1. The AKC - Canine Health Foundation, BMDCA Donor Advised Fund. This is a 501 (c) (3), charitable organization that offers any contributor a federal tax deduction on your income taxes. The BMDCA has established a Donor Advised Fund whereby any contributions made to this fund are under the complete control of the BMDCA Board of Directors. The money in this fund has been used to help fund national and international research projects addressing diseases affecting Bernese Mountain Dogs. The BMDCA Health Committee reviews all research project requests and then recommends participation to the BMDCA Board of Directors. Thousands of dollars has been committed over the years to cancer related research projects that could impact Berners. You can find out detailed information about the AKC Canine Health Foundation by going to its website (http://www.akcchf.org/).

2. The Morris Animal Foundation Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Donor-Driven Fund. This is also a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization that offers any contributor a federal tax deduction on his/her income taxes. With the help of the BMDCA, Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) invests in studies that offer the most promise to contribute to the overall knowledge of canine illnesses and which can hold the power to treat, prevent, and even cure the diseases that affect Bernese Mountain Dogs. Just like the process described above, the BMDCA Health Committee reviews all MAF research project requests and then recommends participation to the BMDCA Board of Directors. Contributions to this fund are restricted to the purpose established by the donor. You can find out detailed information about the Morris Animal Foundation by going to its website (http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org).

3. The BMDCA Health Fund, which is a restricted fund maintained by the BMDCA. Contributions to this fund are not tax deductible. This money can be used for any health-related project that the Health Committee recommends and the BMDCA Board considers appropriate, and in keeping with the charter of the Health Committee. Funds have been used to support funding organizations like those listed just above. In addition, funds can and have been used for targeted purposes, such as making special donations to the research studies of Dr. Elaine Ostrander and Dr. Matthew Breen, helping with costs associated with the Bernese Mountain Dog DNA and Tissue Repository, supporting the Rabies Challenge Fund, and more.

4. The BMDCA Rescue Fund, which is also a restricted fund maintained by the BMDCA. Contributions to this fund are not tax deductible. Funds received have been allocated to Regional BMD Clubs to support their rescue efforts. The BMDCA Board authorizes funds in excess of $750.00, after reviewing the particular rescue situation and the recommendations from the BMDCA Rescue Committee. Many Berners have been helped with the funds received.

• If you wish to contribute to the AKC-CHF, BMDCA Donor Advised Fund, please mail the check to AKC-Canine Health Foundation, PO Box 900061, Raleigh, NC 27627 and indicate on the check that the money is for the BMDCA Donor Advised Fund. If you wish to honor a person or a Berner, please also mention in your cover letter that the contribution is In Memory of ________, so that the donation can be properly noted.

• If you wish to contribute to the Morris Animal Foundation BMDCA Donor-Driven Fund call MAF (800.243.2345) or mail a check to Morris Animal Foundation, 10200 E Girard Ave, Suite B430, Denver, CO 80231, along with a note designating the gift for the BMDCA Fund #306. If you wish to honor a person or a Berner, please also mention in your cover letter that the contribution is In Memory of ________, so that the donation can be properly noted.

• If you wish to contribute to the BMDCA Health Fund or BMDCA Rescue Fund mail a check payable to the BMDCA to Carl Eschweiler, BMDCA Treasurer, 32022 W. County Road K, Hartland, WI 53029 or, if you have questions, call or email him at 262-367-6564 or BMDCA Treasurer. Please note in your cover letter which fund the check is for, and if you wish to honor a person or a Berner, please also include that the contribution is In Memory of ________, so that the donation can be properly noted.

Thank you for considering a donation to the BMDCA.
Your gift today will help ensure a brighter tomorrow for our Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Thanks again for your interest and support of Berner issues. If you have any questions, please contact Carl Eschweiler at 262-367-6564 or at BMDCA Treasurer