Begging for dollars is not easy

[Greybeard]

You know I have been joking about seeking a sponsor for fencing, not it is getting to the point of go to tournaments or eat. Granted, I could stand to lose a few pounds.

I have a "begging for dollars" letter but I am being told they don't support individuals. I am wondering if I should incorporate myself as a 501(c)(3) so they can donate to that. Either that or I have a bake sale and car wash.

Anyone have any ideas for how to get sponsored? I am all ears.

[TBean]

You know I have been joking about seeking a sponsor for fencing, not it is getting to the point of go to tournaments or eat. Granted, I could stand to lose a few pounds.

I have a "begging for dollars" letter but I am being told they don't support individuals. I am wondering if I should incorporate myself as a 501(c)(3) so they can donate to that. Either that or I have a bake sale and car wash.

Anyone have any ideas for how to get sponsored? I am all ears.

You won't be able to become a 501(c)(3) either, that is a charitable designation for an organization, not an individual. You cannot be a 501(c)(3) that benefits one person only, the charity cannot be self-dealing. Even if you were a 501 (c)(3), you would still get the same response from businesses, as you are still asking for money an individual - perhaps if you were fundraising for the wheelchair team or to support start-up programs in rehab centers for chair fencers you would get another response.

I think you need to look into pass-though organizations - you might consider contacting Tim Moorehouse as he is using an organization to accept funds for his training/competing, also you might think about contacting the Para-Olympics directly to see if they have a mechanism to accept donations to support athletes wanting to compete.

Bake sales and car washes work my friend. Or get your club to do a fundraising tournament - if you think that would fly. Just remember any funds you get - from whatever source - are considered income. Unless your club runs the fundraiser, and then your club owner takes the money directly and offers you a "scholarship" at the club to cover your training costs. Then the income hit is his.

[Greybeard]

Excellent advice. I am talking to my financial planner to. Thanks