Empower people who are blind or visually impaired
All gifts are used to support the Council’s mission to promote the dignity and empowerment of the people in Wisconsin who are blind and visually impaired by providing services, advocating legislation and educating the general public.
The Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. View our list of donors.
Sarah Evans says that one of her favorite things is going for a walk in the park near her house. Legally blind from cataracts, Sarah says she was able to walk through the park without a white cane, but crossing the roads to get to the park was a real challenge… Continue Reading Support Independence and Confidence During the Council’s White Cane Appeal
Become a White Cane Circle member by making a monthly gift to the Council. This can be done via credit card, bank transfer, or by clicking the button below and selecting “Make this a monthly donation.”
Gifts of cash, check or credit card can provide immediate help for programs and services. The Council accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover. Donations can also be made securely online through PayPal.
To direct memorial donations to the Council, please include these words in the obituary:
“Memorial gifts may be made to Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired, 754 Williamson Street, Madison, WI 53703 or online at WCBlind.org.”
A matching gift from your employer or former employer (if retired) can substantially increase the value of your gift. Please notify us if your gift is eligible for a corporate match.
The Council welcomes gifts from donor advised funds. Acknowledgement will be sent as directed by the foundation disbursing the funds.
Gifts we receive through bequests and other estate gifts strengthen the Council’s ability to provide services to the thousands of people in Wisconsin who are adjusting to life with vision loss. Leaving a gift to the Council in your will provides a way for your values to live on indefinitely through the good works of the Council.
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is a member of Community Shares of Wisconsin, a federation that raises money to support its member organizations that work for social, economic and environmental justice at the local, state and national levels. The Council will receive 100% of your gift when it comes through Community Shares!
Members of the Legacy Circle are individuals who have made a planned gift that will benefit the Council after their death. This could be through a will, trust, charitable gift annuity, insurance policy, retirement assets, or other estate gift.
“To me, one of the most important components of what the Council stands for and does is educating the sighted world about blindness and visual impairment. The Council proves that you can live and thrive without sight. The work they do with the legislature improves lives all over the state. There is no other organization that does those things on a statewide basis. Naming the Council in my will is an affirmation that I believe in the Council’s mission and support what the organization stands for.”
Chris Zenchenko
Former Council board member and donor
Friends of the Council contribute $500 or more in a calendar year.
“Council staff are so knowledgeable. Talking with people there tended to ease the pain a great deal. You’re losing an important part of your life, but there are lots of other things left and they tell you that you can press on. My experience with Council staff led to my decision to become a donor.”
Jeff Willamson
Vision Services client and donor
Members of the White Cane Circle make a monthly or quarterly gift to the Council to support year-round needs.
“It’s important that the Council is there as a portal for people experiencing vision loss and blindness across the state who don’t know where to turn. We are grateful that the Council is providing outreach to people in more rural areas.”
Mike and Susan Archer
Council client and new White Cane Circle members
Council Visionaries, over their lifetime, have given $20,000 or more in support of the Council’s work.
“I first started giving because I was the CEO/Executive Director, and felt giving was part of my responsibility to support the Council. Over the years, I got to know the Council and what they do to advocate for people who are blind and visually impaired. I give because I believe in the Council’s core values and mission; overall I believe in the people. That is why I give.”Loretta Himmelsbach
Former Council CEO/Executive Director
If you are an eligible member of Thrivent Financial, you can “vote” for your Thrivent Choice Dollars to be given to the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired. Learn more or to designate your Choice Dollars to the Council here.
The Council is registered as an approved non-profit organization with Network for Good.
The Council is registered as an approved non-profit organization with Great NonProfits.
Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired
754 Williamson Street, Madison, WI 53703
Direct questions to Lori at (608) 237-8114 or
754 Williamson St.
Madison, WI 53703
Toll Free: 800-783-5213
608-255-1166
Fax: 608-255-3301
Monday by Appointment
Tuesday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Holidays
Photography by Big Dreamers United & DesignCraft Advertising.
Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired
