A primary goal of nearly every committee setting up and implementing an AED program is, obviously, to obtain the funding necessary to pay the estimated costs of your AED program.
In many communities, financial support comes relatively easily once it is sought. Also, since gifts to non-profit entities are tax deductible (and therefore more attractive to potential donors), you might consider aligning your program with a non-profit organization or forming one yourself.
Direct Funding
The simplest approach to funding - direct funding by your municipality, a government agency, or by the state (e.g., state department of public health, school department budget), or through a government grant - may be all that is needed, particularly if you are seeking to start a Community Access Defibrillation Program (CAD) serving your entire community, or a significant segment, such as the public schools.
For example, a city recreation department that has been educated about the serious public health problem of sudden cardiac arrest, and the need for prompt universal access to defibrillation, may simply vote to include AED program implementation costs in its next budget cycle.
Alternate funding options
If AED program costs cannot be funded directly, it will be necessary to explore alternative funding sources, such as:
- Local corporations and industries
- Grant programs from national sports organizations, such as US Lacrosse
- Civic organizations
- Private foundations
- Public charities
- Government grants
- Traditional fund-raisers:
- Direct mail or telephone solicitations
- Golf or other sporting tournament, or host a refreshment stand at a local sports competition
- Charity auction, craft fair, raffle, or rummage sale
- Bake sale, pancake breakfast, or spaghetti dinner
- CPR-oriented fund-raising events, such as mass-training events or a marathon
