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Plan Your Event

From bake sales and dinner parties to golf tournaments and 5K runs, fundraising events come in all shapes and sizes. But whether simple or elaborate, each event is valuable and unique because of the personal touch and dedication of the volunteers.

We at Kennedy Krieger Institute are fortunate to have families, businesses, and organizations throughout the country actively supporting the Institute by coordinating third party events. These fundraising events are brainstormed, managed, and executed entirely by volunteers hoping to benefit the 16,000 children and families who walk through our doors each year. The incredible individuals and groups who organize these events commit to underwriting all related costs, recruiting volunteers, creating publicity materials, and producing the actual events. In doing so, critically needed funds are raised for Kennedy Krieger, helping to keep expenses low so that every dollar raised goes directly to research, patient care, special education and community programs at the Institute.

Tips for Successful Events:

  • Kennedy Krieger Institute's Approval: Once you know what type of event you would like to organize, complete our Third Party Events Proposal Form. Permission is required in order to execute your special event using the Kennedy Krieger name and/or logo.
  • Form A Planning Committee: The success of any special event is increased by the enthusiasm and dedication of the people who plan and organize it. Create a planning committee that has enough members to share the work and represents a variety of skills.
  • Use Your Imagination: When brainstorming, no event is too small or too big. Use the Internet to come up with some ideas.
  • Set A Budget: Keeping your costs down will generate a bigger profit for your event. When possible, try to have things donated. Have a realistic and measureable finanical goal.
  • Create A Time Line: This will be a place you ca refer to so that you know things are getting done in a timely manner. Leave enough time for Kennedy Krieger to review all printed material.
  • Make Sure You Have the "Right" Event: The type of event you choose should fit the size, interest, talents, goals and time availability of your group.
  • Schedule the Event: Look at community/school calendars. Schedule the event for a time and location that is appropriate and convenient for those who will be attending.
  • Publicity and Promotion: These are key to a successful event. Remember, you can never over promote an event. All promotional materials need to be approved by Kennedy Krieger.
  • Collect the Funds: Be sure to indicate which percentage of the sale is tax deductible. We can help you with this. We ask that funds be forwarded to Kennedy Krieger Institute within 30 days after the event. Please allow four weeks from that date for tax receipts to be issued.
  • Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!: Make sure to thank anyone who has helped with your event in a timely manner. It is also a good idea to report how much money was raised.

Proposal:

Thank you for your interest in raising funds for Kennedy Krieger Institute. We are grateful to have you support our mission of improving the lives of children and adolescents with pediatric developmental disabilities through patient care, special education, research and professional training. Because we receive so many inquiries, the Kennedy Krieger Institute senior management team and staff have developed some policies and procedures to help you and assist us in learning about your plans. If you are interested in planning an event for the Kennedy Krieger Institute, you must submit a completed Third Party Event Proposal Form.

  • All fundraising events for Kennedy Krieger Institute require written permission from the Institute in advance.
  • A Special Event Proposal Form must be completed and submitted to Kennedy Krieger's Development Office before approval can be granted.
  • Kennedy Krieger Institute reserves the right to deny any application for a special event/fundraising program that does not appropriately reflect the mission of the Institute.

How We Can Help:

  • Offer event planning guidance and expertise.
  • If requested, provide a letter of support to be used to validate the authenticity of the event and its organizers.
  • Acknowledge any direct contributions to Kennedy Krieger Institute from your fundraising.
  • Provide pre-addressed envelopes to make it easier for people to send in donations.
  • Help you create a personal web page about your event on our web site. This web page will not only help you promote your event, but also allow people to make contributions that will be automatically credited to your event.
  • Promote the event on the Institute's web site and social media pages. (However, we are unable to promote your event to other external audiences.)
  • Provide existing Institute marketing materials, program collateral, brochures, and giveaways (limited quantities available).
  • Provide acknowledgement of the event on our Special Events web site.

In order to ensure consistency among our fundraising events, please abide by our Third Party Event Policies and Guidelines when planning your event. We also request that anyone wishing to host an event sign and return our Third Party Events Proposal Form.

Each year, there are more than 100 events in our community that raise money for Kennedy Krieger Institute. These events range from raffles to golfing events to school projects. View our photo galleries to get ideas for your event.