Fundraising

Why Raise Funds? American Legion Posts are Non-profit Our national organization cannot fund local projects Post funds are limited but the need for improvements and community involvement are far higher It promotes Post unity It promotes community awareness and breaks stereotypes It helps drive membership

Where to Start Review the Post, its surroundings, the community and take veterans’ suggestion's. Decide on what the “Need” is - either on your own or by committee. Repairs around the Post A new playground in a local park A ramp for a disabled veteran A memorial for a fallen soldier who once lived in the local community

Post Support Start with gaining support from the Post Form committee for the project/event Choose a chairperson Set a schedule with firm time frames Assign tasks to everyone on the committee Include non-members that are willing to help

Community Support Now get support from the Community. Do you need any permits or Community approvals to accomplish the project/event? Are there any other events happening in the Community that you need to schedule around? What location can be used for the project/event? - At the Post - At a Church - At a local Park - At a local Restaurant

Financial Support Can the Post finance the project/event? Solicit donations to fund the project/event. Monetary Consumables Volunteers Venues Involve the entire Post and the community. Engage news sources and social media to get the word out. Send out targeted letters

Break Out Form a group of 8-10 people Design a project/event Define the project/event Establish a task lists with time lines Establish a funding plan to accomplish the project/event Establish a funding goal to reach and how the money will be used Define your marketing plan for both before and after the project/event is completed

Simple Sample Letter To all Auxiliary Officers and Members, On behalf of the American Legion Post 225 we want to thank you for your support and dedication towards our Homeless Veterans in the Detroit Metro Area. Your contributions have made a real difference in the lives of the Veterans by providing cold weather clothing and toiletries to displaced veterans in the greater Detroit Metro Area. We will be holding our first annual Homeless Veterans Banquet on October 28, 2016. The Banquet will be held : American Legion Post #225 212 N. Verlinden Ave. Lansing, MI 48915 The banquet will start with a Cash Bar at 5:00PM / banquet dinner to start at 7:00PM. Your participation at this outstanding event is greatly appreciated. Tickets are $25.00 person. We thank you in advance for your generosity by attending the banquet. ” Touching the Lives of Homeless Veterans ” is more than a slogan with the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Legion Riders and Sons of the American Legion : it is our mission.

Questions ? This presentation can be printed from the following URL: http://www.michiganlegion.org/pso-school.html