Colorado Service Dogs conducts fundraisers and solicits donations to help offset the initial cost of the Service Dogs they provide. Since Service Dogs meet health needs, you should investigate whether you medical insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits) will cover any of the costs.

Check with your local state health services departments to see if your state has any similar programs.

Other possible resources for financial assistance are civic and charitable organizations. These organizations can include local:

* Lions.
* Elks.
* Chamber of Commerce.
* diagnosis-related associations.
* alumni associations.
* other resources.

Network within your community and the resources listed to locate possible funding sources. Remember also that you can conduct your own fundraising efforts to help with the cost of training a dog for your needs.

A family can sponsor a fundraising party; bingo, bunko, or poker; a wine tasting party, an auction or spaghetti dinner. Ideas are unlimited…and Colorado Service Dogs will help guide you along.

With a little effort and lots of support, fundraising is rewarding and fun. Families discover a supportive and enthusiastic community of individuals and organizations willing to help improve the quality of life for an individual and his/her family.

There may be the possibility of disability insurance covering all or some of the costs involved, so it pays to do some investigation into this first.

Silver's Cause was created specifically to provide financial assistance to Service Dogs who have been diagnosed with a medical condition or injury that requires medical management and the cost of treatment exceeds the financial resources of the disabled person to whom the dog is partnered. OSLF Fund for Service Dogs

Finally, the Assistance Dog United Campaign (ADUC) provides financial assistance in the form of vouchers to individuals with disabilities seeking to obtain a service dog/assistance dog from a member program. For more information about ADUC and how to apply for a voucher, please visit: Assistance Dog Campaign

If you are interested in help in fundraising for Colorado Service Dogs, please contact Lija Day at 303-622-9382 to acquire CSD's Fundraising Guide.