I need a primer on how to proceed in fundraising for my small
community autism support group.  We have about 60 members on our
mailing list - althought only about 20 active members.  We meet once a
month and have educational activities such as speakers, videos, etc. 
We (actually I) also publish a newsletter each month.  Since I am
responsible for the cost of the newsletter, I would like to raise some
funds so that it does not come out of my pocket each month.  I am not
talking about great sums of money here - maybe $500.00 - $1,000.00 for
the year.  We are located in the Southeast suburbs of Columbus Ohio. 
Here are my questions:

Can you find me some samples of fund raising letters to send to local businesses?

Please direct me to some web sites that give guidance on other methods
of fund raising for this type of organization.

Is there a simple method for obtaining tax exempt status for this type
of organization?  My precursory looks show a bunch of complicated
requierments for getting tax exempt status.  Although I am sure
organizations would be more likely to donate if it were tax
deductible, I am not sure it would be worth the effort.

Hey, you?re doing a really fine thing!  With $10 from each person on
your mailing list you would have a good start, and that is not an
amount that most of them would need to worry about getting a tax
deduction for.
I would raise the question with the active members:  Amount, if it is
worth getting really organized.
Send your newsletter to heads of local banks and companies and to your
speakers - maybe ?polishing? it a little to tell what the group does,
also to the local govt person responsible for social matters.  Invite
them personally to a meeting.  Maybe the council cannot make a
donation to an ?unorganized? group like yours, but the boss of the
local S&L bank or the town?s leading retailer probably can.  Let them
be a sponsor with their logo on your newsletter so that they can book
it as advertising.  And don?t say no, if they surprise you with their
generosity,
Just put to good use.
Good luck!