The Scleroderma Research Foundation believes medical research holds the key to better treatment and a final cure. Our Foundation is a community of patients, scientists, physicians and donors who will not rest until a cure is found. Charitable donations are our only source of support. Your contribution will be put to work on one of several current scleroderma research projects recommended to us by our distinguished national Scientific Advisory Board.

Annual Giving - Underwriting Research Year by Year
Annual giving allows the Foundation's research to progress toward our goal of a cure for scleroderma. The SRF's ongoing work is sustained by the yearly support of families and friends from around the world. Many donors contribute on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis, making scleroderma research a regular part of their charitable giving.

The SRF offers numerous opportunities to sponsor research programs and special activities. Please contact the Foundation at (800) 441-CURE or send us an for a complete list of sponsorship opportunities.

Tribute Gifts - Honoring and Remembering Family and Friends
Patients, friends and families feel deep appreciation for gifts to the Scleroderma Research Foundation given in honor of a patient, in celebration of a special occasion or in memory of a loved one. The greatest support that can be given to scleroderma patients is the commitment to developing successful therapies and, eventually, putting an end to the suffering caused by this disease.

You can give a gift in honor or in memory of a special person. The SRF will send a personalized tribute acknowledgement to your chosen individual or family indicating that you have made a gift in their honor. Tribute gifts are especially appropriate at holiday times, as well as birthdays and anniversaries.

Matching Gifts - A Gift that Gives Twice
The Scleroderma Research Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Because of this, many companies match their employees' contributions. Matching gift programs offer an excellent way for you and your company to work together to find a cure for scleroderma. Some companies also match gifts from corporate officers and directors, retired employees, spouses and widows/widowers.

Ask your Human Resources department if your company will match your contribution. If yes, show them a receipt for your charitable gift (one will be mailed to you from the SRF), fill out their matching form and mail it to the Foundation at the address below. If no, you can ask if they would consider implementing such a policy to benefit the SRF and other qualified nonprofit organizations. Keep in mind that some companies ask that you notify them in advance of your intention to make a donation.

Forms can be mailed to: Scleroderma Research Foundation, 220 Montgomery Street, Suite 1411, San Francisco, CA 94104, or faxed to (415) 834-9177.

Gifts of Stock - Tax savings two ways
Appreciated stock donations provide tax advantages in two ways. You can avoid capital gains tax on your earnings by making a charitable donation of the stock (provided you have owned the stock for a required period). And, you can take an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time of your gift. The SRF welcomes gifts of stock through the receiving firm of:

Merrill Lynch
50 W. San Fernando Street, 16th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
DTC transfer code: 5198
Receiving account: Scleroderma Research Foundation,
Account number: 233-07C83
Merrill Lynch contact: Michael Craig, Tel: (800) 459-9632.

Planned Giving - Building your Philanthropic Legacy

Including the Scleroderma Research Foundation in your estate planning guarantees your lifetime commitment to finding a cure will not end. A will or living trust is often the simplest way to provide continuing support for all who live in hope of a cure. You can also name the SRF as the beneficiary of a revocable trust, life insurance policy or retirement plan.

Estate planning addresses ways you can acquire, preserve and distribute wealth now and long into the future. You can give almost any kind of asset to the Scleroderma Research Foundation, including cash, securities and an interest in real estate. As a nonprofit organization, the SRF can help you express your philanthropic values and goals, while also reducing income tax, capital gains tax and estate taxes.

You may want to consider the following:

• Residual Bequest - The Scleroderma Research Foundation can be given all or a percentage of the remainder of your estate after specific amounts for other beneficiaries are distributed and estate-related expenses are paid.
• Specific Bequest-The SRF can be given a specified dollar amount or specified assets, such as securities or real estate.
• Contingent Bequest-The SRF is provided for upon the occurrence of some event, such as when a primary beneficiary does not survive the donor.
• Testamentary Trusts-You can establish a trust through your will in which beneficiaries receive income for life or a term of years. Then, at the end of the trust term, the SRF receives the remainder.

To receive specific bequest language or for further information, you or your financial advisor are invited to contact the Scleroderma Research Foundation. Call (800) 441-CURE or to email us.

For additional information about planned giving, click here.

Cure Advocates - Friends Across America Working for a Cure
Cure Advocates are volunteers who raise awareness and funds in their local communities for scleroderma research. They organize walks, runs, shows and just about any other activity their abundant creativity can invent-all to help spread the word about scleroderma and the need for a cure. Cure Advocates sometimes share their stories with television and newspaper reporters, photographers and radio show hosts. Many times, they contact legislative officials who can help secure even more attention. Cure Advocates stand together with their neighbors and friends in the scleroderma community.

To become a Cure Advocate or find out if there is an upcoming Cure Advocate event in your area, call the SRF at (800) 441-CURE, or to send us an email. You can also view a listing of recent and upcoming Cure Advocate events by clicking here.

Cool Comedy - Hot Cuisine - The SRF's Flagship Fundraiser
Since 1988, the Scleroderma Research Foundation has brought laughter-and some tears-to thousands of revelers at its signature fundraising event, Cool Comedy - Hot Cuisine. Established by Foundation Board Member and nationally recognized restaurateur Susan Feniger with SRF founder Sharon Monsky, the event features gourmet food and performances by many of the world's most celebrated comedians.

You can join patients, friends, business leaders and many of Hollywood's biggest stars in support of scleroderma research by attending Cool Comedy-Hot Cuisine. Additionally, there are many unique opportunities for you and your friends, or your company, to become involved, such as sponsoring a table, underwriting a portion of the event or providing auction items.

Cool Comedy - Hot Cuisine events are currently held in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Call (800) 441-CURE for more information, or to email us any questions or comments.

Online Giving - Easy and Secure Charitable Donation
Many supporters choose to give online. The Scleroderma Research Foundation's Web site provides a fast and secure way to give by credit card. We will follow up with a written acknowledgment of your donation. Click here to make an online donation today.

Telephone Giving - Call us Today to Make a Gift in Any Amount
You can call SRF toll free at (800) 441-CURE and we will take your information over the phone and mail you a receipt for your generous gift.

Your request for information places you under no obligation. The Scleroderma Research Foundation does not give legal or tax advice.