Amputee Coalition of America / National Limb Loss Information Center Fact Sheet

ACA National Conference
Funding Possibilities

The upcoming ACA National Conference promises to be the biggest and best ever!  It’s never too early to begin raising funds for your support group members to attend. (Remember to register early for the conference to take advantage of the discount.)

Asking for Help

Fundraising can be as simple as writing letters of solicitation to key supporters in the community. The following strategy might help:

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

Fundraising Events

Planning and organization are key elements of fundraising events. The following tips might increase your chances of success:

• Select an event that can be planned and implemented in four to six weeks.
• Challenge and encourage all of your members to participate.
• 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 a name and slogan for the event.
• Select a central location.
• Set a goal for the amount of money to raise. (Most small events should generate $500 to $1,000.)
• Contact the media early with information about the event; your level of success will largely depend on the publicity you are able to generate.

Suggestions for Quick and Profitable Fundraising Events

• Sell gift baskets containing local handicrafts and/or items made by members of your group for Secretary’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc. Basket prices might range from $10 to $50 each.
• Make and sell balloon or cookie bouquets for special occasions, Secretary’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc. Bouquets might range from $10 to $25 each. Offer to deliver for an additional charge.
• Have a bake sale. You can have a traditional one or select a theme, such as Cakes R Us, Cookies & More, Buns Galore, or Mother’s Day Munchies.
• Host a desserts and crafts day. You might sell specialty desserts donated from restaurants or baked by supporters and locally made crafts that have been donated.
• Have a large yard sale, elegant junk sale, or white elephant/collectible sale.
• If legal in your state, raffle something, such as a piece of donated art; depending on the item, raffle tickets can range from $1 to $25.
• Host dinners at historic or unusual homes in your community.