Guidelines for Individual Fundraising Campaigns

This policy establishes the guidelines under which individuals may raise funds through The Amputee Center in support of our mission.

Mission Statement:
To improve the physical and emotional health of the limb loss and surrounding community.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with IRS regulations, donor transparency, and responsible stewardship of charitable funds, while providing members with meaningful opportunities to participate in mission-driven programs and events.

All individual fundraising campaigns must be created and administered using The Amputee Center’s official donation software.

Applicability

These guidelines apply whenever fundraising is conducted:

  • Under the umbrella of The Amputee Center; or

  • Using The Amputee Center’s name in the description or promotion of a fundraiser.

Ownership and Control of Funds

All funds raised are charitable donations to The Amputee Center, not to any individual fundraiser.

In accordance with IRS regulations governing 501(c)(3) organizations:

  • The Amputee Center retains full discretion and control over all donated funds.

  • The Board of Directors, through the fundraising committee, is responsible for oversight and approval of all expenditures.

While donations may be raised in support of a specific individual’s participation in an approved trip or event, all funds must be used to further The Amputee Center’s charitable mission.

When a campaign is established for an individual’s approved participation in a mission-related trip or event, funds raised will be applied toward that individual’s approved expenses consistent with this policy and subject to Board oversight.

This structure ensures both IRS compliance and donor assurance that contributions will be used for the intended charitable purpose.

Fundraising Purpose and Goals

Each fundraiser must:

  • Have a clearly defined charitable purpose aligned with the mission; and

  • Establish a financial goal based on the expected and approved budget for the trip or event.

Trips and events can provide significant physical, emotional, and educational benefits for our members, but they may also be costly. Fundraising allows friends and family to support that participation in a structured, compliant manner.

Prohibited Use of Funds

Funds may not be used for:

● Personal living expenses (rent, utilities, personal debt)
● Cash payments made directly to individuals without documentation
● Private benefit or personal enrichment
● Political or non-charitable activities

Bookings and Payments

All major bookings (such as airfare, lodging, registration, or group transportation) will be purchased directly by The Amputee Center using funds raised through the approved campaign.

Reimbursement and Approved Expenses

If an individual incurs approved expenses personally, reimbursement may be made upon submission of receipts and documentation.

Funds may be used for the following, unless otherwise approved by the fundraising committee:

● Food
● Beverages (non-alcoholic)
● Medical supplies (bandages, soaps, toiletries)
● Transportation (Uber/Lyft, taxi)
● Excursions directly related to the approved trip or event

All expenses must align with the approved charitable purpose.

Per Diem

If the approved fundraising goal is met and funds remain, the fundraising committee may review and approve a per diem amount for the individual in connection with the approved trip or event.

Per diem is subject to Board oversight and must align with reasonable and customary travel practices.

Excess Funds

If individual funds raised exceed the approved budgeted need, any remaining funds will remain with The Amputee Center and applied to overall trip/event expenses or used for future mission-related programs, trips, or events.

Caretaker Policy

Except for approved per diem, funds may not be used to pay expenses for caretakers or significant others.

Caretakers may share lodging or transportation arrangements when appropriate, but fundraising proceeds may not be used to subsidize personal travel costs outside the approved charitable purpose.

 

 

Text to include on all individual campaigns:   All funds raised are charitable donations to The Amputee Center and will be applied to support this individual’s approved participation in accordance with our Individual Fundraising Policy. [View Policy with link]