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Step 1: START
The Organizing Committee is responsible for coordinating and implementing the group’s campaign, including identifying potential donors, organizing fundraising activities, coordinating media campaigns, and undertaking education and mine awareness projects. Appoint one primary contact person within your committee to be the main liaison with the Adopt-A-Minefield (AAM) office.

Step 2: ORGANIZE A BOARD
A board of local celebrities, politicians and influential community and business leaders should be formed. These people lend their name to the campaign, provide guidance and advice, and assist in reaching out to other local thought leaders and area businesses.

Step 3: CHOOSE A COUNTRY
Identify a country that is of interest to your community. A personal or local connection to a specific country is sure to increase the fundraising potential in your community. AAM facilitates mine clearance in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Croatia, Mozambique and Vietnam. Alternately, you may choose to support one of Adopt-A-Minefield’s survivor assistance projects. Please visit our mine action programs section to view country profiles and to learn more about our different projects.

Step 4: SET A TARGET
The cost of adopting an entire minefield is typically between $25,000 and $40,000. Take a look at our minefield lists and survivor assistance projects to help determine your own fundraising goal. You will need to set up a bank account to process your funds during your campaign. In addition, you should acknowledge all contributions with an Acknowledgment Letter. Groups are encouraged to complete their fundraising activities within a four-month period. Once your campaign gains momentum and you are close to reaching your target, AAM will help you select a specific minefield or survivor assistance project.

Step 5: DESIGN A STRATEGY
Identify potential contributors within your community, including individuals, schools and universities, community groups and civic clubs, athletic leagues, religious organizations and businesses. Plan a series of events that will engage your community, publicize your campaign and raise funds for your minefield or survivor assistance project. Contact the AAM office at 212-907-1305 for brainstorming sessions, ideas and materials. Click here for the complete Fundraising Guide.

Step 6: GENERATE BUZZ AND AWARENESS
In addition to generating buzz and awareness for your campaign through the distribution of materials, pursue local media outlets to publicize the work and progress of your group. Local radio and TV stations, along with newspapers and magazines are a great way to make your cause known. Click here for the complete Media Guide.

Step 7: PLAN EVENTS
Plan a series of events to benefit your campaign. Events can range from concerts to lectures, dinners, luncheons, talent shows, bake sales, marathons, walk-a-thons, and sporting events. In addition, every November AAM holds an international fundraising event called Night of a Thousand Dinners. Your organization or committee can use this event to raise a substantial sum to put towards your goal. Please visit www.1000dinners.com for more information.

Step 8: CHECK IN
Keep in touch with AAM headquarters and let us know your progress. We are here to help. We can provide ideas for your campaign, speakers and materials, and encouragement!

Step 9: SELECT A SPECIFIC MINEFIELD
Since all of the minefields AAM clears are high priority, our policy is to have them cleared as soon as funds are made available. This means that if a group does not raise the target amount within a given amount of time, it is likely that the minefield will be cleared by funds from another group or organization. However, once you are close to completing your campaign, you are ready for the exciting step of choosing a specific minefield or survivor assistance project. This additional information will help in your final publicity push and excite supporters about the community they are about to assist.

Step 10: SEND IN YOUR FUNDS
Your single check, along with appropriate correspondence including your selected minefield, should be mailed to the AAM office at:

Adopt-A-Minefield
United Nations Association of the USA
801 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10017

After AAM has received your check, you will receive an acknowledgment letter and tax receipt immediately. Alternately, if you prefer to make an electronic transfer, funds should be sent to:

Adopt-A-Minefield
Mellon Bank
ABA 043-000-261
Merrill Lynch Account 1011-730
Further credit to Better World Fund Account 7060-7153

Once an electronic transfer has been executed, please send a copy of the transfer advice, along with your completed Adoption Form to:

Adopt-A-Minefield
United Nations Association of the USA
801 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017-4706

Once funds have been transferred to the field and your minefield has been cleared, you will receive an official clearance report and a special AAM certificate of recognition.