Raise Money for the 2009 Washington DC symposium!

June 2009 will be here before you know it! The cost of one family member attending the symposium will be the cost of registration (approx. $200, which covers nearly all meals), two nights in a hotel (approx. $150 per night) and ground or air transportation. It can seem like a huge financial hurdle for some - but, there are ways to raise funds! Here is a formula for raising $350 in just a week:

Most people are happy to give when they are asked – especially if it will help you as you care for your loved one. People want to do something positive for you!

Note: The IRS will allow parents to deduct some of the costs, such as registration and transportation costs, that are associated with attending medical meetings related to their children's health conditions. See IRS Bulletin 2000-9 (May 8, 2000) for more information.

Be creative!

• Ask your church, family, friends, social groups, or your employer to assist you in fundraising to help defray your costs - and increase awareness at the same time!
• Put the symposium on a wish list and have people contribute toward your trip. Sometimes people are even willing to donate frequent flyer miles.
• Try saving $50 each month. Then the cost may not seem so formidable!

Try local government and non-profit resources!

If you plan to contact state/local resources for financial support, you will need to get started as soon as possible. Many of these agencies have early deadlines for the upcoming year.

Use GoodSearch.com to search the web for available funds. (Don’t forget to use the UMDF’s code!)

Some keywords to try:
     ·      ARC of (your state)
     ·      legal aide
     ·      financial assistance
     ·      conference assistance
     ·      conference stipend
     ·      disability assistance
     ·      disability stipend
     ·      family assistance
     ·      disability resources
     ·     ...Or any other creative combination of words!

And don’t forget to put the name of your state in the search!

Different states have different names for programs, so you may need to do some research for programs in your area. Applications can usually be made to:

     ·     Your state's Early Intervention Office
     ·      Department of Public Welfare Disabilities Office
     ·      Commission on Disability
     ·      Georgia Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (www.gcdd.org)
     ·      Medicare Waiver Program
     ·      Parenting Education Network (IEP or FSP program).
     ·      New York Economic Opportunity
     ·      Illinois Family Assistance for Children with Developmental Disabilities
     ·      The ARC of Illinois, Consumer Involvement Program-Consumer Stipend Funds
     ·      Utah Governors Council for People with Disabilities
     ·      Northwest Missouri Conference Assistance Program
     ·      Florida Family Café: Consumers and Families Leadership and Development Assistance Program (Apply Early!)
     ·      Consumer and Family Participation Fund – Virginia/D.C. area
     ·      New York Development Disabilities Planning Council's suggested steps for gaining financial assistance:
             www.ddpc.state.ny.us/pages/conference_funding_information.htm

Funds can also be found by contacting your church or synagogue, the local United Way, the March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Easter Seals, Kiwanis, Rotary or Lions Club.

Marcel's Way also offers funding to families affected by mitochondrial disorders who wish to attend educational sessions. For more information, visit www.marcelsway.org/familyfund.php.

Remember! The costs for Symposium include registration fees, transportation costs, hotel costs, and some meals.

Questions?

Contact Member Services at 1-888-317-UMDF (8633) or info@umdf.org.