We are forced to operate as creatively as possible! We all have seen how institutions around the world are forced to become budget conscious--Well, we push our budget to the max.

We rely on compassionate donations, and we have received support from a growing number of businesses in the form of books for our library, leftover samples and outdated disposable needles. A sterilizer at cost was a treat beyond belief! Our needs are great: books, equipment to expose the student to all that Acupuncture can offer, are never-ending. And of course donations of cash!

In the director's two small clinics in rural Vermont, USA, where about 35 patients per week voluntary contribute an additional $2 to their treatment to help support the Acupuncture work in India... so that at the end of the month, a deposit of $280 +/- is made into the AAN account. The Vermont patients almost universally state "that is not enough" and volunteer even more funds, volunteer to search the web for grants, foundations, cash, computers, volunteer the use of copy machines, paper... whatever can be found to help this project along.

We have also been getting much support from the Acupuncture Symposia, which pass along information about our work. And then there are people met on a train who want to know your story, and they give. It is not about the amount but the willingness to share whatever good fortune you find your way with others.

Lastly, our patients who can afford some type of payment will volunteer something, usually in the amount of five, ten, fifteen cents (and to them that is a huge amount of money).