As a special needs bed company founded by a mother of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, we take every measure possible to make The Safety Sleeper® as reliable and affordable as possible.
Unfortunately, because of our insistence on using high-quality, medical-grade materials and manufacturing right here in the United States, we can only push our costs down so low.
That’s why we’ve taken every measure possible to help parents access insurance coverage for The Safety Sleeper®.
But not all insurances cover our safety beds—even with a well-written letter of medical necessity. In those cases, we recommend exploring other funding options, especially fundraising.
6 Tips For Fundraising For Your Safety Bed
Here are a few strategies you can use to quickly raise enough money for your own Safety Sleeper® and give your kiddo—and the rest of your family—a relaxing night of sleep:
1. Focus On the Story, Not the Product
If you want donations, focus on the story behind the donation. In other words: Explain why the safety bed is so important for your child.
You’re not asking for donations to get little Tommy a Safety Sleeper® because it’ll look good in his room. You’re asking for donations because Tommy’s night wandering has caused him to slip out of his bedroom unsupervised six times in the last month, and you’ve caught him putting silverware in the microwave on multiple occasions (something one of our parents actually experienced).
You’re not asking for donations to get little Susie a Safety Sleeper® because she thought it looked fun. You’re asking for donations because Susie’s involuntary muscle spasms cause her to thrash about, and she suffered a concussion and a broken arm falling out of bed last week.
You’re not asking for donations to get little Todd a Safety Sleeper® because you saw an influencer using it for her child. You’re asking for donations because Todd requires special medical equipment at night, and he frequently gets tangled in his wires.
The more you can focus on the real why behind your request, the more likely people are to donate to your cause.
2. Use A Crowdfunding Tool
A crowdfunding tool can take some of the heavy lifting out of fundraising, and it can even help you reach a wider online audience instead of relying on family, neighbors, and friends within your community. Contact us to learn about some of the most popular options!
3. Start An Independent Fundraiser
You don’t have to rely on online platforms to collect donations. Instead, you can host an old-fashioned fundraiser that collects both digital and cash funds.
A few common examples perfect for the modern era:
- Ask for donations through Facebook (and don’t forget to ask the Facebook groups you’re an active member of)
- Hold a birthday party and ask for donations instead of toys
- Co-host a spaghetti dinner or pancake breakfast with your church
- Partner with a local charity like Kiwanis International or the Rotary Club
4. Spread The News In Multiple Ways
Don’t limit your messaging to one channel. You can reach your friends, family, neighbors, and other potential donors through multiple platforms, including:
- Your social media accounts
- Emails
- Handwritten letters
- Church bulletins
- Business networking groups
- Book clubs
- Other social groups you’re part of
5. Emphasize the Deadline
You don’t want your fundraiser to drag on forever; you want your kiddo to have a safe place to sleep now!
Help your potential donors feel the same urgency you feel by placing a hard deadline—and put meaning to the date. A few examples:
- “We’re aiming to have enough funds by August 15 because we’re trying to get David his new bed before the school year starts.”
- “We’re trying to raise enough by April 10 so we can purchase The Safety Sleeper® for Sarah’s birthday.”
- “We’re hoping to receive enough donations by June 30 so we can have the bed before visiting Sam’s grandparents.”
When coupled with your detailed storytelling, setting a deadline can help create an emotional urgency that spurs extra donations!
6. Thank Donors
Always express your appreciation for donors. Write heartfelt thank-you notes with your child to show how thankful you really are.
And follow up again once you’ve purchased the bed and set it up in your home!
Learn More About The Safety Sleeper®
We want to make sure you and your child receive the love, support, and resources necessary for a safe, restful night of sleep. If you’re choosing to fundraise for your own safety bed, consider renting The Safety Sleeper® in the meantime.
And if you’re considering which safety bed is best for your child, consider reviewing our ultimate guide for special needs beds. There, you’ll find detailed information on how a special needs bed promotes sleep, how to pick the perfect bed for your loved one, and more!
Have additional questions? Contact us! Our team is standing by to lend extra support.