X-Message-Number: 7222
Date:  Tue, 26 Nov 96 20:31:33 
From: Dave Pizer <>
Subject: Reply to Paul

Paul Wakefer wrote:
(some snips)

> Message #7216
> Date: 25 Nov 96 02:47:53 EST
> From: Paul Wakfer <>
> Subject: SCI.CRYONICS Cryonics Resources
> 
> Several days ago in Message #7167 Olaf Henney wrote:
> 
> >It is obvious, that our small community does not have the resources to
> >fully fund the "Prometheus" research Paul is proposing and that new
> >sources of funding have to be found.
> 
> No offense to Mr Henney, but as stated, this is just simply false. I would
> never have started the Prometheus Project if I didn't *know* that it
> *could* be funded by those who are either signed up or highly interested 
in
> cryonics. There are over 600 signed up cryonicists and many hundred more
> seriously interested and supportive. A few of them are wealthy enough that
> they *could* fund the Prometheus Project all by themselves. The wealthiest
> 25 *could* easily fund it between them. All cryonicists and supporters
> *could* certainly fund the Project together by assigning it no more than 
5% > of their yearly income.

I have been taking a fundraising course at Arizona State University.  We 
have had many guest speakers (professional fundraisers) and the professor 
and literature all say that 80% to 90% of of the money raised in 
fundraising campaigns are contributed by 10% to 15% of the total people 
involved.

So Paul's statement above might be good advice for him to concentrate on 
the most wealthy persons in cryonics.  In addition when seeking the larger 
contributions it is always best to meet the potential contributor in person.

I know Paul's plan is not for donations, but rather for investments.  And I 
know that typical cryonicists are not typical folks.  But most 
cryonicists don't seem to look at this project so much for the potential 
financial return as for the chance to improve the odds to help save their 
lives.

But I think, Paul, you are on to something.  If you could target the 
most wealthy and make a trip around the country to see them in person, you 
might be able to wrap your project up much quicker.  

Another idea, Paul, might be to form a 501 (c) 3 organization and this 
organization's purpose would be to fund cryonics research.  The nonprofit 
organization could pay for part of the work done by your forprofit 
organization.  This would give potential investors an opportunity to make a 
tax deductable donation rather than an investment.  Some wealthy persons 
don't want to own stock in a research company and would rather make 
donations. We found that out when we bought the Alcor building in Arizona. 
Some of our wealthy members bought stock in the company that owns the 
building, and some of them preferred to make donations to Alcor to use the 
money for Alcor to buy more stock in the building.  It all counted and by 
giving our members two ways to help out we raised twice the money.

If you need help in starting a 501 (c) 3, I might be able to help.  I was 
able to form one (The Venturists) after the IRS first told me they would 
never approve it.  I made friends with the approving agent who later 
confided that they turn down everyone the first time. The like to make 
applicants fight real hard to get it.

Several months later, I got it approved.  It took a lot of 
hard work and some creativity.  But I think they are easy to form once you 
catch on to what they really want to hear and how to work within the system.

Let me know if I can be of other help.  I think your project might have 
some real value.

Good luck.

Sincerely,

Dave Pizer


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