X-Message-Number: 7223
Date:  Tue, 26 Nov 96 20:31:33 
From: Dave Pizer <>
Subject: Re: Reply to Paul

> From:            (Dave Pizer)
> To:             , , ,
>                 , , ,
>                 , ,
>                 {}
> Subject:        Reply to Paul
> Date sent:      26-Nov-1996 20:11:30 pst

> 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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