A Message from Penny Forward Founder and CEO, Chris Peterson

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and my family has already begun asking the usual question: “What would you like for Father’s Day?” To be honest, I have everything I need and want. This year, more than ever, I realize that there’s nothing I could ask for that would mean more to me than your support for a cause very close to my heart – Penny Forward.

You see, I made a significant life change recently. I left my job to focus full-time on growing Penny Forward, the nonprofit I founded. Our mission is to provide financial education to the blind community. As fulfilling as this new chapter is, it also comes with its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring we have the financial support to keep our mission alive and thriving.

Over the past two years, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive over 75% of our funding from one generous donor, Wells Fargo. While we hope this support continues, it’s not something we can take for granted. That’s why, this Father’s Day, I’m not asking for gifts. I’m asking for your help in supporting Penny Forward.

Why Penny Forward Needs Your Support

Over the last six months, we’ve made it easier than ever to donate. Whether you prefer to mail a check or set up a one-time or recurring donation online, we’ve streamlined the process. You can visit our donation page at www.pennyforward.com/donate. Additionally, we now accept securities like stocks and bonds, which can be donated as a qualified charitable distribution from a retirement account or as a means to avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated securities. If you manage a donor-advised fund, we can accept donations from that as well.

But why should you donate to Penny Forward? The number of people we can help is just as crucial as the amount of money we raise. Grants are fantastic because they provide large sums that can kickstart new programs or expand our reach. However, grantors place restrictions on these funds, ensuring their money aligns with their priorities and impacts as many people as possible.

According to VisionServe Alliance, there are 8.7 million working-age people with vision loss in the United States. Our latest Google Analytics data suggests we’re reaching about 36,000 people annually. That’s only 0.4% of the blind and low-vision population. While this is a significant impact, we need more resources to reach the entire community.

Grantors also want assurance that the organizations they support can sustain themselves even if the funding stops. This is why we’re working on building an endowment—a financial cushion to support us during tough times.

What You Can Do

I’ve dedicated the past four years to growing Penny Forward. I’m incredibly proud of our achievements, but there’s so much more we can do. This Father’s Day, I’m asking you to help us build a stronger future for Penny Forward.

Here’s how you can help:

• Set Up a Recurring Donation: Visit pennyforward.com/donate and set up a monthly donation. Even a small amount can make a big difference over time.
• Donate Securities: If you have stocks or bonds, consider donating them to help us build our endowment.
• Start a Fundraiser: Follow Jeremy Grandstaff’s example and set up a Facebook fundraiser for Penny Forward. It’s a great way to involve your network in supporting our cause.
• Spread the Word: Share this post with your family and friends via email and social media. But don’t stop there. Keep talking about Penny Forward, what we do, and why it’s important. Encourage others to share our story as well.

If, together, we can reach 10,000 new donors this year, it would be the greatest Father’s Day gift I could ever receive.

Why Your Support Matters

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us further our mission. By supporting Penny Forward, you’re not just donating money—you’re helping to empower the blind community with the financial knowledge and tools they need to achieve independence and success.

Your support means we can continue offering self-paced online courses, weekly workshops, and one-to-one financial counseling. It means we can reach more people, make a bigger impact, and ensure that no one in our community feels left behind.

So, this Father’s Day, I’m asking for something different. Instead of a gift for me, please consider donating to Penny Forward. Help us continue the work we’re doing and ensure we can support the blind community for years to come.

Thank you for your generosity and for being part of this journey with us. Together, we can make a difference.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Let’s make this one truly special by coming together to support a cause that changes lives. Visit pennyforward.com/donate today and make your contribution. Your support means the world to me and to everyone at Penny Forward.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Chris Peterson, AFC®