Transplant Support- Lung, Heart/Lung, Heart

Fund Raising

Here is a collection of possible fundraising organizations, groups, ideas, books and websites.

Books

FUND-RAISING EVENTS Strategies and Programs for Success, by Ralph and Marcie Goodman, Human Sciences Press, Inc. ISBN - 0898853907

534 WAYS TO RAISE MONEY , by J. Thomas Hay, Simon and Schuster, ISBN - 0671472860

WOMAN'S DAY BOOK FOR FUND RAISING, by Perri and Harvey Ardman, St. Martin's Press, ISBN - 0312886462

RAISING MONEY FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES , by Pamela Sarlo, Medical Information Sources

Organizations

National Transplant Assistance Fund, Suite 230, 3475 West Chester Pike, Newton Square, PA 19073, 610-353-9684, 800-642-8399, Fax 610-353-1616, Email: NTAF@transplantfund.org Website: http://www.transplantfund.org

Children's Organ Transplant Association, 2501 COTA Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403, 800-366-2682, email: cota@cota.org, Website: www.cota.org

Fund Raising Tips and Hints

While most patients find taht insurance covers many of the medical costs related to transplant ( physician charges, hospitalizations, tests, etc) there are often "hidden expenses" not covered by insurance that can quickly drain financial resources. Some of these include: insurance premiums, deductibles and co payments, prescription drug co pays, transportation, parking, temporary houseing, phone calls, meals, child care and lost wages, mortagage payments. These expenses are incurred before transplant, during transplant and after transplant when you need to visit your center for follow up care.

Fund raising is one way to tackle this problem. Some say they cannot do fund raising, and that it is not for you. Some feel that people will think you are looking for a "handout". Try looking at it this way: Very few people rich or poor, can afford transplant and its related expenses. If not for fund raising, many people would take out loans and go further into debt. Community members may realize your situation and want to do something for you to help. Friends and family have wanted to help you in some way and at a loss how they can. Making a donation, being on a fund raising team, volunteering for a fund raising event is a way they can be involved. They have made an investment in you, and that is empowering.

The first step in fund raising is assessing how much money you will need to raise. There are financial and legal issues you need to keep in mind. If funds raised come directly to you and are mixed with your personal assets, they can be considered income and will be taxable. This could interfere with Medical Assistance. For these reasons it is best to set up a special account or in a trust fund. Appoint an administrator to keep track of money that goes in and out.

Fund raising is a big job. Whether planning one large event or several small events there are many details to handle to make it successful. It is important to appoint someone or a team to handle the details and do the "foot work", preferably someone outside of your immediate family. You and your family have your health to care for, and your health is the number one job at hand for you. Your team should organize a meeting and brain storm ideas for fund raising.

Fund Raising Tips:

Be creative when planning a fund raiser. Plan events that your community will enjoy. Consider ice cream socials, spaghetti dinner, craft sale, sports tournaments(golf, bowling, bike or walking marathons), auctions, dance marathons. If possible, have a local celebrity make an appearance.
Consider community organizations in your area to help out. The Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, all benefit from this by earning valued points to their badges, and you get the benefit of their experience and extra people help. Some churches create a special collection for a member in need.
Approach area businesses for donations in money, or items to be used at any fund raisers. They may contribute food, door prizes or paper goods that will cut expenses for the fund raiser.
Promote your fundraiser through the radio, TV and newspaper.
Include organ donation material for the fund raiser.
Any money that is left over can be donated to a similar cause. But before making a donation, keep in mind you may still have expenses that come up in the years after you get your transplant.

Other Organizations

Grants Direct - GrantsDirect is published by Jankowski Associates Inc., The country's leading customized foundation and corporate philanthropic research firm. The GrantsDirect database focuses on tracking and profiling new foundation creation nationwide.

http://www.grantsdirect.com/GDMain/