Does your adult day program or non-profit organization need ways to get wheelchair van funding? Are you struggling to make the dollars and cents make sense?
If so, you’ve come to the right place.
At MoveMobility, hundreds of non-profit programs talk to us each year about their wheelchair van needs. They often tell us that fundraising is one of the most challenging parts of buying a vehicle.
Over the years, we‘ve learned the many different routes to raising money for a wheelchair van. In this article, we explore ideas for raising funds in your community.
Smart ways to raise wheelchair van funding for your program
Fundraising events
Organizing events such as bake sales, silent auctions, or benefit concerts are ways to raise funds for buying a wheelchair van:
- Bake sales are a classic and simple fundraising idea that incurs minimal costs. Clients can bake homemade goods and sell them at a community event or at your program’s facility.
- Set up a silent auction at your location or host it online. Ask for donations from local businesses and individuals for items to auction.
- Organize a benefit concert with local musicians or performers. Charge a ticket price and promote the event through local media, social media, and flyers.
- Organize a walkathon or a run to raise funds for the purchase of a wheelchair van. Participants can sign up and raise money through pledges from family, friends, and community members.
- Hold a community yard sale. Encourage participants, family members, and local businesses to donate items that can be sold. Advertise the event through local media outlets and social media.
- Organize a dinner or wine-tasting event with local restaurants or vineyards.
- Collect items from local businesses or individuals and host a live or online auction. This can include items such as paintings, jewelry, or other collectibles.
Corporate sponsorships
Corporate sponsorships are another effective way to raise funds for an accessible van.
Before asking for sponsorships, consider the steps you’ll need to take, including:
- Identify potential sponsors. Research local businesses that may have an interest in supporting your program. Look for companies with a connection to the senior community or disability services.
- Develop a proposal that outlines the need for a wheelchair van. Include the benefits of being a sponsor, such as brand exposure, community involvement, and tax deductions. Add information about your program, its mission, and how the van will improve the lives of your clients.
- Create different levels of sponsorship, each with varying benefits and recognition. For example, a bronze level sponsor may receive recognition on social media. A platinum level sponsor may receive a banner at your event and their logo on promotional materials.
- Reach out to the company directly. Ask to speak with someone in charge of corporate social responsibility or community outreach. Be prepared to explain your organization’s mission and the impact that the wheelchair van will have. Build a relationship and show appreciation for their support.
- After the event, follow up with sponsors to thank them for their support. You can also provide them with a report on the event’s success. Publicly recognize their contribution through social media, newsletters, and other communications.
When approaching potential sponsors, be sure to be professional in your proposal. Tailor the proposal to the company’s values and interests.
Wheelchair van grants
Research and apply for grants designed to support non-profits that serve the elderly or people with disabilities. Set aside time to research grant options to find the most relevant ones for your program. A tool like GrantWatch may help you in your research.
Look for grants from government and private foundations
Begin by researching government grant opportunities. Many governments create grants that support the purchase of accessibility equipment.
Some private foundations dedicate their funds towards programs that support people with disabilities.
Check your eligibility
Before applying for a grant, make sure that your program is eligible. This may include whether you have nonprofit status or your service area. It’s important to review the criteria to avoid wasting time on applications that are not a good fit.
When applying for a grant, develop a strong application that outlines your program’s mission, goals, and need for a wheelchair van. The application should include information on how the van will be used, the number of people you serve, and the impact it will have on the community.
Once the application is complete, submit it according to the grant’s guidelines. Be sure to meet all deadlines and provide all necessary documentation.
After submitting the application, follow up with the grant organization. You’ll want to to confirm that they received it and ask about the timeline for review and award notification. If your application is unsuccessful, ask for feedback on how to improve it next time.
Grant opportunities can be competitive, so it’s essential to research and prepare a strong application. To increase your chances of success, consider partnering with other organizations to write a joint proposal. It may be helpful to seek guidance from a grant-writing professional or consultant.
Your next steps to raise wheelchair van funding
You came to this article looking for ways to get funding for a wheelchair van for your program. By exploring these options, your program can secure the funds you need to provide safe and reliable transportation.
When considering a wheelchair van, it is important to take into account your program’s needs and budget to find a van that is both practical and affordable.
Have questions about wheelchair vans? Click the button on the right side to talk to a mobility expert today.
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