IDI strives to be the best service dog school in the world. That means training the highest-quality service dogs to ensure optimum independence for our recipients. We maintain a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled kennel; we provide the very best veterinary care for our dogs; we stay current with research and developments affecting the handicapping conditions of our clients; we continually monitor the effectiveness of our teaching methods and tools; and we stay in close touch with our past graduates. Each dog in our school is painstakingly selected and custom-trained to meet the unique physical needs, temperament, lifestyle, and activity level of just one human partner, and we are extremely careful to graduate only perfectly matched, fully functioning Independence Teams.

As you can imagine, running a top-notch nonprofit school is very expensive. We currently provide about 10 trained dogs each year to qualified recipients, and the demand for our services is growing faster than our ability to fill it. Given the waiting list for our highly specialized service dogs, our yearly number could easily be tripled if additional funds were available. Keep in mind that while it costs between $10,000 and $12,000 to fully train each IDI service dog, we request a minimum donation of only $200 from each graduate toward the dog’s special custom-made harness.

While IDI applies for foundation grants whenever possible to help with construction and special-project expenses, we rely on contributions from individuals and corporations to cover our day-to-day operating expenses. You can designate Independence Dogs as a donor option through your United Way or Combined Federal Campaign at work. And of course we appreciate donations of any size to IDI’s operating fund--especially annual gifts that allow us to plan and budget to meet projected expenses.

If you work for a large company, there are even more ways you can support IDI’s efforts to help children and adults with mobility impairments. For instance, you can encourage your company to:

• Sponsor an Independence Dog in the company’s name
• Institute an employee contribution match program
• Provide in-kind services such as printing or mailing
• Host an event or fundraiser to benefit IDI
• Donate office equipment, furniture, or supplies

. . . or any new, creative way you can think of to help Independence Dogs help others. Whatever option you choose, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made a huge difference in the life of a disabled person. And by involving your fellow employees in an IDI sponsorship program, you can build strong team spirit and cement company loyalty.

GE More Gifts More Givers
If you are a General Electric Company employee or retiree, your gift of $ 25 or more is eligible to be matched by the GE More Gifts More Givers Program.  Call (800) 462-8244.  Be prepared with your social security number, zip code of  IDI (19317), the date and amount of your gift.