     |
  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Frequently Asked Questions
About FUND IT FORWARD
What types of equipment and devices are covered through FUND IT FORWARD?
How does FUND IT FORWARD work?
What is FUND IT FORWARD's General Fund?
About the fundraising process
What are the benefits of fundraising with FUND IT FORWARD?
Why can't I just fundraise on my own?
About the application process / needs request
How much money am I expected to raise before filing an application for assistance?
If I raise $20,000 but my child's equipment only costs $10,000, do I get to keep the extra money?
How long will it take for my application for assistance to be reviewed?
If FUND IT FORWARD is not able to meet my needs request, will the money I raise be returned to me?
How many times a year can I apply for assistance?
Can I apply to receive assistance without fundraising for your organization?
How can I obtain the necessary forms to submit an application for my child?
What if I don't live in your area? Am I still eligible to partner with your organization?
FUND IT FORWARD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established by two mothers of special needs children to ease the burdens of families with special needs children. The main objective of FUND IT FORWARD is to provide these families with adaptive and medical equipment to improve the quality of life for their children. FUND IT FORWARD meets this objective through a community of volunteers fundraising in a pay it forward model.
What types of equipment and devices are covered through FUND IT FORWARD?
FUND IT FORWARD provides medical equipment including, but not limited to the following items:
Augmentative communication devices (such as Go Talks, Dynavox, Vintage Vantage), bath and feeding chairs (ie. Rifton chairs), enclosed beds (ie The Safety SleeperTM), and sensory equipment.
How does FUND IT FORWARD work?
FUND IT FORWARD creates a working relationship with our volunteers to help them raise money for our organization. We offer the guidance and support needed to secure donations for raffles, hold successful fundraising events and gain media attention for your own cause and our organization. We'll even provide a list of fundraising events to choose from if you are having trouble deciding which kind of fundraiser to hold. You will not only have the benefit of knowing you helped another family, but you will then be qualified to submit your own needs request for your own child. As volunteers you are basically raising money as a good faith gesture to show that you are willing to help others before you help yourself which is the mission behind our organization!
What is FUND IT FORWARD's General Fund?
FUND IT FORWARD raises general funds through various events, but the majority of funds come from real people - families just like you - in order to fund the maximum amount of needs requests applications as possible.
Why can't I just fundraise on my own?
You certainly can! However, FUND IT FORWARD is designed to take the stress and worry out of your fundraising efforts. We provide ideas, templates, and assistance in every step of the way during the process. Also, FUND IT FORWARD is a 501(c)(3) organization so all donations are tax deductible. We can assure you this makes fundraising much easier as businesses are more willing to give to a non-profit organization. Families often hold fundraisers on a much smaller scale to help raise money for expensive medical equipment that is not covered by insurance. By fundraising under FUND IT FORWARD, individuals unite behind a common purpose so the money raised has a greater opportunity to benefit a large community of people with similar circumstances and needs. Volunteers also help to raise community awareness for both our organization and for children with various special needs diagnoses. Click here for more benefits of fundraising with FUND IT FORWARD.
What are the benefits of fundraising with FUND IT FORWARD?
You can benefit from several services by fundraising with FUND IT FORWARD. We will
– offer fundraising support to help you create a successful event.
– provide your donors with a taxable deduction through a 501(c)(3) approved organization.
– promote your fundraising event through publicity on our website and social media.
– guide you through the application process to submit your medical or adaptive equipment request.
– obtain discounts on medical equipment not available to the general public.
– encourage and support families through a community network of advocates for special needs.
How much money am I expected to raise before filing an application for assistance?
We ask all of our volunteers to set a goal of $5000 or more for their fundraiser event.
What happens if I don't raise enough money to cover the cost of the equipment I am in need of funding?
Your initial commitment is to FUND IT FORWARD. Therefore, all funds you raise will be placed in the general fund to grant requests to as many of our applicants as possible. You are not raising money for your own equipment; you are raising money for future familes in need. Our Board of Directors will carefully consider Your Needs Request and review the efforts of our volunteers. The fulfillment of needs requests will also be based in part on the amount of money in FUND IT FORWARD's General Fund.
If I raise $20,000 but my child's equipment only costs $10,000, do I get to keep the extra money?
You are not raising money for your own equipment; you are raising money for future families in need. The mission of our organization is to help families within our community of families and any additional money raised will be funded forward to another family in need. This is the founding principal behind our organization.
How long will it take for my application for assistance to be reviewed?
Our Board of Directors meets once every quarter to review needs requests and allocate funds. If your request can not be granted initially, you will be on a pending status. The amount all of our volunteers raise is in direct correlation to the amount of Needs Requests we can grant.
If FUND IT FORWARD is not able to meet my needs request, will the money I raise be returned to me?
Remember, you are raising money for future families in need. Therefore, all funds you raise will be placed in the general fund to grant requests to as many applicants as possible. If you have a request that requires a larger amount of funds, it may take longer to meet your request.
If I have an urgent request, is there any way to receive the funds before I complete my volunteer work?
Our Board of Directors reviews all urgent requests as they come in. If your request is deemed an “emergency” by a majority of our Board of Directors and you have made the commitment to volunteer, FUND IT FORWARD will carefully consider that request on a case by case basis at the discretion of the full Board of Directors.
Is there a limit to the amount of time I have to raise the necessary funds to grant my needs request?
FUND IT FORWARD will work with you for as long as it takes to raise the amount of money you set out to contribute. However, if no efforts are being made on your part, FUND IT FORWARD may decide to discontinue assistance. Any decision to do so would first be considered by our full Board of Directors taking all factors into consideration. Any money raised to that point would be absorbed into the general fund for use by other families.
How many times a year can I apply for assistance?
You may apply once per calendar year per child.
Can I apply to receive assistance without fundraising for your organization?
Families can apply for assistance at any time. The Board of Directors evaluates each application and uses several factors - including volunteer involvement - to base their decision for granting the application. However, we strongly encourage families to volunteer and fundraise because this is how we are able to meet each applicants needs and raise awareness in your community.
I have more than one child with special needs, do I have to raise twice the amount of money in order to be granted a needs request for both of them?
Not necessarily. FUND IT FORWARD will once again consider requests on a case by case basis and if your needs undoubtedly outweigh your abilities, you may be eligible to receive additional money from the general fund to compensate those needs.
How can I obtain the necessary forms to submit an application for my child?
Forms can be mailed to you, or can be downloaded here. Click here to be directed to our online forms page.
What if I don't live in your area? Am I still eligible to partner with your organization?
Absolutely! Our goal is to help families worldwide. Currently we are only able to assist families within the United States, but as we continue to grow, we hope to increase the number of families we are able to assist.
