443

FFC A/C#: B40494252

A/C Name: The Independence Academy

Institutional ID#: N/A

Tax ID #: 26-1682732

From whom the stock gift is credit of: _________ (Name of Donor)

Purpose of Gift: ___________________ (indicate if unrestricted)
No purpose indicated is assumed to be unrestricted.

With a gift of stock, you can support the mission of the Independence Academy of Indiana and enjoy valuable tax benefits. Simply transfer stock of appreciated value directly to The Independence Academy of Indiana.

Avoid Capital Gains Tax

If you transfer stock of appreciated value directly to the Independence Academy of Indiana, you will not have to pay capital gains tax on the appreciated value of the stock that you may be obligated to pay if you were to sell the stock. That’s a real tax advantage for a charitable-minded stock owner who doesn’t want to pay capital gains taxes.

A Great Source for Major Gifts!

If you wish to make a larger gift to the Independence Academy, you can make a tax-wise gift with a transfer of stock rather than tapping into your cash accounts this year.

To discuss other giving options or for general philanthropic inquiries, please contact us. Contributions qualify as charitable donations, as the Independence Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.