PIC Crowdfunding Toolkit
Fundraise Your Way to Attend Patient Insight Congress
Join us at the Patient Insight Congress—start fundraising today!
If you’re excited about attending this year’s Patient Insight Congress, now’s the perfect time to begin your fundraising journey. To support you, we’ve put together a step-by-step crowdfunding guide to help you raise the funds you need for travel and other expenses.
Every dollar brings you closer to being part of a powerful community working to make healthcare better for all. Let your network know why this matters to you—and invite them to help you get there!
What Will Be Included in the Toolkit:
A step-by-step crowdfunding guide with customizable templates (email, social media, and text)
A budget planner to help attendees set realistic fundraising goals
Tips on peer-to-peer fundraising platforms you can use (e.g.,GoFundMe, Spotfund, Freefunder)
A fundraising tracker
Sample scripts to explain the purpose of the Patient Insight Congress and why community support matters
Branded visuals to boost campaign credibility
A section on ethical fundraising practices and how to handle excess funds or cancellations
About
Things to Note
Please Note the Following:
Patient Advocate Foundation, Patient Insight Institute, or National Patient Advocate Foundation will not collect, manage, or distribute any individual fundraising dollars.
All travel bookings and expenses are the sole responsibility of the attendee.
If an attendee raises funds but cannot attend, they are responsible for communicating with their donors and making appropriate decisions regarding unused funds.
Step-by-Step Crowdfunding Guide
Use the sample budget planner below to estimate your full cost:
1. Determine Your Total Budget
Category
Registration
Hotel (2 Nights)
Airfare
Ground Transportation
Meals
Total Estimate
Estimated Cost
$99 (Patient and Caregiver rate)
$418 ($209/night + tax)
$500-1500 (depends on location)
$50–$100
$75–$150 (some included)
$1,200–$2,400
2. Set Up Your Fundraising Page
Choose a free, trusted platform to host your fundraising campaign. (e.g., GoFundMe, Spotfund, Freefunder)
3. Tell Your Story
Make it personal and compelling and include:
A short bio
Why attending Patient Insight Congress matters to you
How it aligns with your advocacy or career goals
A heartfelt thank-you to your potential supporters
4. Ask for Support
Share your campaign far and wide!
Use the templates provided for email, social media, and texts. Post updates weekly and keep your community engaged.
5. Track Donations & Say Thank You
Keep a list of donors.
Thank them individually and publicly.
During the event, tag your supporters and share updates using:
#PatientInsightCongress
#PatientVoice
#HealthcareAdvocate
After the event, post a recap or video summary to show the impact of their support.
Sample Messages
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Subject: Help Me Attend Patient Insight Congress 2025
Hi [Name],
I’m reaching out because I have an exciting opportunity to attend Patient Insight Congress 2025, a national healthcare conference taking place in Bethesda, MD. This national conference focuses on bringing people like me in the same room as researchers and other policy leaders so that together we can connect and brainstorm ideas to transform our healthcare experiences. [Add why attending this conference is important to you].I’m fundraising to cover the costs of attending, including my travel, lodging, and registration. Any amount helps, and your support would mean the world to me. [Insert link to your fundraising page]
Thank you so much!
[Your Name] -
I'm fundraising to attend the Patient Insight Congress 2025 so patient voices like mine are heard at the national level. Want to help me get there? Every dollar counts! [Insert link]
#PatientInsight2025 #PatientVoice #HealthcareAdvocate -
Fundraising Ideas
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Create your own campaign with a clear goal and deadline.
Share why the Patient Insight Congress is important to you
-
Email or text friends and family for support-every $10 helps!
Post updates on social media to show your progress.
Ask others to share your link.
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Roommate matching: Connect with fellow attendees to split hotel costs
Travel buddies: Coordinate rides or flights
Shared meals: Plan meals with other attendees to save
-
Ask a friend, mentor, or supporter to match donations up to a certain amount, it encourages others to give, knowing their gift will be doubled!
Ethical Fundraising Tips:
Be transparent with your goals and how funds will be used.
If your plans change and you can no longer attend, let donors know and offer to return or redirect their donation.
Stay organized: Track all donations and expenses for accountability.
Reminders & Disclaimers:
PAF, Patient Insight Institute, or NPAF does not manage or distribute individual fundraising dollars.
You are responsible for managing and spending your funds.
All travel bookings and event registrations are your responsibility.
Consider purchasing travel insurance. Life happens—travel insurance helps protect your plans against unexpected changes.
Final Tips:
Stay committed to your fundraising goals.
Get people excited to support you!
You got this! Share your success stories or additional tips with us by tagging @patientadvocatefoundation on social media.
We hope this toolkit helps you feel confident in creating a path to the Patient Insight Congress. You belong here, and we can’t wait to see you in Bethesda!