Introduction to Community Fundraisers

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) welcomes fundraisers like you who want to MAKE AN IMPACT and envision a world where people know how to prevent suicide and find hope and healing.

These fundraising activities are run third-party – where AAS has no direct responsibilities and little or no staff involvement or planning. We’re counting on YOU!

Fundraisers such as yours are an important way not only to raise funds for AAS but also to raise awareness in your community. Your support helps AAS to promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those who have been affected by it.

Help! I want to hold a fundraising event in my community, but I don’t know where to start.

Start at the very beginning…pick an event that you are interested in and/or have experience with. Keep it simple and have fun!

Some examples of fundraisers you can put on in your community are:

• Bake Sale
• Bowl-a-thon
• Dinner Party or Reception
• Golf Outing
• Hoop-a-thon
• Office “Jeans” Day
• Walk-a-thon
• Wine Tasting

I know what fundraiser I want to hold, now what do I do?

Congratulations, you decided on what type of event you want to hold. That was the hardest part!

Follow this easy step-by-step guide and you are on your way!

Timeline – When will your event be? How much time will you need to plan out all the details of the event? Put together a timeline for the event.

Committee – If your event is a larger-sized event, you may want to consider putting together a committee of people to help plan out the details of your event.

Budget – Put together a budget for your event. Your budget should have income and expenses.

Raffle/Auction – Make sure you get appropriate state gaming licenses for your state if you are holding a raffle or auction.

Insurance – Make sure to check local and state guidelines to see if your event requires liability insurance. If your event does, here are a couple of options to get event insurance:

www.specialeventinsurance.com
www.theeventhelper.com

Promote – Get the word out! Tell all your family, friends, and co-workers about the great work you are doing in putting together a fundraiser for AAS.

Thank – After your event, make sure to thank attendees, anyone who helped you put on the event, donors, and sponsors.

Receipts – Make sure you pay any expenses that are due and keep accurate documentation/receipts.

Proceeds – Submit proceeds to AAS.

Congratulations – You did it! You put together a successful fundraiser!

Review these additional resources to make sure your fundraiser is as smooth as can be:

Promoting Your Event

Promotional materials must clearly state that your event is raising funds for the American Association of Suicidology. AAS is a beneficiary, and not conducting or sponsoring the event.  For example, “Proceeds from Office Jeans Day will benefit the American Association of Suicidology.”

Please use the AAS fundraiser logo (below) on any event marketing materials.  Using the AAS logo is prohibited.

Expenses and Revenue

Expenses are the responsibility of the organizer of the event.

AAS will not reimburse the organizer expenses incurred, and no items may be charged to AAS.

AAS is not liable for any costs or expenses.

Consider seeking donated goods and services or negotiating discounts.

Check donations should be made payable to the American Association of Suicidology and sent to:

American Association of Suicidology
448 Walton Avenue, #790
Hummelstown, PA 17036

Reminder: If you plan to deduct any expenses before sending the net proceeds to AAS, you should not state to your event participants that the funds given are tax-deductible.  You should not use the word “donation” as that implies that they are tax-deductible.

Liability

The American Association of Suicidology cannot be held liable for details associated with the event, including, but not limited to expenses, purchases, insurance, or liability coverage.           

Complete this form to let us know you are hosting an event in your community to benefit AAS.

Thank you!