Reasons & Ways to Give
Reasons & Ways to Give
Stepping Stones is grateful to the friends and organizations who contribute to our mission to share and preserve the home, legacy, and archive of Bill and Lois Wilson. Some of the many giving options follow.
2022 Annual Appeal to Support Operations, Maintenance and Programs – Please consider making a gift to our annual fund drive before the end of 2022 to help us reach our goal. Gifts can be made to honor a friend or loved one. A tribute gift is a special way to celebrate an occasion or remember someone who was important to your journey. If you make a gift in honor of a friend, let us know how to reach them to inform them about your gift. Every gift of any amount makes a difference! The Stepping Stones Foundation is a nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization (Federal ID 13-3031164). Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by US law. Click to Give
Play Program Support – Help bring an inspiring message of hope to audiences by supporting Stepping Stones Play Program. The Wilson’s own original letters, diaries, and other writings comprise three plays of different lengths that can be licensed for events (online or in person) and performed by amateur or professional actors. On September 24, 2022, Stepping Stones offers a rare opportunity to see acclaimed professional actors present the 75-minute play live in-person in Katonah, NY. To donate, sponsor, or get tickets, go to https://SSFPlay.eventbrite.com
For general support of programs and events of Stepping Stones click here to give.
Below are testimonials of loyal supporters about why they are committed to supporting our work.
Donor Testimonials
In 2016, we began making a monthly gift to Stepping Stones Foundation to make sure the historic home and archives are available for generations to come. Since then we have watched as critical projects have been completed to ensure the future of Stepping Stones. We wholeheartedly support the good work of the Foundation and hope you will too. – Kurt & Michelle, Sioux Falls, SD
My recovery has changed my life in immeasurable ways, and I’m grateful. I cherish the history of Bill and Lois, their archive, and what the Wilsons did for me and the world. Each year, my husband and I give to Stepping Stones for their continued good stewardship of the historic site and to pay tribute to all that the Wilsons did for us. – Amy T., Washington DC
“Stepping Stones is Hallowed Ground for me. Lois knew we would want to come. Grateful. I Get to give money and time to Stepping Stones. It is a Big Gift in my Service Recovery.” – Linda V. Rhinebeck, NY
This simple, easy-to-budget way to be a consistent, dedicated donor can be set up by credit or debit card via our donation page. Choose from monthly or quarterly gifts of any amount with a recurring plan that you can change at any time. Email office@steppingstones.org with any questions.
Whether you or a loved one is celebrating an annual milestone in recovery or another special occasion, a donation to to help preserve the home of Bill and Lois Wilson is a meaningful way to share your joy or show gratitude. To mark a special celebration for you, a friend, or family member, please use our donation form and be sure to fill out the tribute options. We can also help you by calling 914-232-4822 or email to office@steppingstones.org.
Giving to Stepping Stones is a special way to honor the life, work, and contributions of friends and family. For those in recovery, making a gift in gratitude to someone who has helped them along the way or to congratulate a friend on an anniversary is a kind way of showing how much you care while making an impact here at Stepping Stones.
Leave a Legacy at Stepping Stones - Following in Bill and Lois' Footsteps
Keeping it Simple
The simplest way to make a planned gift is to include Stepping Stones Foundation as a beneficiary in one of the following:
- Wills or Trusts (“Bequests”) - Gifts of monetary or other assets (stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.). For our guidelines on real estate gifts, please email info@steppingstones.org
- Life Insurance Policies
- Retirement Plans (IRA, 401K, etc.)
To include Stepping Stones Foundation as a beneficiary in your will, policy, or other planning documents, please have your lawyer or plan administrator identify Stepping Stones Foundation as follows:
"Stepping Stones Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, with principal business address of P.O. Box 452, Bedford Hills, NY, 10507, and Federal Tax I.D. number 13-3031164."
Stepping Stones Foundation does not have a monetary limit to planned gifts and does not have a one-time limit.
For gifts through policies (life insurance, investment funds, etc.) or other planning documents some donors choose to contact their plan administrator to reflect their wishes (percentages or amounts and our name, ID and address) in the plan documents.
Options that May Be Beneficial
Your financial, tax, and legal consultants can explore more planned giving options with you, including those listed below. Depending on circumstances, some planned giving options may have financial advantages and some could potentially lower current or future tax burdens. Because Stepping Stones cannot give financial, tax, or legal advice, please consult your financial planner, tax accountant, estate planner or lawyer. Do not hesitate to contact us for our donor guidelines for these special options.
- Charitable Gift Annuities
- Deferred Gift Annuities
- Unitrusts
- Charitable Lead Trusts
- Donor Advised Funds (DAF)
- Testamentary Gifts
- Retained Life Estate Deed
Our current special projects are part of the "Sunlight of the Spirit" fundraising appeal for spring/summer 2021, and these include efforts to preserve the outdoor features of the home of Bill and Lois Wilson, including these three major projects:
- Repair "Stone Henge" - Outdoor fire place - site of many events - Approximate cost: $7,000
- Repair Fountain by Screen Porch in Garden - a favorite spot of Lois' - Approximate cost: $5,000
- Installation of Bricks from 17 William Street, Newark, NJ, the site of the writing of most of the first 164 pages of the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) - Approximate cost: $5,000
To make a contribution toward these projects on the DONATE page select "other" and "Sunlight" when making your gift. You can specify a project too.
Other items currently needed:
- Office furniture
Check back for more wish list items.
Plan an event or turn an event into a supportive one for Stepping Stones. Examples of how you can host and event in support of the historic home and archives follow:
- Facebook fundraiser for your birthday
- Party at your home or in your backyard with presentation from Stepping Stones
- Virtual presentation by our historians for your friends
- Host an event with friends such as a concert, comedy night, movie screening, or play presentation (see our events page for our play script program for amateurs)
These are just a few ideas. We can help you with additional suggestions by emailing info@steppingstones.org
For information on transferring real estate, stocks and other property, please email info@steppingstones.org for guidelines.
Stepping Stones welcomes our friends to share their talents or donate materials.
Operating Stepping Stones requires a range of materials and supplies. For a list of everything from office supplies to visitor supplies, please email info@steppingstones.org.
Some of the professional services that are among those you can share with us follow:
- Printing
- Newsletter Design
- SEO
- Public Relations
- Social Media
- Audio / Video Recording & Editing
- Writing, Editing, Proofreading
- Carpentry (licensed and insured)
- Plumbing (licensed and insured)
- Masonry (licensed and insured)
- Gardening and Landscaping
- Tree services
These are just a few of the options. Please feel free to let us know how you can help by emailing info@steppingstones.org and if you want to include your resume you are welcome to.