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Donate to NEI

NEI is a federal agency funded by the government. We’re not a fundraising organization, like a charity. But we’re allowed by Congress to accept donations to support our mission, and all donations to NEI are tax deductible. 

Your gift will help support vision research

All donations go into a special Gift Fund that is only used to support vision research.

Donations to the Gift Fund have helped us:

  • Pay travel costs for people in clinical trials
  • Train the next generation of scientists in vision research
  • Supply labs with new technology and equipment
  • Support scientific conferences and workshops related to vision

How to give money to NEI

Make a donation

  • Make out a check or money order to “The National Eye Institute”
  • Write a letter that includes your address and clearly says your donation is to support research at NEI
  • If you’re donating in memory of a loved one or friend, tell us their name, and the address where you’d like us to send a note of acknowledgement

Send your letter and check to:

Budget Officer
National Eye Institute
Building 31, Room 6A16
31 Center Drive MSC 2510
Bethesda, MD 20892-2510

We'll send a thank you letter, so you'll know we got your donation.

Leave money to NEI in your will

  • Make sure your will shows the full name and address of the National Eye Institute:

            Budget Officer
            National Eye Institute
            Building 31, Room 6A16
            31 Center Drive MSC 2510
            Bethesda, MD 20892-2510

  • Write in your will that your gift (bequest) is to support research at NEI.

Questions about donations?

Get in touch with NEI’s Financial Management Branch. We’re happy to help.
Phone: 301-496-5243
Email: [email protected]

National Eye Institute

The National Eye Institute (NEI) is a Federal Agency of the United States Government. The Internal Revenue Service recognizes NEI as tax-exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3). Donations to NEI are tax-deductible according to 26 U.S.C. 170. NEI's Tax ID number is 52-0858115.

Last updated: November 13, 2024