Many Kansas City residents may have heard of the work HopeBUILDERS does, but some may wonder where we get the funding to help clients needing assistance.
Variety of Sources
The fundraising HopeBUILDERS receives comes from a variety of sources. A large chunk of fundraising is from individual donations. Since the organization has been around for 17 years, a large database of donors has accrued over time. HopeBUILDERS volunteers will reach out to those individuals through mail campaigns asking for assistance. Other sources include corporations with either outright donations or with matching gifts for their employees.
Another type of donation comes in the form of time and materials. A few local companies will donate materials for ramps or other projects and then supply the volunteers to complete the project. The Home Depot Foundation is also a source of donated materials and grants. Nebraska Furniture Mart, Garmin, and Honeywell, to name a few, have employees who donate time. Service clubs, like rotary clubs and the Lions Club International, as well as youth groups and high school organizations, all donate time and money. Since we function the full 12 months of the year, donation opportunities are endless, either monetary or donations of services and time.
Low Overhead, High Ramps
Over the years, we have become much better at fundraising, and will continue to do so in the coming years. In order to continue expanding, we need to remain focused on improving our outreach. The typical cost to build a ramp can range anywhere from $1000-$5000. We strive to keep overhead low, and the majority of donation funding received (greater than 90%) is used to provide clients with home improvements and modifications that allow them to continue living in their homes.
The Blessing of a Donation
We recently received a grant which started on the first of March 2017 and will last one year. We have been so fortunate, and this grant will allow us to continue to grow and help those in need.
Sometimes it takes four months to complete a project, but some of our clients have been waiting for years. We see tears in their eyes and it pulls at the heartstrings when we realize the peace of mind their completed project brings them. We would welcome any new ideas that anyone would have for fundraising. We get surprised every week by checks that come in. Our goal is to make HopeBUILDERS self-sustaining so we can continue to help those who need it most. Visit our website to donate or volunteer today!