My perspective is a little different, so I hope this is not offensive. But as a blind adult who has been blind since birth, I recommend National Federation of the Blind. This is a nonprofit organization that is run by and led by blind people. They do research about new technologies, have local, state and national subdivisions and organizations and generally promotes a positive view of blindness. They have divisions devoted to blind lawyers, blind teachers, blind students, blind computer programmers, etc etc. The Foundation Fighting Blindness, on the other hand, is focused on curing blindness, rather than promoting independence for people who are blind. Just my two cents.

I don't think $1 is a registered non-profit in the US, unfortunately; Australia only. They're the one "blindness organization" I give monthly to. Not having to spend tens of thousands of dollars on screen reading software is the entire reason I have the chance to support myself. Without NVDA, it's no exaggeration to say that I could not live the life I live today.

Thanks, everyone. I'll likely do a three-way split between three of the U.S. based suggestions:

National Federation of the Blind

Guide Dogs for the Blind

The Foundation Fighting Blindness

I'd personally recommend the $1, or your local $1. I would consider both of these more assistance-based than preventative.

Guide Dogs for the Blind has a program where you can list them as your beneficiary and the taxes are less for them. They're fully donation based and provide guide dogs to legally blind and totally blind people. They pay for airfare to their campuses and provide housing and food for the duration of the program. They send you home with a guide dog, tons of stuff for the dog, and information about how to receive monetary assistance if you need it. They also have a support center graduate can call anytime to get help with their dogs and lawyers who can advise on legal matters. They also take international students and have a school in Canada.

The foundation fighting blindness puts a good percentage of their money into research for different cures. If that's what you're interested in helping with, they're a good organization.

Which country are you in?

Also, I'm not sure what things are like where you live, but in Australia if you give nothing to your family, expect it to be contested (by said family members) and expect the judge to re-distribute your estate so your immediate family (spouse, children) receive a share. It's bollocks, but unfortunately it happens a plenty.

If you happen to live in california (or if you want to donate to a CA based org), the Braille Institute is fantastic! I joined their youth programs shortly after losing my vision and they really have become a second home for me. I still come back to volunteer every now and then, and i just love watching the kidsos become more confident and independent through their experiences with the programs