By Pat Isenberg, MS, Chief Operating Officer

This year's Amputee Coalition Annual Educational Conference promises to be the biggest and best ever! With more than three months to go, it's time to begin raising funds for your support group members to attend. (Remember to register early for the conference to take advantage of the discount).

Fundraising can be as simple as writing solicitation letters to key supporters in the community:

• Generate a list of potential funders from your support group members, such as:
  • Centers for independent living
  • Service organizations (Pilot, Lions, Rotary, etc.)
  • Religious organizations (most have outreach or benevolence committees)
  • Healthcare facilities (have staff development funds)
  • Individuals
• Determine the appropriate level of funding to request from each group.
  • $50 to $100 for individuals and small groups
  • $100 to $500 for medium to large organizations (such as banks, hospitals)
• Write one-page letters stating how the funds will be used and the amount requested.
• The letter should be signed by group president or chair and by someone who is familiar, and known to, the group or individual from whom funding is requested.

Planning and organization are key elements for successful fundraising events:

• Select an event that can be planned and implemented in 4-6 weeks (suggestions follow),
• Challenge and involve all your members in the event or fundraising activity; have a special group meeting to plan the event.
• Choose the date for your event carefully so that it does not conflict with other community events.
• Determine the name and/or slogan for the event.
• Select a central location for the event.
• Set a fundraising goal (Most small events should generate in the $500 to $1,000 range.)
• Contact the media early with information about the event; your level of success will largely depend upon the publicity you can generate.

Quick and profitable fundraising events:

• Sell holiday gift baskets of local handicrafts and/or items made by your group members. (Secretary's Day; Mother's Day; Father's Day; patriotic, etc.) Basket prices range from $10 to $50 each.
• Make and sell balloon bouquets or cookie bouquets (special occasions, Secretary's Day; Mother's Day; etc.); bouquets range from $10 to $25 each. Include delivery for an additional charge.
• Bake sales; have a traditional one or select a theme. (Cakes 'R' Us; Cookies & More; Buns Galore; Mother's Day Munchies)
• Host a desserts and crafts day (specialty desserts donated from restaurants or baked by supporters and locally made crafts which have been donated).
• Conduct a large yard sale, elegant junque (junk) sale, or white elephant/collectible sale.
• If legal in your state, raffle a piece of donated art. Depending upon the item, raffle tickets can range from $1 to $25.
• Progressive dinners at historic or unusual homes in your community