Download our Volunteer Fundraising Tracking Form to keep track of donations raised.

Thank you for raising funds to help the middle-class with catastrophic medical expenses, without regard to their disease. SOS is truly grateful for your support and we ask that the following guidelines be followed as you plan your event. These guidelines have been developed to make this process as efficient and straightforward as possible.

All fundraising organizers must read and follow our established fundraising guidelines. Please make sure that your event fits the mission and image of SOS

Samaritans Offering Support is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose volunteers provide assistance to relieve the burden of catastrophic medical expenses on individuals & families

Our Mission: Samaritans Offering Support helps the middle-class with catastrophic medical expenses. We are non-denominations & non-disease specific.

1. SOS Name and Logo:

  • If you wish to use the SOS Logo, you must submit and have approved a Volunteer Fundraiser Agreement. Contact the Development Team for assistance.
  • SOS reserves the right of approving the use of its name and logo on all event promotional material, including such things as flyers, posters, promotion on websites, etc.

2. Budget & Costs:

  • Fundraising activities and events where 100% of the proceeds are donated to SOS are usually easier to organize and manage.
  • All costs - like rental space and catering - must be covered by the organizers.
  • The organizer of the event is responsible for all sales tax requirements.
  • The organizers of the event are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, licenses or insurance.
  • The organizer agrees to hold SOS harmless from all claims and liabilities in any way related to the event.
  • If planning an event that will incur costs – set a realistic budget. At minimum, 75% of donations should go to SOS, with costs at 25% or lower.
  • If you are selling tickets to an event that includes food, entertainment or other benefits, you must calculate the Fair Market Value and communicate this to your donors. For help, contact the Development Team.
  • If you are going to hold a raffle or other gaming event such as bingo, you should check and comply with your local gaming authority about any special conditions. Payments made for raffle tickets and other gaming activities are not tax deductible.

3. Promotion:

  • Utilize online social media and free local media to raise awareness for your fundraising activity.
  • Organizers should confine interviews with the media to information about the fundraising event. All other matters or requests for information should be referred to the SOS and our PR Department at 877-202-1130.

4. Donations:

  • For fundraising, SOS accepts donations by: cash, check, money order or credit card.
  • All checks must be made payable to Samaritans Offering Support. If you would like to direct debit your bank account, please donate online.
  • For security, redeem cash and money orders for a bank cashier’s check prior to submitting to SOS. It is recommended that you send your donation in a traceable format – registered mail, FedEx or UPS.
  • All proceeds must be submitted to the Samaritans Offering Support, Inc., headquarters within 30 days following the event. Send donations to: Samaritans Offering Support, ATTN: Volunteer Fundraising, PO Box 24532, Knoxville, TN 37933.

5. Tax Receipts and Acknowledgements:

  • Thank everyone who helped make your event a success – the donors, the volunteers and the sponsors.
  • Official tax receipts are only generated by Samaritans Offering Support
  • SOS acknowledges gifts of $5 or more when provided with the donor name and complete address information.
  • Donations by check will be acknowledged to the name and address on the check.
  • Cash and money order donations should be redeemed for a bank cashier’s check must be accompanied by a community fundraiser tracking form for donors to receive proper acknowledgement.
  • Credit card donations may be made online or by printing and submitting our SOS donation form.
  • Please be aware that the following items are not tax deductible: raffles or payment for gaming-style activities, donations for goods, services or auction purchases.

6. Please be aware that we are unable to:

  • Solicit sponsors, prizes or publicity for your events.
  • Endorse any events that include telemarketing, door knocking or face to face collections, violent or dangerous activities, the sale or promotion of tobacco products or illegal drugs.
  • Share e-mail or mailing lists of donors, vendors, staff or patients. • Promote your event in addition to our online event calendar.*
  • Provide on-site staff support for your event.*

*exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis