Flying for charity

[Stevie B]

I'm looking for ideas of how to combine my love of flying with raising money and promoting a worthwhile charity, I can think of no other more satisfying thing to do than to turn this great and fabulous passtime into an activity that benefits a very worthwhile cause. I already have a charity in mind, what I am asking for is ideas of how to get the money flowing? Looking forward to receiving your suggestions...

 

 

[Stevie B]

dont go there

why?

 

 

[sseeker]

http://thereandback.com.au/

 

If he did it in an RAA J230, what's stopping anyone else? Apart from the fact he holds a CPL and probably an ATPL.

 

-Andrew

 

 

[dazza 38]

http://thereandback.com.au/If he did it in an RAA J230, what's stopping anyone else? Apart from the fact he holds a CPL and probably an ATPL.

 

-Andrew

Yes he holds a ATPL he flies for Qantas for a living.Also a brillant Journalist as well imo.

 

 

[Guest davidh10]

This has been asked and the topic discussed at length before. Refer to the Thread "Would this be Commercial operations?"

 

Hopefully that thread answers your questions and points you at the legislation as well as pointing out some of the possible interpretations and misinterpretations.

 

 

[Stevie B]

I should have been more clear about what I was asking for as I have already been down that path and learnt that only an Instructor or CFI can take a joy flight or TIF. I have Instructors on board with this and dont want to recover that discussion. What I'm asking for is ideas of ways to get the funds rolling in?

 

 

[sseeker]

I think everyone is trying to say that it'd be hard to do because it would be considered a commercial operation... Owen Zupp was fortunate because he held an ATPL and CASA obviously gave him an exemption. I wonder if he had to convert and get an RAA cert? The CAO for 95.55 aircraft states that CASA may give exemptions for those wishing to fly without an RA-Aus conversion.

 

-Andrew

 

 

[Nostalgair]

Hi All,

 

I just noticed this forum thread and thought I'd answer some of the questions to the best of my ability.

 

Firstly, the 'There and Back' flight was one of my best flying experiences to date. The people and places made it a journey that I'll never forget, while the challenge of executing it as precisely as possible was very satisfying. Would I do it again? Yes. In a heart-beat.

 

Secondly, I did go through the necessary training to attain a RAA Pilot Certificate. It was a straightforward process that I thoroughly enjoyed and my dealings with the RAA were first class.

 

As for the flight as a fund-raising exercise, it was a private operation that I funded up-front. Before I 'unveiled' the flight, I made a proposal to the nominated charity with my idea and gained their approval; in this case the charity was the Royal Flying Doctor Service. On this point I would like to emphasise that the fund-raising was kept entirely separate from my expenses. All donations went DIRECTLY to the RFDS via an online donation page, into their registered donation tins or via cheques made out DIRECTLY to them. I think it is important when undertaking these flights to keep those two issues absolutely independent of each other or the exercise can be perceived as being funded by donations.

 

In summary, such a flight is most definitely possible and the ability to support a worthwhile charity makes the flight even more satisfying. To do it properly, there is a lot of work involved in the preparation, execution and conclusion of the flight. I was fortunate to have wonderful support from a great team. Also, it must always be remembered that regardless of the cause that is being supported and the media interest that is being generated, at it's core, it is first and foremost a flight. As such, safety is the absolute priority at all times; everything else is secondary.

 

I hope this sheds a bit of light on the subject. Thanks for the interest and the kind comment about my writing efforts too! :big_grin:

 

Safe flying.

 

Owen Zupp

 

 

[Mazda]

My suggestion is if you really want to raise money for charity, go ahead and raise it then hand it straight over, rather than spending money on flying which could go to the charity. Or donate the money you would spend on the flight directly to the charity.

 

If you want to go flying, save up and do it. Or possibly do as Owen did, fund the flight yourself and have donations going directly to the charity concerned. Otherwise in effect the charity is paying for your flight and that is not a charitable thing to do.

 

 

[Stevie B]

My suggestion is if you really want to raise money for charity, go ahead and raise it then hand it straight over, rather than spending money on flying which could go to the charity. Or donate the money you would spend on the flight directly to the charity.If you want to go flying, save up and do it. Or possibly do as Owen did, fund the flight yourself and have donations going directly to the charity concerned. Otherwise in effect the charity is paying for your flight and that is not a charitable thing to do.

I fully intend to fund the flight myself and don't need an ethics lecture, I have asked this group for ideas on how we could use this fabulous pastime to generate an inflow of funds for a charity that would be greater than the simple gift I could do from my own resources. If you have any ideas or suggestions on this topic I would appreciate

[Stevie B]

Hi All,I just noticed this forum thread and thought I'd answer some of the questions to the best of my ability.

 

Firstly, the 'There and Back' flight was one of my best flying experiences to date. The people and places made it a journey that I'll never forget, while the challenge of executing it as precisely as possible was very satisfying. Would I do it again? Yes. In a heart-beat.

 

Owen what was your idea? How did you raise the money?

 

Secondly, I did go through the necessary training to attain a RAA Pilot Certificate. It was a straightforward process that I thoroughly enjoyed and my dealings with the RAA were first class.

 

As for the flight as a fund-raising exercise, it was a private operation that I funded up-front. Before I 'unveiled' the flight, I made a proposal to the nominated charity with my idea and gained their approval; in this case the charity was the Royal Flying Doctor Service. On this point I would like to emphasise that the fund-raising was kept entirely separate from my expenses. All donations went DIRECTLY to the RFDS via an online donation page, into their registered donation tins or via cheques made out DIRECTLY to them. I think it is important when undertaking these flights to keep those two issues absolutely independent of each other or the exercise can be perceived as being funded by donations.

 

In summary, such a flight is most definitely possible and the ability to support a worthwhile charity makes the flight even more satisfying. To do it properly, there is a lot of work involved in the preparation, execution and conclusion of the flight. I was fortunate to have wonderful support from a great team. Also, it must always be remembered that regardless of the cause that is being supported and the media interest that is being generated, at it's core, it is first and foremost a flight. As such, safety is the absolute priority at all times; everything else is secondary.

 

I hope this sheds a bit of light on the subject. Thanks for the interest and the kind comment about my writing efforts too! :big_grin:

 

Safe flying.

 

Owen Zupp

[Stevie B]

Owen what was your idea? How did you raise the money? How much did you raise? What fund raising ideas have you for anyone who wants to follow you?

 

 

[FlyingVizsla]

Hi Nafqr,

 

I am a veteran of many a fundraiser, through Rotary, Apex, Scouts, Aero Club, Church and for worthwhile causes, like RFDS. A lot depends on what charity you are supporting and if you are going it alone or linking with teams at each landing.

 

Unfortunately, when it comes to flying, there are many who ask me how to fly for charity. In reality (and I am not saying you fit this category) it is more How can I get someone else to fund my flying ..." I've lost count of the number of people who raise money through churches to fund their trip outback, usually to Birdsville, and if you believe their report, the town of 65 (when I was there) had been saved 3 times over, one bloke reported near 100 came forward when he gave the salvation call the first night (and now he had to go back ....). After all the parishioners are unlikely to fund your next trip if you report 1 turned up and only only wanted to talk planes.

 

That aside, you need to theme your fund raising. This should be in tune with your designated charity (and check their fundraising policies). Some charities already have chapters around the country. If you can, tie in with them and have an 'event' when you fly in, the proceeds of which the local group hand directly to the charity and you chalk it up to the success of your effort. For example fund raising for a rescue service - At each location the locals auction off a donated Trauma Teddy (funds direct to charity) which you then you fly to the next location, building up a collection which you then (in front of press & with charity rep & giant cheque) hand to needy facility. Or you could take something from place to place and have the locals do a BBQ, cent sale, etc. Or Retracing the Steps of Famous Person. Beating the Bounds (going around the boundary) for a geographic charity eg Highlands Rescue, or co-piloting for a blind pilot raising awareness. Basically you want to put hours in the log book, so there has to be an excuse for the flying part.

 

Risk - charity will want to see insurance and indemnity. Don't plan something with a tight schedule that might compel you to be there fair or foul weather - remember the child pilot in the USA going coast to coast, two adults pushed on into bad weather to meet a press appointment and 3 died. Approach the charity with a well researched proposal. Know your charity - don't plan a booze up, betting on a cochroach race and expect the Salvos to be impressed. To raise money quickly you need something everyone wants with a good margin. Given you can't carry much in a light plane, you may have to plan to have it shipped to your destination, or have the locals do it. Sausage sizzle / hamburgers - sangas, bread, onion, sauce, marg = $1, sell at $2, tea/coffee, softdrink 50c hot, sell $2 cold. You can get bottles of wine fairly cheaply & supplier will arrange a label printed to whatever you want - promoting your trip & charity (RFDS locals do this). Mark up usually 100% or more. Auction donated goods at a "Dinner under the stars" - seen this done at Longreach & Winton Qld airstrips very sucessfully.

 

Hopefully given you some ideas. Could be more specific if I knew what the charity was about. Sue

 

 

[Stevie B]

Hi Nafqr,I am a veteran of many a fundraiser, through Rotary, Apex, Scouts, Aero Club, Church and for worthwhile causes, like RFDS. A lot depends on what charity you are supporting and if you are going it alone or linking with teams at each landing.

Unfortunately, when it comes to flying, there are many who ask me how to fly for charity. In reality (and I am not saying you fit this category) it is more How can I get someone else to fund my flying ..." I've lost count of the number of people who raise money through churches to fund their trip outback, usually to Birdsville, and if you believe their report, the town of 65 (when I was there) had been saved 3 times over, one bloke reported near 100 came forward when he gave the salvation call the first night (and now he had to go back ....). After all the parishioners are unlikely to fund your next trip if you report 1 turned up and only only wanted to talk planes.

 

That aside, you need to theme your fund raising. This should be in tune with your designated charity (and check their fundraising policies). Some charities already have chapters around the country. If you can, tie in with them and have an 'event' when you fly in, the proceeds of which the local group hand directly to the charity and you chalk it up to the success of your effort. For example fund raising for a rescue service - At each location the locals auction off a donated Trauma Teddy (funds direct to charity) which you then you fly to the next location, building up a collection which you then (in front of press & with charity rep & giant cheque) hand to needy facility. Or you could take something from place to place and have the locals do a BBQ, cent sale, etc. Or Retracing the Steps of Famous Person. Beating the Bounds (going around the boundary) for a geographic charity eg Highlands Rescue, or co-piloting for a blind pilot raising awareness. Basically you want to put hours in the log book, so there has to be an excuse for the flying part.

 

Risk - charity will want to see insurance and indemnity. Don't plan something with a tight schedule that might compel you to be there fair or foul weather - remember the child pilot in the USA going coast to coast, two adults pushed on into bad weather to meet a press appointment and 3 died. Approach the charity with a well researched proposal. Know your charity - don't plan a booze up, betting on a cochroach race and expect the Salvos to be impressed. To raise money quickly you need something everyone wants with a good margin. Given you can't carry much in a light plane, you may have to plan to have it shipped to your destination, or have the locals do it. Sausage sizzle / hamburgers - sangas, bread, onion, sauce, marg = $1, sell at $2, tea/coffee, softdrink 50c hot, sell $2 cold. You can get bottles of wine fairly cheaply & supplier will arrange a label printed to whatever you want - promoting your trip & charity (RFDS locals do this). Mark up usually 100% or more. Auction donated goods at a "Dinner under the stars" - seen this done at Longreach & Winton Qld airstrips very sucessfully.

 

Hopefully given you some ideas. Could be more specific if I knew what the charity was about. Sue

Thanks Sue, as I've said before I dont want anyone else to fund my flying I genuinely wish to support my chosen charity. My world got turned upside down last year when my beautiful wife was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, her prognosis is not good and at 47 years of age we were devastated. She attended a residential programme at the Gawler Foundation in Victoria's Yarra Valley in October last year. The Gawler Foundation run programmes on all the lifestyle issues that you can address to run alongside any medical treatment. (integrative medicine) The programme gave her hope and put the smile back on her face. Her prognosis now is not an issue we just enjoy every day and live the best life that we can. We are so grateful to the Gawler Foundation and the work that they do. The Gawler Foundation are a not for profit charity who recieve no government funding and do fantastic work. There is no cure for cancer but here is an organisation that are delivering meaningful and real benefits to cancer victims right now. I want to support them. I have lost both my parents and my brother (march this year) to cancer. Every now and then I get to leave all my troubles on the ground and take off in my microlight for a while, one day while flying I was thinking to myself wouldnt it be good if we could find a way to combine flying with fund raising, I'm sure it can be done. I am already involved with Gawler, they are publishing my story shortly on their website and I have a major corporate supporter who will match funds raised up to $10,000. Gawler will help publicise any event and the Southern Microlight Club are also willing to support the cause. I have CFI's who have also indicated support and the HGFA will donate temporary memberships for TIFFs.

 

So this has started with a desire and I now need to come up with a plan. I thought that it would be a good idea to brainstorm this forum for ideas.

 

http://www.gawler.org/

 

Steve

 

 

[FlyingVizsla]

nafqr

 

Its very refreshing to see someone so dedicated to the cause. So I am thinking you want to promote and diseminate the cause as much as you want to fund raise.

 

First thought is a fly-in, where you can do the things on the ground that raise funds quickly - BBQ, drinks, selling specially labelled wine, raffle, auction, commission from trade sales. I see a number of fly-ins are combining with other events eg classic cars, bikes - if there is someone else in your group that has a passion, see if you can combine to increase the public participation. You could do a 'progressive dinner' idea where you fly somewhere, do the event, fly to the next etc breakfast here, smoko there, lunch elsewhere thereby attracting a different crowd at each.

 

You could fly someone special from place to place. Get his/her story in the papers to drum up some interest in coming out to see & hear and then fly on to the next. If you come up with some spin, like 10 microlights flying along side to show that cancer suffers are supported by their community - message being you too can support someone. People like to "buy" something tangible, so offering "packages" like $100 buys counselling for 3 families, for companies the "Blue Ribbon Sponsor" a predetermined value donation gets advertising, plaque for the business' wall, and mention at events. Don't know what's available in your state, but have a look at grant/sponsorships on offer. The grant may help you initially set up, eg buy branded shade shelters, commercial food van, cost of liquor licence etc. Your local council may provide works at cost or free if you need to prepare a venue. Use all the available "Event" listings to get the word out - this site, Council's what's on, magazines, flyers, local radio. Form teams and drum up support. Perhaps have a road component to complement the flying, teams, each going under a type of cancer (and make it fun), eg "the Prostrate Prostates". Both groups travel raising funds on the way amid a good deal of competition, bribery and corruption - a bit like the Variety Bash. Tie in awareness of the condition, but also Gawler's help for the sufferer. We give so much to research, but while we wait for a cure, we need to support sufferers now.

 

There are websites that can help you set up a page and spread the word - like http://www.everydayhero.com.au There are some flying related fund raisers in there, like Wings of Life, who have a fly-in and are now doing a flying trip. Try using social media. I have no experience with this but it is used to good effect, but can also turn very nasty quickly. You may need to set up a Not-for-Profit group to indemnify yourselves, and to assure people the funds go direct to Gawler, and to satisfy the tax man that you are not running a business. Main thing is to set your back office policies, procedures, first then plan your event a good way out, so that media coverage is there, teams recruited, and the build up is happening, rather than try to throw something big together at the last minute. I am doing our Shire's Annual Show - 3 days - like NATFLY without the planes - first events this Thursday morning - planning started 12 months ago.

 

Sue

 

 

[Guest davidh10]

To save the cost and hassle of obtaining a liquor licence, contact a winery and have them come to the site. They usually have an appropriate license, already, staff with "responsible serving of alcolol certifications" and can serve, sell and donate a commission to the cause. In return, they get to sell and market their wine.

 

Be aware of any sensitivities or rules re selling alcohol on the property at which the event takes place, if you choose to include that in the event. Pilots and alcohol / placement of the sales w/r to flight line / council property and concession / aerodrome rules.

 

There is no doubt that the Gawler Foundation is a worthwhile cause.

 

 

[Stevie B]

nafqrIts very refreshing to see someone so dedicated to the cause. So I am thinking you want to promote and diseminate the cause as much as you want to fund raise.

First thought is a fly-in, where you can do the things on the ground that raise funds quickly - BBQ, drinks, selling specially labelled wine, raffle, auction, commission from trade sales. I see a number of fly-ins are combining with other events eg classic cars, bikes - if there is someone else in your group that has a passion, see if you can combine to increase the public participation. You could do a 'progressive dinner' idea where you fly somewhere, do the event, fly to the next etc breakfast here, smoko there, lunch elsewhere thereby attracting a different crowd at each.

 

You could fly someone special from place to place. Get his/her story in the papers to drum up some interest in coming out to see & hear and then fly on to the next. If you come up with some spin, like 10 microlights flying along side to show that cancer suffers are supported by their community - message being you too can support someone. People like to "buy" something tangible, so offering "packages" like $100 buys counselling for 3 families, for companies the "Blue Ribbon Sponsor" a predetermined value donation gets advertising, plaque for the business' wall, and mention at events. Don't know what's available in your state, but have a look at grant/sponsorships on offer. The grant may help you initially set up, eg buy branded shade shelters, commercial food van, cost of liquor licence etc. Your local council may provide works at cost or free if you need to prepare a venue. Use all the available "Event" listings to get the word out - this site, Council's what's on, magazines, flyers, local radio. Form teams and drum up support. Perhaps have a road component to complement the flying, teams, each going under a type of cancer (and make it fun), eg "the Prostrate Prostates". Both groups travel raising funds on the way amid a good deal of competition, bribery and corruption - a bit like the Variety Bash. Tie in awareness of the condition, but also Gawler's help for the sufferer. We give so much to research, but while we wait for a cure, we need to support sufferers now.

 

There are websites that can help you set up a page and spread the word - like http://www.everydayhero.com.au There are some flying related fund raisers in there, like Wings of Life, who have a fly-in and are now doing a flying trip. Try using social media. I have no experience with this but it is used to good effect, but can also turn very nasty quickly. You may need to set up a Not-for-Profit group to indemnify yourselves, and to assure people the funds go direct to Gawler, and to satisfy the tax man that you are not running a business. Main thing is to set your back office policies, procedures, first then plan your event a good way out, so that media coverage is there, teams recruited, and the build up is happening, rather than try to throw something big together at the last minute. I am doing our Shire's Annual Show - 3 days - like NATFLY without the planes - first events this Thursday morning - planning started 12 months ago.

 

Sue

Thanks Sue for all your suggestions which I will take on board, I had a look at the everyday hero website, its a shame that they take 6.5% of donations as their fee, this is similar to another site called yourcause.com. I will set something else up with the help of the Gawler Foundation where funds can go directly into an account where no fees are taken.

 

 

[Guest SAJabiruflyer]

I wonder if you could approach your local Service Clubs? I know when I was in Apex we tabled letters at every meeting where the writers would ask for assistance from the Club, and by and large we'd help. It wasnt always money - we'd offer our services in terms of labour as well, whether it be manning the gates at the local show, or helping a needy person move house. If someone has already suggested this im sorry for repeating.

 

 

[Stevie B]

This a message that was sent to me privately, so uplifting.

 

Negative words "you cant do it" "dont do it" "why are you doing it" just dont cut it. There is far too much negativity in this world as it is. Keep at it mate!

 

 

[sseeker]

I think the majority of us in this topic were merely pointing out that there could be a number of legal obligations that you'd be required to meet. No one said you couldn't or weren't capable of doing it. I was saying you need to keep a careful watch as CASA has some pretty serious rules and regs regarding money. Obviously this has been cleared up now and turns out you can do it. By all means go for it mate, it's something that you feel very strongly about and is for an extremely good cause, I think it'd be an excellent way to get donations in. :thumb_up:

 

Keep us posted on your progress!

 

-Andrew

 

 

[Stevie B]

I think the majority of us in this topic were merely pointing out that there could be a number of legal obligations that you'd be required to meet. No one said you couldn't or weren't capable of doing it. I was saying you need to keep a careful watch as CASA has some pretty serious rules and regs regarding money. Obviously this has been cleared up now and turns out you can do it. By all means go for it mate, it's something that you feel very strongly about and is for an extremely good cause, I think it'd be an excellent way to get donations in. :thumb_up:Keep us posted on your progress!

 

-Andrew

Thanks for your support Andrew, I guess the majority weren't to know that I was already fully aware of all that stuff, dont need to recover it and was dissapointed that my desired topic was being taken off track before it had even started. You can be assured that I want to play by all the rules and keep everything transparent. I certainly have no intention of bleeding funds off to pay for my own flying enjoyment.

 

Over the years I've been a sceptic of how donations given to various charities is actually used and I hate the idea of feeding beurocracies with very little actually going where it's really intended. One of the aspects that I really like about Gawler is that there is no beurocracy, every dollar raised will go directly to benefit the cancer stricken.

 

 

[Bandit12]

Your problem mate, is that we hear stories of the "shysters" so regularly now, and as you say, there are some pretty dodgy charities out there. My better half investigated some for fraud once, and a couple of the big name ones that even I had heard of - well, the results were very upsetting. A few choice words missing from your post and it was easy to jump to conclusions. Your passion was evident as soon as you started telling a little more, keep that going and you will do great!

 

Perhaps your charity could set up their own trust account, and all paypal/bank account details/ promotional material directs clearly to them. I wish you the best of luck, and if you plan anything in Melbourne, be sure to sing out if you need any assistance with leg work.

 

Cheers

 

Shane

 

 

[Stevie B]

This thread seems to have gotten lost under the new configuration

 

 

[Guest SAJabiruflyer]

Any progress on this ?