The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is extremely grateful to the many people and organizations who wish to organize events in support of our mission to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
We hope this guide is helpful. Please review the information. We will need your signed fundraising agreement before you begin your FUNdraising adventure!
Where does the money go?
ASGA supports 11,000 individuals with Autism and their families annually with inclusive community-based family events, iCanBike and Swimming with Autism skill enhancement programs, a free HelpLine anyone can call for information and resources, educational opportunities and ongoing advocacy on the local, state and federal levels. We also support the community in understanding Autism by providing trainings. Thank you for supporting ASGA!
How will this toolkit help me?
Feel free to use a few of our ideas and suggestions for your fundraiser! You may want to start with something simple and easy-to-plan, but our hope is this toolkit will inspire you, however ambitious you may feel. Whether you’ve hosted fundraising events in the past or are new to fundraising, the toolkit is designed to help you effectively raise money and awareness for ASGA and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our goal is to make planning your fundraiser as easy as possible. With this guide, anyone can become a successful fundraiser for ASGA!
- Advice and suggestions from ASGA staff on event planning, as time allows
- Approval of the use of ASGA name, logo and images, when appropriate (Logo cannot be used without prior authorization)
- ASGA branded literature to distribute at your event
- ASGA Event Banners (Subject to availability)
- Promotion of your event, when appropriate, to the ASGA community through typical mediums such as our website, social media, and e-newsletter.
- A letter of authorization to validate the authenticity of the event and its organizers
- Acknowledge and provide tax receipts for contributions made payable and submitted to ASGA (Receipt and thank you letter can be mailed out of our office after we receive direct donations)
Checks payable to ASGA, and cash donations clearly labeled with the donor's information, will be provided with a tax-deductible acknowledgment letter in accordance with IRS and state tax regulations.
- Our tax‐exemption number
- Insurance or liability coverage
- Mailing list of donors and/or vendors
- Funding or reimbursement of your expenses
- Assistance in soliciting donations, handling mailings or attending committee meetings
What activities do you enjoy? Whether it’s cooking, crafting or exercising, simply add a fundraising component to it. It’s the perfect way to give back to a great cause while doing something you love.
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The following is a simple description of ASGA and ASD, which you can use in your messaging.
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Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with autism; including 1 in 36 childbirths and 3.5 million people nationwide. It is estimated that some sixteen thousand people have a diagnosis of autism in Greater Akron area, which doesn’t account for their families, friends, and the professionals who support them.
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Social Media
Whether you’re promoting your event or celebrating its success, social media can play an important role in your fundraising. Remember these tips when spreading the word through your social media accounts.
- Tell your friends and followers why you have created this event. Be specific about event details, your goal, and the difference it makes for both you AND ASGA
- Post consistently! Share updates before, during and after your event and tag us @GreaterAkron (Facebook) or @ASGreaterAkron (Twitter and Instagram).
- Make sure ASGA is reflected as a beneficiary of the fundraiser, not as conducting the event (i.e. “proceeds from XYZ Garage Sale will benefit The Autism Society of Greater Akron”).
- Download the Donation Tracking Form HERE
- PLEASE MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU MAIL IN CASE ANYTHING GETS LOST IN THE MAIL
- Send thank-you letters to your donors to show appreciation and goodwill in supporting ASGA!
- Please contact ASGA via email or phone at (330) 940-1441 if you have any questions or concerns
When your event is complete, or you have received donations for ASGA, please mail or deliver your donations to:
Autism Society of Greater Akron
580 Grant St.
Akron, Ohio 44311
Checks payable to ASGA, and cash donations clearly labeled with the donor's information, will be provided with a tax-deductible acknowledgment letter in accordance with IRS and state tax regulations.