ACN needs help with fundraising!

[Sheila]

Hi everyone -- I'm writing to request any of you who have experience in fundraising, or who can volunteer to help in our efforts, to please get in touch with me.

 

Our small grassroots group has grown into what you see today. (Our site had almost 4.5 MILLION hits last month!) But as you can see, most of what we offer is free--so we need to rely on donations.

We're very gratified that so many people are being helped. It's wonderful! But, our 501C3 nonprofit desperately needs funds. We need a new website, PR, networking, computer equipment and programs, and some part time staff.

 

We used to do fundraisers each year with a wonderful man who dedicated his Triathalon race to ACN, and that at least kept us afloat. But he has not been able to do that for the last few years. Things are very tight at present, and I am open to your ideas and advice.

 

I really hope some of you can find time to respond--or can pass this to someone you know.

 

Please send a PM or email me at Sheila@Latitudes.org . Thanks so much. Sheila

 

Director ACN

Editor/Latitudes

www.Latitudes.org

[PacificMama]

Hi Sheila,

 

Thanks so much for all you do to provide this forum to people. It has saved a lot of lives! I will definitely make a contribution. I think it's OK for you to hold a "pledge drive" a couple/few times a year to remind people to donate if they can. Lots of people don't know, and there are always new people coming in.

 

Another idea is to set up an account with www.igive.com. Not sure if you are familiar, but organizations can set up an account here. Web searchers and shoppers can then go through the Latitudes account to search the web, and shop at over 800 stores. For each search, and for each purchase, money is donated to Latitudes. With holiday shopping starting up, it could bring in a fair amount of money if people here used it.

 

Here's a little blurb:

Searching or Shopping means a donation. It's just that free and easy. A penny or more per search, a $5 bonus for your first purchase and up to 26% of your purchases at over 730 stores like Amazon, eBay, Travelocity, Home Depot, Staples, and many, many more. Plus you SAVE money with exclusive coupons/free shipping deals.

 

Over 800 stores participate in our donation program, including Amazon.com, eBay, Staples, JCPenney, Barnes & Noble, Overstock.com, drugstore.com, Office Depot, QVC, Expedia, Home Depot, HSN, Best Buy, Drs. Foster & Smith, Gap, Buy.com, & NORDSTROM.

[Chemar]

There is a Donate section on the main Latitudes/ACN homepage in case anyone is able to do so

 

http://www.latitudes.org/donate.html

 

someone on the PANDAS forum also reminded members that some corporations will match your charitable giving so do consider that as well

[sf_mom]

I just wanted to say our family will be ever grateful for the forum. We would not be where we are today without it!!!!!

 

-Wendy

[Sheila]

Thank you for the nice comments and the suggestions. Some kind of commercial approach with sales, through igive and/or our own store would be good. And regular drives. Yes!