The Damar Foundation

The Damar Foundation exists for one reason: To help fund and support the remarkable work Damar does with families and people with developmental, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities.

The Damar Foundation

The Damar Foundation exists for one reason: To help fund and support the remarkable work Damar does with families and people with developmental, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities.

How We Started

A few years ago, Damar Services’ leaders noticed an alarming trend: Even as the severity of clients’ needs increased—driving up the cost of providing life-changing care—government reimbursements decreased markedly. Damar faced a choice: decrease the level of its care and innovation, or increase its support from philanthropic sources.

For Damar, it really was not a choice at all. Helped by a generous $100,000 gift from longtime supporters the Tynan family, Damar’s board created the Damar Foundation in 2015. Today, we exist to support the remarkable work of Damar—and to provide a way for other generous donors to support our work, too.

What We Do

The Damar Foundation provides funding for programs and services that affect the lives of more than 1,500 Damar clients and family members every day. Thanks to our work, Damar has increased financial stability to support its important work now and for many years to come.

The Damar Guild

Created in 1972 as a women’s auxiliary, the Damar Guild has grown to become a key part of Damar’s philanthropic program. Its members not only give selflessly of their time, but also have raised more than $1 million for Damar Services.

Our Annual Gala

Created and managed by the Damar Guild and held every February, our annual gala is Damar’s premier fundraising event. Last year, 732 supporters attended our gala, and we raised $276,737 including gifts in kind to support our Road to Remarkable campaign. We’d love to see you at our next gala!

FreeWill logo

Begin Your Legacy With Us

To help you get started on your plans and legacy, you can use FreeWill, an online tool that guides you through the process of creating a legally valid will or trust. It’s easy to use, accessible online and can be completed in 20 minutes. You can use the link below to use this tool on its own or use it to document your wishes before finalizing your plans with an attorney.

Have you already included a gift in your will or trust? Click the button below to fill out this form! We would love to thank you for your generosity.

Do you have an IRA, 401(k), life-insurance policy, or any other assets not included in your will? If so, these are called non-probate assets and you must plan your beneficiaries for them separately. Use the online tool below to make your plans and designate us as a beneficiary of one or more of these assets.

How You Can Help

Donate. Volunteer. Attend a Damar event. Help us spread the word about the remarkable work that goes on here. There are lots of ways you can make a difference, and we’d love to help you find the one—or ones!—right for you.

Volunteers sort through canned items
Young Female at Damar's Annual Gala

Attend a Damar Event

One of the best ways to get acquainted with Damar and the Damar Foundation is to attend one of the events we host throughout the year. It’s a great way to learn more, talk with others who are involved, and get inspired.

Meet Steve Tafoute

After identifying a need in his community, Steve Tofaute began Indy’s first special needs hockey team. His passion and energy for the program led him to a partnership with Damar and, working together, they created the Indy Twisters.

Steve on the ice hockey rink
Steve accepting his award
Steve talking with other male at ice rink
Steve
Steve talking with young male client

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a developmental disability? What happens after an autism diagnosis? What services are available and how do I pay for them? What do you do next? We have answers to these questions and many others.

More questions?

Need more information? Looking for support? Get in touch with us to learn more.