How Do You Fundraise for a Mobile Medical Van?

So, you’ve got most of the plans in place for starting your mobile medical program. You know who your target market is. You know what type of mobile medical van you’ll purchase, and you know who you’ll hire. But one thing is missing: You don’t quite have the funds to cover the costs of it all. Learning how to fundraise for a mobile medical van can be daunting.

At MoveMobility, we’re all about helping organizations who help people overcome barriers to make life easier. We do that by creating vans that improve healthcare and transportation. From crafting innovative rides to embracing inclusion, we’re here to roll with your organization every step of the way.

We know that mobile medical vans are a big investment. That’s why we’re writing this article on how to fundraise for them. After you’re done reading, you’ll have some actionable strategies you can start working with to get one of these vehicles once and for all.

1. Plan, plan, and plan again

Before you hit the pavement for funds, you need to have a clear plan. Outline your goals, target amount, and set a realistic timeline. This roadmap will be your guide throughout the rest of your fundraising journey.

Without a solid plan, fundraising becomes more challenging than it needs to be. So, take your time to plan meticulously; it’s the cornerstone that transforms your dreams into tangible outcomes. It helps to make the dream of a mobile medical van a reality.

If you have no idea what the costs of your mobile medical van will be, you should start by taking a look at our article on the costs and possibilities of mobile medical van customization. 

2. Use online crowdfunding platforms for fundraising support

There used to be a time when our parents or grandparents had trouble with technology. Nowadays, more people know how to use smartphones and computers than ever before. Because of that, you should consider using online platforms as part of your fundraising campaign for a mobile medical van.

With these platforms, you can share your story and what your mission is. You can easily track your donations and connect with people all over the world. Here are a few popular online crowdfunding platforms in Canada:

Kickstarter: Kickstarter has helped hundreds of thousands of projects get off the ground. The nice thing about this platform is it gives people incentives to donate. That includes shoutouts, t-shirts, and other things.

Indiegogo: Indiegogo is a strong tool for raising money for businesses, artists, and nonprofits. It’s like Kickstarter but has its own easy-to-use tools and ways to run campaigns.

Mightycause: Mightycause is an online digital platform where anyone can start fundraisers for important causes like medical vans, community projects, and nonprofit startups. It’s an easy way for people to come together, chip in, and make positive changes happen.

3. Engage with the community (especially your target community)

Getting your community involved is not just a step—it’s the heart of successful fundraising for a mobile medical van.

Community events: Plan fun community events like car washes or car rallies. While they seem like a small event, they’re more than just about money; they bring people together and make them more likely to support what you’re doing.

Local business support: Ask nearby businesses to help out. You’d be surprised by how many businesses would be keen to donate money to your cause.

Being inclusive and connected: Make sure everyone feels included and emotionally connected to your cause. Share stories about how the mobile medical van will help people, so everyone feels like they’re part of something important.

Volunteers: Try to get community members to volunteer. When everyone is actively involved, it makes the connection between your cause and the community stronger.

Virtual events: Virtual events are like online gatherings where people meet up on the internet instead of in person. You can use these events to raise money for mobile medical vans by organizing activities, sharing your cause, and getting people to contribute online from wherever they are.

Connecting with your community means creating a journey you all share. When people feel connected and involved, they become excited supporters. This helps turn your idea of accessible healthcare into a stronger reality for everyone.

4. Tap into grants and foundations

Think of grants as funds that can be used to help projects like yours. Organizations or individuals provide this money to support causes they believe in.

To get grants, you need a well-crafted proposal. This proposal should show why your mobile medical van is essential and how it helps people out.

Getting grant support means more resources for your project. It’s not just about money; it’s about developing allies who believe in what you’re doing and want to see it succeed.

Did you know? The Government of Canada offers grants and funding for organizations throughout the year. This support can help your organization in providing accessible healthcare on wheels.

Refer to this website and keep an eye on government announcements and programs to seize these chances. It’s a step toward making a positive impact on your mission.

5. Use social media to spread awareness about your mobile medical van’s cause

Using social media for your mobile medical van fundraiser is like sharing exciting news with friends—it’s all about getting the word out and building support. Popular social media tools include:

• Facebook
• Snapchat
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• LinkedIn

Now, let’s take a look at how you can leverage social media to your advantage.

Posting your story: Think of social media as a giant bulletin board where you can share your journey. Post about why your mobile medical van matters, the impact it’ll have, and how others can join in.

Engaging visuals: Pictures and videos speak louder than words. Share engaging visuals that help tell your story. It could be images and videos of the mobile medical van design, the team working on it, or the potential positive outcomes.

Regular updates: Keep your audience in the loop and regularly update them on your progress. It’s like a series they can follow, creating a sense of anticipation and involvement.

Encouraging shares: Ask your followers to spread the word. This has somewhat of a ripple effect—more shares mean more people learn about your cause. The wider the reach, the more potential support and funding you can gather.

Connecting with hashtags: Think of hashtags as magnets. They attract attention from people interested in similar causes. Create a unique hashtag for your mobile medical van project, making it easy for others to find and join the conversation. These are especially useful for platforms like Instagram.

Community interaction: Respond to comments and messages. This is a good way to communicate with people who are interested in your story and mission. Building a community around your cause makes supporters feel connected and invested.

What’s next?

You came to this article looking for more information on how to fundraise for your mobile medical unit.

Now that you’ve learned these top 5 fundraising strategies, it’s time for you to put them into action. Start from the top of the list and gradually work your way through our list to see what works best for you.

To make sure you’re on the right track, we’ll leave you with our article on the 5 steps to buying a mobile medical van to look at.