Help a child with autism thrive in school and beyond.
Ways to Give
As a nonprofit, independent school, fundraising is critical. Tuition alone does not cover the learning experience we provide students; philanthropic support is what opens doors to additional resources, and enables us to offer children with autism the opportunity for an unrivaled education.
There are many ways to give to our cause—most of which are tax-advantaged. Help ensure Indianapolis area students receive the intellectual, social and emotional support they need to live productive, fulfilling lives.
Direct gifts
Your contribution is a vote for our innovative autism school. Conveniently donate online or mail a check to:
The Independence Academy
c/o Marisa Gill
7302 Woodland Drive
Indianapolis, Indiana 46278
Matching gifts
Many companies have programs to match dollar-for-dollar the charitable gifts made by employees, spouses, and sometimes board members and retirees. Multiply your impact by asking your employer’s HR department or benefits coordinator for more information.
SGO tax credit
A gift to The Independence Academy through our SGO (scholarship granting organization) is a win-win: you’ll receive a state tax credit equal to 50% of your gift amount, and your contribution will provide needs-based scholarships to eligible incoming and current IA students.
Planned giving
A versatile way to support our mission is through a gift in your will or living trust. Charitable bequests to The Independence Academy ensure we can continue inspiring student success.
Retirement assets
By designating IA as a beneficiary of all or part of your IRA, 401k or other qualified retirement plan, one hundred percent of the value can be used to serve our mission, whereas distributions may be subject to substantial tax levies if left to a loved one.
Insurance policies
Unneeded life insurance policies make a wonderful gift to 501c3 organizations like IA. Be a vital part of our students’ journeys towards resilience and success by transferring ownership of a paid-up policy to The Independence Academy.
Stock assets
No matter which type you donate—stocks, bonds, mutual funds, securities or real estate—transferring appreciated stock to IA may help you save on taxes, while giving wisely to a school that is shaping a brighter future for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Please transfer assets to:
Pershing, LLC
c/o The Independence Academy
Account: 9711-0557
DTC: 0164
To ensure your gift is properly receipted, please email marisagill@iaindiana.org to notify us of the transfer.
In-kind gifts
In-kind gifts can be made in the form of goods, services or expertise, and should align with our mission. Examples of relevant donations include grant-writing services; school, art and office supplies; and autism-friendly technology.
IA charity events
Join the fun and make a positive impact in the lives of autistic students by sponsoring or attending our two annual fundraisers: An Evening for Autism and Golf 4 Autism. Proceeds from these events support our dedication to nurturing academic growth and independent skill development for our remarkable students.
How your donation helps enhance the student experience at our school.
NEEDS-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Many students could not attend The Independence Academy without tuition assistance. With the exception of the Indiana Choice School voucher program, scholarship funding is made possible solely through the generosity of our donors. Awarding scholarships also enables us to maintain accessibility to a diverse group of children.
PROGRAM + AMENITY ENHANCEMENTS
As an autism-specific school, we are committed to offering unique curriculums, activities and spaces that wholly nurture our students. This includes innovative technology that promotes independence, expands communication and increases social interactions of children with ASD.
TEACHER RECRUITMENT + DEVELOPMENT
The Independence Academy endeavors to attract top-performing educators with specialized experience in evidence-based practices for adolescent students on the autism spectrum. Moreover, participating in continued training empowers our faculty to master new methodologies which support the evolving needs of our unique student population.
ANNUAL OPERATING COSTS
The Independence Academy is a federally registered 501c3 nonprofit organization and relies heavily on public support to fund our mission. Sustaining ongoing expenses central to our operation allows us to continue serving autistic students who need a place to belong and succeed.
To discuss giving options or for philanthropic inquiries, contact Marisa Gill at marisagill@iaindiana.org or 317.926.0043.
The Independence Academy’s federal EIN/tax identification number is 26-1682732. Information shared herein is not intended as legal or tax advice. Please consult an attorney or tax advisor.