The Swiss Benevolent Society of Philadelphia receives no government support, Swiss nor American, but is funded entirely by contributions from the Swiss community.

To encourage member donations, our director Luciano Mueller established the “Luciano Mueller Challenge” (LMCH) in 2013. Director Luciano Mueller is contributing $500 for every $1,000 of total donations and his employer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, may match his contributions to effectively double the value of your donation. Since its inception, the LMCH has generated a combined total of more than $25,000 in donations and matches.

The Internal Revenue Service recognizes the Swiss Benevolent Society of Philadelphia as a charitable organization under IRS Code 501(c)(3).  Your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

There are many ways to give to the Swiss Benevolent Society of Philadelphia. Some of them can provide tax benefits of which you may not be aware.

Monetary Donations

The most immediate way to give and make an impact is a cash donation, by check or online.  You may either print the donation form and send it along with your check to the address listed, or you may use the online donation process and make your payment by PayPal.

You may choose the allocation of your donation by selecting one or more of the following categories:

  • Assistance (applied towards financial assistance for Swiss community members in need)
  • Scholarship (applied towards our Scholarship contribution to the SBS-NY)
  • Asset building (to increase the interest bearing/invested capital)
  • General Fund (applied where most needed)

You may also choose whether to be recognized in the Annual Report (no amount will be listed). Please indicate your preferences on the printed donation form if donating by check, or via the form below if donating online.

To donate by check

Please print and fill out the Donations Form and follow the instructions on the form.

Indicate your preferences for acknowledgment and funds allocation on the Donations Form or on the check.

Thank you!

To donate via PayPal or Credit/Debit card

To complete your online donation, please click the “Contribute” button and enter your preferences in the PayPal form.

Thank you!

Ask your employer about matching gifts

If your employer offers a matching gift program, the value of your donation to the SBS may be multiplied. Please inform your employer of your gift to us; we will be happy to provide all necessary forms and information. Most employers will require the following information:

Swiss Benevolent Society of Philadelphia

142 Commonwealth Drive

Newtown, PA 18940

Telephone: (215) 968-1873

Tax ID: 23-6275599

Appreciated Securities

The Internal Revenue Service allows you to take a tax deduction on the full fair-market value of appreciated securities you donate to charity. You must have held the securities for a minimum period of twelve months or longer. Even with a 20% tax rate, significant tax savings may be achieved, because your donation is exempt from capital gains taxes. These gifts may be deductible up to 30% of the donor's adjusted gross income.

Legacies

You may wish to bequeath a specific amount or a percentage of your estate to the "Swiss Benevolent Society of Philadelphia" in your Last Will and Testament, or name us as a beneficiary in your Living Trust. A legacy to the SBS may reduce your estate taxes without depleting current assets.

Life Insurance

Many people own life insurance that they no longer need for its original purpose. When circumstances change, the owner can put a life insurance policy to other uses, including a donation, in part or full, to a charity.

Note: Please consult your tax advisor for guidance on the best strategy and the tax implications for your specific circumstances.

Acknowledgement and Thank-You

On behalf of the Board of Directors I thank you for your past and continued support.

Dolf Herger, President