Nonprofit organization A Life Story Foundation (ALSF) has announced a business model pivot in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The foundation will move from fundraising via large-scale events to using digital platforms to create content, awareness and sponsorship opportunities for donors. Founded by Lakewood Ranch resident Kevin Swan after his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2012, ALSF has raised more than $1.7 million dollars for ALS research. With the exception of the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, the majority of the nonprofit’s annual revenue has come from large events.

The foundation’s new business model will focus on using digital platforms to create revenue via engaging content for the ALS community and eventually the disability community as a whole. Swan and his wife Shaina have begun using their YouTube channel to share resources and information about an array of topics, from tracheotomy basics and healthy smoothie recipes to wheelchair accessible van reviews and road-trip tips for travelers with a disability. The foundation will also implement affiliate marketing programs, such as the Amazon influencer program, as well as sell digital products to generate new revenue streams. The foundation has raised $1.7 million over the last eight and a half years.