Donations:

As a non-profit organization, our funding comes strictly from donations from individuals or businesses.  We know that these are trying financial times for many families, and especially for those coping with chronic illness.  In addition to personal donations, we have several other options available for helping the PCD Foundation financially.

1. Online Shopping--If you make purchases online, check out the iGive.com and the Maatiam.com (formerly Freepledge) sites. Working with many retailers, these sites donate a percentage of the purchase price to the participating charity of your choice.
   
   • Click here for PCD Foundation iGive site.
     
   • Click here for PCD Foundation Maatiam site.
2. Online Browsing--If you do internet searches you can raise money by using GoodSearch. The site is powered by Yahoo!, so you'll get the same quality search results that you're used to. What's unique is that they have developed a way to direct money to charities with every click. The more people who use this and designate "PCD KS Foundation (Minneapolis, MN)" the more money we can raise, so please spread the word to your friends and family. GoodSearch
3. Sponsorships
4. Private Donations--Private gifts in any amount are very much appreciated.  You can create your own personal network of family, friends, business associates, etc. (see "letter writing" below) to request private gifts.
5. Corporate Match Programs--Many corporations offer annual programs offering to match employee donation amounts to "suggested" charities.  It is often possible to choose your own charity as long as it is has IRS 501 (c) (3) status (and the PCD Foundation does).
6. Memorials and Honorariums--The PCD Foundation will gladly accept memorial and honorarium donations.   Honorees will be published in the quarterly newsletter and in the "News and Events" section of the website.
7. Group Fundraising Events--Fundraising events such as garage sales, bake sales, car washes, etc. are a good way to get groups involved in charitable giving.  Please don't hesitate to send in fundraising ideas, or to organize events on your own!!

Volunteer Opportunities:

As a new group, we have many opportunities for participation!  Here are just a few suggestions:

1. Letter Writing Campaigns--We need to get the word out about PCD!  The PCD Foundation has templates for letters to physicians, elected representatives, and friends and family that can be customized for individual writers.   Click here for sample letters. If you prefer, you can contact the PCD Foundation at 612-396-1179 or info@pcdfoundation.org for copies of the templates and letterhead and envelopes. 
2. Regional Support Groups--People with PCD feel very isolated and are frequently surprised to learn that there are others with PCD in their area.  We would like to set up a network of support groups to bring  patients and caregivers together.  If you would be interested in participating/leading a patient support group, please contact the PCD Foundation at 612-396-1179 or info@pcdfoundation.org.
3. Committee Members--We are an organization composed of volunteers and need people with the desire and ability to serve on our committees. Please contact the PCD Foundation at the PCD Foundation at 612-396-1179 or info@pcdfoundation.org regarding committees you are interested in serving on.

Wish List Information:

Many of you have expressed a desire to help and have asked about specific areas of need. This list will give you an idea of short and long term needs.

1. In-Kind Donations--Non-cash gifts to charitable organizations are known as “in-kind” donations, and their value is tax-deductible.
   • Postage
   • Reams of computer paper
   • HP ink cartridges #23 (color) & #45 (black)
   • HP ink cartridges #95 (color) & #94 (black)
   • Gift cards (a lot of the printing is done at Office Max & Staples)
   • For more detailed information for any item or gift card ideas for the items, please feel free to email Lynn Ehrne or call her at 585-621-8915.
2. Cash Donations--Any amount is always appreciated & helpful. If you’d like to donate for something more specific please see the ideas below.
   • Sponsor a printing of PCD Foundation letterhead and envelopes (est. $250)
   • Sponsor a printing of the PCD Newsletter (est. $500)
   • Sponsor a month of the PCD website ($40)
   • Sponsor a month of long distance and/or cell phone service (est. $35)
   • Sponsor a family to attend family day (registration & 2 nights hotel est. $300)
3. Silent Auction--There will be a silent auction held during the Education Weekend. If you have anything you would like to donate for auction, please contact us.