AFFILIATE EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS

You Can Make a Difference!

A Meristem Affiliate Event is a volunteer-organized fundraiser that directly benefits Meristem’s programs for young adults with autism and neurodiversity. These community-driven events empower individuals, families, companies, and organizations to provide meaningful support to a great cause while hosting engaging experiences creatively.

Hosting a Donation Drive

In-kind donation drives are an impactful way to support Meristem’s ongoing (link) or urgent needs (link) directly. Coordinate with our team to identify specific items or supplies currently needed, ranging from educational materials, gardening supplies, art supplies, hygiene products, or technology. Meristem can provide you with a detailed list of ongoing or urgent needs, promotional materials, and collection guidelines to help make your drive successful.

Host Responsibilities and Creative Freedom

Each Affiliate Event host is responsible for planning and managing event logistics, fundraising efforts, activities, registrations, promotions, and volunteers. This model allows hosts complete creative freedom to design unique, impactful events while supporting Meristem’s vital mission. Meristem is happy to work with you to support where possible.

Meristem does not cover event start-up costs, so we encourage hosts to plan events carefully and ensure costs are recouped through ticket sales, registrations, sponsorships, or donations.

Meristem Support for Affiliate Events

Our dedicated Development/Events team can lend support with the following:

  • Meristem-branded gifts for each attendee
  • Auction item packages featuring Meristem-branded merchandise and social enterprise products
  • Event signage (tailored to your event’s specific needs)
  • Customized branding guidelines and official Meristem logos for promotional materials
  • Online donation pages tailored specifically to your event
  • Donation receipts provided promptly upon receipt of contributions
  • Invitation for two representatives to Meristem’s Annual Fundraising Event
  • Other areas as agreed upon by the affiliate host and Meristem team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Get Started?

Contact our Development Director, Zoe Fishman, to discuss your ideas, ask questions, or start planning:
Email: Zoef@meristem.pro
Phone: 916-768-6266

Event hosts can collect donations using any of these preferred methods:

  1. Collect all funds personally and submit a consolidated check payable to “Meristem.”
  2. Encourage guests to write individual checks payable to “Meristem,” specifying your Affiliate Event name in the memo.
  3. Utilize a customized online donation page created by Meristem for your event.

All checks should be mailed to:

Meristem
Attn: Affiliate Event
9200 Fair Oaks Blvd
Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Funds raised directly support Meristem’s impactful programs and essential services for young adults with autism and neurodiversity. Contributions typically support general program costs, ensuring program sustainability, though we can collaborate if you’d prefer donations be allocated to a specific program area.

Campus use may occasionally be accommodated outside business hours, subject to availability and event specifics. We prioritize minimizing disruption to our clients and programming. Please inquire with our Development Director to explore options and confirm availability.

Endless Possibilities!

Affiliate Events can range from intimate gatherings to large community festivals. We enthusiastically welcome diverse event ideas such as:

  • Golf Tournaments
  • Concerts & Performances
  • Pet Shows
  • 5K Run/Walks
  • Fashion Shows
  • Dinner Parties
  • Auctions and more!

Consider unconventional ideas too, such as themed parties, bake sales, or online fundraising challenges.