Finding Ways to Fund an AED

Resources for finding the cash you need.

Maybe it is a no-brainer your organization, church, school, business, or facility would benefit from having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) available. But maybe AED funding is cost-prohibitive, and finding the money in your budget just never seems to happen.

Through our 16+ years in the business of selling AEDs, we have been privileged to work with many foundations, organizations, and individuals who have shown great initiative in finding the means to fund AEDs. We thought we would share some ideas here in case you are looking for inspiration.

• Typical fundraisers such as car washes, bake sales, raffles at school events, etc. can be simple ways to raise the money for one AED in small schools, churches or organizations such as sports and youth programs.
• Find sponsors: reach out to local businesses or individuals to sponsor AEDs and offer to put up a plaque or some other notice of who the donor was. Some examples:

“Thank you to our Heart Partner – Dr. Joe Smith, Cardiologist Specialists”

“This AED provided by: Pete’s Towing”

• Reach out to foundations. Many foundations exist to help organizations fund AEDs.  You can find links to many foundations with a simple Google search for AED Foundations.
  

• Apply for grants.  There are many grants available which will provide funds for specific items, or for funds which can be used for general operational needs. Be careful not to fall for “grants” that are actually just discounts on AEDs which have already had their prices inflated by the seller.

• Hold an educational fundraiser specifically geared to both educating attendees about sudden cardiac arrest and raising money. Ideas include a “free” community hands-only CPR class with an at-will donation. Work with your local EMS or local fire department for instructors and demonstrators. Make it an all-ages event and have fun games which teach kids what to look for when someone goes into SCA, how to use an AED, etc.

• Online fundraisers on social media are the new way to find donors.  By simply setting it up, you can have friends of your page (and friends of friends of friends) see your goal and help.

• “Pass the hat” during games or do a 50/50 raffle during schools and sports programs .  

Did we forget something? Did you raise money to purchase an AED and want to share your ideas? Let us know in the comments below!