I need some suggestions for fundraising

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

The health non-profit I volunteer for is trying to expand it's Laboratory Assistance Grants service. What LAGs do is pay for lab work needed by patients who are either uninusred or whose insurance won't pay for lab work. Right now, the doctor who is president of the non-profit uses the grants primarily for her patients, but she is looking to expand the program so that other doctors in the area can use the grants for their patients as well. We think we can do this if we raise $10K. Anyone out there have ideas or experience in raising funds for this type of thing? Your answers will be greatly appreciated!

[Liberty Belle]

1. How about a fundraising party?

Our group just did a Mardi Gras party and raised $3,500 profit.

Cinco de Mayo is coming up. Something fun -- with good food, speakers, any donated entertainment you can round up, etc.
Mexican food is cheap and so are decorations in that theme.

We did a raffle and silent auction as part of the event, asked supporters to donate prizes. It was surprisingly easy -- we got a trip to Big Bear (a week at someone's timeshare), dinner cruise, dinners at restaurants, sports memorabilia, etc.

Just be sure to at least double your costs for the ticket prices.

WE did all the invites via e-mail or phone to avoid costs, passed out flyers at local meetings, got a story in the local paper and on radio, too.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Thanks!

I'll pass these ideas on to the Board of Directors.

[Sgent]

3. Hit up the lab companies

Labcorp, etc will probably donate most if not all tests -- especially if you get a few doctor's together.

Labcorp (or whatever lab) probably makes 50K or so a month from each primary care physician -- but their VARIABLE costs can be MUCH MUCH LOWER. One of the most common (the CBC) has a vairable cost of $0.33-$1.00, and depending on the insurer is reimbursed $13-$25 or more.

Call them up and negotiate. If your doctor is sending them 50k a month of billings, you should be able to get a significant amount of free labs.