Donations

The extensive work that the Friends of the Wissahickon carries out in the Wissahickon to preserve its environment and structures requires serious funding. To implement the strategic plan adopted by the Friends in 2002, we have worked hard to build a professional fundraising operation. In addition to becoming a member, you can support our organization in the following ways.

Society of Generous Friends

The Friends of the Wissahickon has a category of membership created to appeal to people with a special passion for the Wissahickon and the means to turn passion into generous giving. The Society is our major gifts program and its categories and benefits are described below:

Benefits for Major Gifts Program

• $10,000 and up – Leadership Partner
  All the benefits of the $5,000 level Plus:
  • Special lunch and tour of the Wissahickon Valley with Friends of the Wissahickon President.
  • Four complimentary adult and four complimentary children’s tickets to “Whispers Along the Wissahickon.”
• $5,000 and up – President’s Circle
  All the benefits of the $2,500 level Plus:
  • Sponsorship for an FOW lecture
  • Two complimentary adult and two complimentary children’s tickets to “Whispers Along the Wissahickon”
• $2,500 to $4,999 – Associate
  All the benefits of $1,000 level Plus:
  • Private guided tour of the structures, trails or bridges of the Wissahickon
• $1,000 to $2,499 – Benefactor
  • Family membership in the Friends of the Wissahickon
  • Recognition of support in the Annual Report
  • Subscription to the Newsletter
  • Invitation to “Whispers Along the Wissahickon”
  • Invitation to an exclusive Wissahickon lecture and breakfast.
  • 10% Discount at Valley Green Inn.
  • Discount on FOW merchandise.

Click here to Donate Online now.

Annual Fund Drive

Close to the end of the calendar year, the Friends send out their annual appeal for unrestricted funds. In former years, this appeal has raised over $20,000. The funds are vital for the support of the many projects undertaken to benefit the Wissahickon.

Tributes, Memorials, and Honorarium Gifts

FOW is always eager to recognize individuals or groups with tribute, memorial, or honorarium gifts of any size. Contributors to these gifts will receive personal thank-you letters and complimentary membership in our organization.

United Way Donations

FOW can receive membership/donations through the United Way. Our United Way number is 9882. If this is the most convenient way for you to give, please do so.

Matching Gifts to FOW

The impact of your giving to Friends of the Wissahickon may be doubled or possibly tripled!

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match most charitable contributions made by their employees. Some companies also match gifts made by spouses, children, and retirees. All proceeds from the Matching Gifts program benefit the Wissahickon Valley Park.

Click here to see if your company has a Matching Gift Program. If it does, please request a matching gift form from your company's Human Resources office or corporate website, and send your fully completed form along with your gift to the FOW offices (see below). We will do the rest.

Sponsorship of Special Events and Projects

FOW offers opportunities to sponsor special events and projects (restricted giving). Click here for a listing of our sponsors. An example of one of these special events is “Whispers Along the Wissahickon,” which takes place in the Fall at the Wissahickon Environmental Center. Special projects include Valley Green Environmental Restoration Plan, the Sustainable Trails Initiative, Save Our Forests and the Protect Our Watershed Program.  

For more information, please contact the Development Director at the Friends of the Wissahickon office at 215-247-0417.

The Friends of the Wissahickon
8708 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118-2717