Answers to Your Questions About the AARP Foundation

Transcription

1 Answers to Your Questions About the AARP Foundation

2 What is the AARP Foundation? The AARP Foundation is AARP s affiliated 501(c)(3) charity for helping in communities like yours all across America. Founded in 1961, our work is crucial: to build a society in which everyone ages with independence, dignity and control. The AARP Foundation serves all seniors not only AARP members. Why Do We Need the AARP Foundation? The rapid growth of our aging population presents new challenges to our nation. In 2000, people age 65 and over represented 12.4% of the population. By the year 2030, that number is expected to grow to 20% of the population roughly 70 million. Today, 9.8% of seniors over 65 live below the poverty line. By 2030 estimates, over 6.8 million seniors will be living in poverty. (Data from the U.S. Bureau of Census)

3 What Does the AARP Foundation Do? The Foundation creates positive social change to help people 50 and older, especially the most vulnerable among us, by delivering information, education programs and direct services to communities and families. Benefits Outreach Program Navigating through the maze of government programs available to aging Americans can be difficult and confusing. Many people don t even know what assistance is available or how to gain access to it. The Benefits Outreach Program offers screenings online to help you discover programs that may suit your parent or loved ones needs including helping pay for prescription drugs, heating bill assistance, housing, groceries or health care. Legal Advocacy Workplace discrimination, health and long-term care, pension security, consumer protection with so many threats to the rights and independence of seniors today, it is imperative that you have an advocate in the courts. Our Legal Advocacy team defends and helps to expand the rights of Americans over 50. AARP Tax-Aide With tax laws becoming more complicated each year, some find the process of completing their annual tax forms daunting. They know one small mistake could prevent them from getting all the refund they may be due. This special program, partially funded by the government, helps lowand moderate-income taxpayers file and make the most of their credits and deductions free of charge. WorkSearch Many older Americans must delay their retirement or re-enter the workforce in order to make ends meet, but they often lack the skills needed to succeed. WorkSearch provides job information, online and community-based training, résumé building, and referrals to employers with available jobs. Certified WorkSearch Centers across the country help individuals increase their skills and find meaningful jobs so they can achieve financial independence and reclaim their self-sufficiency. Money Management This program can help you or someone you know with financial matters when it s needed most. Whether it is balancing your checkbook, creating a reasonable monthly budget or keeping track of financial papers, our Money Management Program helps individuals with limited income manage their financial matters. Grandparenting Program Today more and more grandparents are finding themselves the primary caregiver of their grandchildren because of death, military deployments or other family crises. No matter what the circumstances, taking on this enormous responsibility involves legal, financial, health and educational issues among others. This program offers the resources grandparents need to resolve these challenges and ensure a strong future for the grandchildren they love.

4 How Can I Help? To make a tax-deductible gift, you may write your check payable to AARP Foundation in any amount you wish to contribute and mail it to us in the enclosed envelope. You may also donate by credit card by providing the necessary information on the form enclosed. If there is no pre-addressed envelope enclosed, you may mail your contribution to: AARP Foundation P.O. Box Long Beach, CA Or to contribute online, go to and click on Donate Now. Your contribution is tax-deductible. Why Does the AARP Foundation Need My Support? While your membership in AARP comes with access to many benefits, publications, and discount programs, providing for the AARP Foundation s programs and services requires funding beyond AARP. So to supplement the funding we receive from AARP and grants, the Foundation raises funds separate and apart from your dues to help finance our urgently needed charitable programs. 86 percent of what the Foundation spends goes to our important programs and services.

5 A Special Message to All AARP Members The important work of the AARP Foundation would not be possible without the generous support of AARP members like you. Your taxdeductible gift to the AARP Foundation will directly affect the lives of literally millions of seniors in need of a helping hand. And though you may be fortunate enough not to need our services at this time, there may come a time when you or a friend or family member may need our assistance. With your help, we will continue to help millions of seniors live better and more fulfilling lives. Thank you. How Can I Get More Information? If you or someone you know would like more information about how AARP Foundation programs and services can help you or to volunteer, you may contact us by: WEB: You may visit us on the web at: MAIL: You may write us at: AARP Foundation 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC PHONE: Or you can call us at: OUR-AARP ( ) r9 D19057