Everything you need to know about making a tribute gift to a non-profit

Why Some gifts are opened once. Others keep making a difference for years.

When you want to honor someone special, celebrate a meaningful milestone, or remember a loved one, a tribute gift is one of the most thoughtful ways to make a lasting difference.

A tribute gift is a charitable donation made in honor of or in memory of another person. Instead of giving a traditional gift or sending flowers, your donation supports a cause that reflects their values while helping people in need.

At Pinky Swear Foundation, tribute gifts help provide financial support for housing, food, and transportation for families who have a child with cancer, allowing parents to focus on their child's care instead of financial stress.

What is the difference between an honor gift and a memorial gift?

There are two primary types of tribute gifts.

Gifts in honor of 

An honor gift typically celebrates someone who is living, though it can also be used for an important person who has passed away. It is a meaningful way to recognize an important person or milestone while supporting a cause they care about.

Many people choose to make an honor donation for:

• Birthdays
• Weddings
• Anniversaries
• Graduations
• Retirement
• Mother's Day or Father's Day
• Teacher Appreciation Week
• To thank a doctor, nurse, caregiver, or healthcare team
• To recognize a volunteer, friend, coworker, or mentor
• Donating instead of purchasing a gift

Let's be honest, buying gifts for some people is nearly impossible. We all have that friend, parent, teacher, or grandparent who insists they "don't need anything.” A gift to a cause they care about will always be the right gift.

Gifts in memory

A memorial gift honors someone who has passed away, creating a lasting legacy in their name. While many memorial donations are made following a funeral or celebration of life, they can also mark the anniversary of a loved one's passing, what would have been their birthday, holidays, or simply a day when you're thinking about someone you miss. There is no "right" time to make a gift in memory of someone. Every tribute tells a unique story.

In lieu of flowers donations

Flowers are a beautiful expression of love, but they fade within days. More and more families are choosing to request donations instead of flowers because it gives friends and loved ones an opportunity to honor someone's life by helping another family through an incredibly difficult time.

Many obituaries include language such as: "In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Pinky Swear Foundation, which supports families as they navigate the challenges of childhood cancer." 

Pinky Swear recently experienced the incredible impact of this firsthand. One family's request inspired several dozen people to give in memory of their loved one, raising thousands of dollars to help families facing childhood cancer. It was a beautiful reminder that one person's legacy can continue changing lives.

How to make a tribute gift

The process is easier than most people expect and usually only takes a few minutes! To make a gift online:

• Choose the nonprofit you would like to support.
• Select the option to dedicate your donation and share the individual or family's name. You may be able to indicate whether your gift is in honor of or in memory of someone here, or at a later point in the donation process.
• Complete your donation.
• If available, request that the nonprofit notify a contact of your choice that a tribute gift has been made in their name. At Pinky Swear Foundation, you will receive an email after you complete your gift with instructions on how to send a personalized message.

To make a gift through the mail, send in your donation with a note that you are making it in tribute, with the name of the person you are honoring or remembering. If you would like a contact to be notified of your special gift, be sure to include their contact information as well.

Why tribute gifts matter at Pinky Swear Foundation

Until there is a cure for cancer, childhood cancer will continue to turn families' lives upside down. Pinky Swear has walked alongside families for more than two decades, and one thing is always true after a child is diagnosed with cancer: life does not stop.

The rent is still due. The refrigerator still needs to be stocked. Cars still need gas to get to treatments, appointments, and hospital stays. While parents are focused on helping their child heal, everyday bills continue to arrive. That is why tribute gifts matter. 

Frequently asked questions about tribute gifts

• Is a tribute gift tax deductible? In the United States, donations made to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are generally tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual tax situation.

• Will the person or family know I made a tribute gift? Many nonprofits, including Pinky Swear Foundation, offer the option to notify the person being honored or the family of someone being remembered that a tribute gift has been made. Donation amounts typically remain private.

• Can I make a tribute gift online? Yes. Most nonprofits allow tribute donations through their online giving forms, making it easy to honor someone from anywhere. 

• Can I make an anonymous tribute gift? In many cases, yes. If you prefer your name not be shared with the recipient or family, simply select the anonymous giving option if available or include a note if making a gift via mail. 

• Can I make recurring tribute donations? Absolutely. Many supporters make an annual tribute gift for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or other meaningful milestones.

• Can I request memorial donations instead of flowers? Yes. Many families include memorial donation instructions in an obituary or celebration of life announcement. This allows friends and family to honor a loved one by supporting a meaningful cause.

• What should I write with a tribute gift? Simple, heartfelt messages are often the most meaningful. Here are a few ideas:

• In honor of your kindness and generosity.
• Celebrating your birthday and the difference you make.
• In memory of a beautiful life.
• Thank you for inspiring others.
• Your legacy continues to make a difference.
• With love and gratitude in your honor.
• Remembering someone who will never be forgotten.

Honor someone while helping families facing childhood cancer

A tribute gift is more than a donation. It is a way to celebrate someone's life, recognize a meaningful milestone, or preserve the memory of a loved one while creating hope for another family.

When you make a tribute gift to Pinky Swear Foundation, you help provide financial support for families facing pediatric cancer, giving parents one less thing to worry about during treatment. Long after flowers have faded or celebrations have ended, your generosity continues helping families focus on what matters most – their child.