Introducing Monthly Giving Allies: How Small Monthly Gifts Help Accelerate SDS Research and #CureSDS
- Eszter Hars, Ph.D., President and CEO, SDS Alliance
- Nov 8
- 4 min read
Learn how the SDS Alliance’s Monthly Giving Allies program helps fund research, support therapy development, and build momentum toward clinical trials for Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). Even small monthly donations make a meaningful impact.
What Is the Monthly Giving Allies Program?
SDS Alliance is proud to launch Monthly Giving Allies, a community-powered giving circle designed to accelerate research and therapy development for Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). This program invites families, friends, clinicians, and supporters to contribute monthly at any level to help drive the scientific progress that patients urgently need.
Monthly giving isn’t about how much you give. It’s about being counted. In rare diseases like SDS, numbers matter—your participation sends a strong message to researchers, biotech partners, and funders that the SDS community is united and determined to advance treatments.
Why Monthly Giving Matters for SDS Research
✅ 1. Steady Funding Accelerates Research
Many SDS research projects require long-term, reliable support. Monthly donations help us plan ahead, maintain momentum, and seize scientific opportunities quickly.
✅ 2. Community Participation Helps Attract Partnerships
Biotech companies and academic researchers look closely at the size and engagement level of patient communities. A large group of Monthly Giving Allies (along with a strong participation in SDS-GPS and other opportunities) strengthens our ability to form collaborations that lead to therapy development and clinical trials.
✅ 3. Even Small Monthly Gifts Add Up
A strong base of supporters giving $5–$25 per month creates meaningful and sustainable funding for initiatives such as:
genetic and genomic research
data collection and analysis
clinical trial readiness
scientific workshops and collaboration
patient-centered advocacy
This is truly a case where every family counts.
Movement-Inspired Giving Levels
Inspired by you, we chose tier names that reflect action, movement, and the drive toward better treatments. Our optional giving levels show how each contribution helps push progress forward.
Starter Spark — $5/month Ignites early-stage research and strengthens our data foundation.
Trailblazer — $10/month Helps open pathways for scientific discovery and clinical trial planning.
Momentum Builder — $25/month Fuels consistent movement toward therapy development.
Progress Driver — $50/month Accelerates collaborations with scientists and other stakeholder partners.
Breakthrough Catalyst — $100/month Powers the leaps needed to bring treatments closer to reality.
No pressure to give beyond to what feels comfortable to you and your family —participation is what matters most.
What Your Monthly Support Makes Possible
Your recurring support moves us closer to our shared mission, including:
🧬 Advancing SDS Research
Funding high-impact research and development of critical research tools (such as disease models and biomarkers), as well as enabling translational research through new partnerships.
Learn more on our Strategy & Roadmap Page.
🔬 Preparing for Clinical Trials
Our vision includes clinical trials by 2030, and monthly giving helps build the scientific and organizational infrastructure needed to reach this milestone.
🎂 Giving Families More Birthdays to Celebrate
Every step toward understanding SDS and developing new therapies means more time, more hope, and more celebrations for families affected by SDS.
🤝 Strengthening the SDS Community
Monthly Giving Allies demonstrates unity and collective determination—critical factors for attracting research partners and funding opportunities.
Join the Movement: Strength in Numbers to #CureSDS
Becoming a Monthly Giving Ally is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to support the SDS community. Whether you give $5 or $50 per month, you are helping create a future with better treatments and more hope for every patient and family.
👉 Join Monthly Giving Allies today: https://www.sdsalliance.org/monthly-giving
Together, we can accelerate progress. Together, we can push science forward. Together, we can bring more birthdays, more breakthroughs, and a future without SDS.
There is strength in numbers. Let’s use it to #CureSDS.
❓ DONOR FAQ — Monthly Giving Allies
✅ What is Monthly Giving Allies?
It’s the SDS Alliance’s community of families, caregivers, and supporters who contribute monthly to accelerate research, advocacy, and therapy development for SDS.
✅ Why do monthly gifts matter?
Monthly gifts help us:
fund long-term research projects
respond quickly to emerging scientific opportunities
show funders that our community is united and growing
plan responsibly for therapy development initiatives
Even small amounts add up — because there is Strength in Numbers to #CureSDS.
✅ Do small gifts really make a difference?
Absolutely. In rare diseases, every donor counts. Grantmakers, research partners, and biotech companies look at the size and engagement of patient communities. A large group of Monthly Giving Allies demonstrates strong support and helps attract more investment.
✅ How much should I give?
Whatever is comfortable for your family. Many Allies give $5–$25 per month. Every amount is welcome, appreciated, and impactful.
✅ Do I receive any perks?
Yes! Monthly Giving Allies receive:
timely access to research and advocacy updates
personal THANK YOUs from the SDS Alliance team
a digital Allies badge (Facebook profile frame) upon request
optional recognition on our website in the future, if desired
✅ Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The SDS Alliance is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You will receive an annual tax receipt automatically through our donation platform, immediately upon donation.
✅ Can I change or cancel my monthly donation?
Anytime. You can adjust the amount or cancel with one click in your donor portal.
✅ Is monthly giving safe?
Yes. All payments are processed securely using industry-standard encryption.
✅ Can I dedicate my monthly donation in honor of someone?
Yes. You can dedicate your gift to a loved one or to the entire SDS community.
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