Cape Cod Free Clinic & Community Health Center is fortunate to be in a community with such a helping and healing spirit. The Health Center’s extraordinary growth and development over the last several years has been largely made possible by the generosity of individuals, businesses, community groups, and local foundations that recognize the urgent need for our services and commit themselves to help secure our future.

Gifts to the Health Center range from the proceeds of schoolchildren’s class projects to support from prestigious national foundations and everything in between. Whatever your ability to give, please know that it makes a difference in the lives of the thousands of people who rely on us for care.

Following is some information about the many different ways you can support the Health Center. Of course, we are always looking for people to assist us in our fund raising efforts. If this interests you, please call Development Director Karen L. Bissonnette,CFRE at 508-477-5990.

We are deeply grateful for your interest and support of the Health Center’s work.

Ways to Give

Charitable gifts make up 38 percent of the Health Center’s funding and provide support for our ongoing operations and equipment needs, special capital projects and the establishment of an endowment fund to secure our long-term future.

Depending on the type, a gift to the Cape Cod Free Clinic & Community Health Center has varying tax advantages. Gifts can be made in the following ways:

• Cash – Cash gifts are the most common charitable gifts. They are simple to make and serve as a charitable tax deduction for the year given. Please note that many employers will match the gifts their employees make to charitable organizations. When making a gift to the Health Center, please check with your employer to see if this is possible.
• Stocks - By making a gift of appreciated securities, the donor avoids all capital gains taxes and may use the full value of the gift as a tax deduction. It is simple to make a gift of stock to the Health Center. Please call the Development Office at 508-477-5990 for securities delivery instructions.
• Other assets – A donation of other appreciable assets, such as real estate, art or other personal property offers similar tax advantages.

Giving Options

Annual Fund
The Annual Fund is essential to the day-to-day operations of the Health Center and provides a way for individuals, businesses, community groups, and charitable foundations to support our ongoing, operational needs. A yearly gift supports specific programs, helps us purchase equipment and supports daily operating expenses.

Special and Community Events
Special events are important components of our philanthropy program. They provide substantial funds and serve as a way for people to support the Health Center and enjoy themselves at the same time! Our two main events are the Summer by the Sea party and the Golf Tournament. If you would like to receive information and invitations to our events, please contact the Development Office at 508-477-5990.

We are honored to be the beneficiary of proceeds of several community events such as the Falmouth Road Race, Cape Cod Marathon, and many other church dinners, school fund raising events, and other community activities. If you are aware of an organization that would like to hold an event for the Health Center’s benefit, please contact the Development Office at 508-477-5990.

Capital Campaign
In late August we successfully completed our capital campaign to fully fund our new building. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals, businesses, foundations, and community groups, we exceeded our $5.25 million goal by raising $5.5 million. For more information about this outstanding effort, please contact the Development Office at 508-477-5990.

Memorial or Honorary Gifts
These are a thoughtful way to recognize a loved one or friend, or celebrate a special occasion. Memorial gifts pay special tribute to the memory of a loved one, community member, co-worker or friend. Your gift will be formally acknowledged and the family of the deceased is notified of your thoughtful gift. Honorary gifts are a unique way to celebrate life’s special moments – a birth, wedding, anniversary, or a thank-you to an exceptional caregiver. We acknowledge your gift as well as notify the honoree of your kind gesture.

Planned Gifts
A planned gift is one that requires considerable thought and preparation before the gift is made. When making their estate plans, donors designate cash or other assets such as stock or real estate to accrue to a charitable organization upon their death. Depending on the type of planned gift, there are several benefits to the donor and his or her heirs, including: income throughout retirement; savings on income, capital gains and/or estate taxes; and the ability to make a meaningful gift to a charity of choice. Of course, the charitable organization also benefits because of the future support the gift provides.

Types of planned gifts include:

• Bequests – leaving assets to a charity in a donor’s will.
• Beneficiary - Naming a charitable organization as beneficiary of a trust or life insurance policy.

These are just a few examples of planned giving opportunities. There are many different options, any of which can be established to benefit you and reflect your personal wishes as well as support a worthy organization such as the Health Center. We invite you to discuss your preferences with our Development Director, Karen Bissonnette. When considering a planned gift to the Health Center, we urge you to consult with your own financial or legal advisor before making any final planned gift arrangements.

Make a Donation, Now!

It’s simple and secure through our on-line donation process. Click here to make a gift to the Health Center on line. Thank you!

Development Department Staff

The Development Department is located in Suite A15 in the Deer Crossing Plaza, on Route 28 in Mashpee. Staff includes: Karen Bissonnette, Development Director; Meghan Kemp, Development Associate; and Anne Grebert, Communications Coordinator. They are happy to answer any questions you may have about the Health Center’s philanthropy program and special events.