Each of the member Groups of ELEF will be subject of different laws within their countries, especially with regards to charities or even the absence of such. UK laws allow annual subscription by covenant, where the charity can increase the amount by reclaiming tax paid by the member. Other schemes such as Gift Aid by the individual and companies and Give As You Earn for the employed all help attract income, and an Appeals Officer would normally use these ideas.
It seems essential that all Lupus Groups should appoint a national Appeals Officer, and for many Groups this will need to be on a nonsalaried basis. As a result, the person 'volunteering' is likely to set their own working hours or days, which may not entirely match our needs - but we value all effective volunteer assistance!
Just the writing of 25 to 50 letters each and every week will achieve results in some way, as even those who do not donate will become aware of your Group, of lupus and all that it is. What to include with the letter? A seperate good and concise explantation of the illness and of your organisation is vital, well-printed and glossy.
Some possible company supporters will want to fund a project rather than send monies - this can be difficult at the start, but such as book/video/publicity/equipment projects come to mind. Specific Appeal Funds, often 'in memoriam' can be especially helpful with funding.
In the UK, an extensive charity network exists, and many companies and charitable trusts are prepared to support the charities and their worthwhile work. However, these potential donors also have their pet causes, and it is wise not to seek support outside the guidelines that they offer. Many of them are swamped with applications, which can work against the letter-writers in some ways. Introduction to a specific director of a company is invaluable, if at all possible, and writing to a named person at a company is much preferred. This can be achieved by telephoning through first to ask the name of the person responsible for charitable donations.
There are now a number of annual publications listing the companies and trusts -entries are in categories for greater ease in selection. Even a library reference book on major companies is a starting-point. LUPUS UK purchased a small book for £15 on the Millionaire Givers and to date have received over £2,000 by writing to a number of them.
At LUPUS UK we've had a first full year from our salaried Appeals Officer who works just 3 1/2 days each week. We have set up a system producing nearly £60,000 in 1995 from about 1500 letters, and hope to put in place volunteer Appeals Officers for our 25 Regional Groups.
Yes, there is the cost of headed notepaper, of postage, of the possible purchase of a word-processor. It is vital that an Appeals Officer is able to represent the Group well, in writing and in the inevitable telephone conversations as well.
Appoint a volunteer Appeals Officer -it may then be that after a year or two sufficient funds are coming in to allow the Group to offer a small salary - for more hours, of course.
Only with more money will Lupus Groups progress well, finding more sufferers and funding better awareness and research. Do cantact us at LUPUS UK to know more about our methods - we're all fighting the common enemy, the wretched disease lupus.
Brian Hanner
E. L. E. F.
European Lupus Erythematosus Federation