Author
Peter Hübner, treasurer of Alpha1 Germany eV, as published in Alpha1 Journal 1/2025.
Dear members,
Dear readers, the topic of finance is and remains a difficult one, but I'd like to start with the good news: Our patient organization's work is financially secured for 2025. The major sponsorship funds for 2025 have already been received. Regarding the lump-sum funding at the federal level, information about the funding and its amount is still pending. This situation makes self-help work with public funds virtually impossible, considering that event costs must be covered before binding contracts can be signed.
Acquiring new, especially smaller, sponsors is proving quite challenging. For example, despite significant advertising efforts, the Rare Disease Run was a financial flop due to low participation. The same applies to our applications to the German TV lottery and other lotteries to be listed as a beneficiary. However, we are persevering; for instance, we have launched initial fundraising appeals on social media. We welcome your suggestions and will review their feasibility. We were delighted by the €250 in cash donations received at the general meeting and the 2025 information day, as well as the €1,670 in donations received in our club account – it's an encouraging start.
As already announced at the members' meeting in Bad Wildungen, the board will be reviewing the further financial planning and examining all key expenditure areas in detail. I would like to reiterate that starting with the next members' meeting and information day in 2026, members will be required to contribute to the accommodation costs.
I will report on the implementation of the financial safeguards based on the results of the financial planning in the next journal. However, I would like to share some figures with you now: We closed 2024 with a shortfall of approximately €30,000. This year, the situation is projected to be similar. This means that without stringent expenditure planning, we will no longer be able to operate by 2027 at the latest. The planned winter journal as an e-paper is a first step towards modernization and cost savings. This offers you the advantage of being able to read it on all devices such as smartphones, laptops, and PCs. The summer journal will remain in print.
As you can see, a lot is happening, and we need to address the current challenges not only financially, but also by thinking and planning across different areas. All of us and the associated work of the club remain at the heart of it all. Stay healthy and continue to enjoy the summer!
Your „finance officer“ Peter Hübner
