Fundraising Strategy

How to raise money for a van or care without losing your government benefits.

Critical Warning: Medicaid & Asset Limits

If you receive SSI or Medicaid, you typically cannot have more than $2,000 in your name.

If you start a GoFundMe and raise $20,000, the government views that as "Income/Assets." You could lose your health insurance immediately. Read the platform comparison below carefully.

1. Choosing the Right Platform

For large medical fundraising, standard crowdfunding sites can be dangerous. Compare your options:

Feature	GoFundMe (Personal)	Help Hope Live (Non-Profit)
Where money goes	Directly to your bank account.	Held by the Non-Profit (Help Hope Live) in your honor.
Medicaid Safe?	NO. Counts as assets.	YES. Money is not yours; it belongs to the non-profit.
Tax Deductible?	No. Donors typically cannot write it off.	Yes. Donors get a tax receipt.
How bills get paid	You pay out of pocket.	You submit invoices (e.g. Van Dealer) to HHL, and they write the check directly.

Visit Help Hope Live →

2. How to Write Your Story

People donate to people, not "medical bills." You need to be vulnerable. Use this 3-part structure:

Part 1: The "Before & After" (The Hook)

Don't start with the accident. Start with who you are. "I am a father, a carpenter, and a runner." Then explain the change.

Part 2: The Specific Barrier (The Villain)

Don't just say "I need help." Identify the villain. "My insurance pays for a manual chair, but because I am C6, I cannot push it on carpet. I am trapped in my living room."

Part 3: The Tangible Impact (The Ask)

Tell them what their $50 buys. "A power assist motor costs $6,000. This motor means I can go to my daughter's soccer games again."

Template Title: Help [Name] Regain Independence Intro: Hi everyone. As many of you know, on [Date], my life changed when I sustained a C6 Spinal Cord Injury. The Challenge: While I have regained strong bicep function, I currently lack the hand grip to load my wheelchair into a standard car. This means I cannot leave my house without a caregiver present. The Solution: I am raising funds for a customized Van with a ramp and hand controls. This vehicle costs $60,000. The Impact: This van isn't just a car; it is my legs. It means returning to work and picking up my kids from school.

3. Getting the Word Out

Posting on Facebook once isn't enough. Here is a timeline strategy:

Week 1: The "Soft Launch"

Send personal texts/emails to your 10 closest friends and family. Ask them to donate *first*. People are more likely to donate to a campaign that already has money in the pot.

Week 2: The Social Blast

Post publicly. Ask friends to share, not just donate. "If you can't donate, please share this link."

Week 3: The Update

Post a video of you doing rehab or working hard. Show donors their investment is "working." "Look, I learned to transfer today! We are 50% of the way to the van!"

The "Local Angle"

Local news stations love human interest stories. Email the "Tips" line at your local FOX/ABC affiliate. Subject: "Local Dad fights to return to work after paralysis." Include a link to your campaign.