How can I do a fundraiser for an individual person?
August 4, 2009 by Fundraising and Fundraiser Ideas
Filed under More Fundraising Answers
Can you answer LittleSister’s question about Fundraising?:
My brother was injured in a gasoline explosion which resulted in second-degree burns covering his face and hands. He has no medical insurance, and will not be able to work for a while because of this, and he and his girlfriend have a baby on the way. I want to do something to raise money for him, but I do not know how to do a fundraiser for an individual person, the only ones I see are by registered charitable organizations for certain groups of people. Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Fundraising Products
My brother was injured in a gasoline explosion which resulted in second-degree burns covering his face and hands. He has no medical insurance, and will not be able to work for a while because of this, and he and his girlfriend have a baby on the way. I want to do something to raise money for him, but I do not know how to do a fundraiser for an individual person, the only ones I see are by registered charitable organizations for certain groups of people. Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Fundraising Products
Fundraising Feedback: Unfortunately, most organizations and individuals only give to registered charitable organizations (so they can deduct the donation on their income tax return). So my first suggestion would be to get a local church or outreach mission involved (as long as they are a recognized 501c3 organization chartered with the IRS). Most churches would be willing to lend their name to a project provided that they don’t have to put in any extra work.
Beyond that, I would suggest contact local small businesses that have high visitor traffic (gas stations, grocery stores) and explain your project to the manager. Ask to put a collection bin at the check out stations. Some store managers may even be willing to match the donations.
Along this line, if you partner with a 501c3 Charitable Organization, you could sponsor a car wash at your local Wal-mart. It may seem man-power intensive, but can really bring a community together… and Wal-mart will match your donations dollar for dollar.
Good Luck on your fundraiser. Your family is in my prayers.
Tony
Fundraising Feedback: Call his favortie radio station and explain the situation. Ask them to help you put the word out about donations in his name at a local bank. Go to the bank explain the situation and they will open an account for him.
Fundraising Feedback: If you or they or the family are part of a local church see if the church will 1) take up an offering for them 2) be the trustee for funds raised. You can ask the same of any other church in the neighborhood or ask for an offering even if you already have a trustee. Call the church secretary or pastor and ask them to pray for your brother and help in a practical way too.
You could ask the a local nonprofit agency or ministry to be a trustee or sponsor too but you can also just go to the bank and explain and they will tell you if you need a trust account or what and help you set it up. State laws may vary on this.
For raising money you could hold a concert or singing and either sell tickets or just take up an offering. You could also hold a bake sale, a car wash, a spring garden clean out service, baloon sale, or anythying else you or their friends know how to do. You can also hold a yard or spring cleaning sale. Get as many of their friends to help as you can. If it is a group thing the local papers and radio/TV will probably do announcements for you and so will a local web site. Besides right now they need the blessing and encouragement of knowing a lot of people care. If a church or nonprofit is sponsoring try top hold your event in a WalMart parking lot w/ manager’s permission and ask about their program of matching $ raised up to $2000.
You can also ask ppl who know them or the community in general to take the $1 challenge. It is amazing how much that can raise. see As someone said collection jars in stores are good too especially in the neighborhood where they are known.
If you are in an area where there is a Duncan Doughnuts or Crispy Cream and local laws allow you can sell doughnuts…take orders ahead of time and if there is a busy corner and a few volunteers get them to go up to cars as they wait for the traffic light ion Sat AM. You may or may not need the cooperation of a local nonprofit on this. Check your laws by calling ciyty hall or country courthouse.
If he was at work he should be entitled to get paid and have his medical bills paid by workmens’ comp or his employer. If that is not happening and it was a work injury he needs to talk with a lawyer,
2 more things that will help them a lot 1) go to Yahoo groups and join Freecycle for your area. You will find maternity things, baby things, etc for free there. 2) contact your United Way helpline or the local welfare dept and get a list of community help resurces so if they need help with food, rent, power bills, mecds, etc. they will know who can help.
Check out http://www.humantribeproject.com. It’s a brand new website that allows you to fundraise for and support a loved one through their time of need. Create a Tribe Page for your brother, and then invite all your friends and family to join. You can use the Tribe Page to keep friends and family updated on your brother’s condition, friends and family can offer emotional support and everyone can buy Tribe Tags which raise money directly for your brother.
Feel free to email info@humantribeproject.com for more information.