I am searching for any information on how to set up and administer a repository for donated or "raised" funds which would be used to assist a terminally ill cancer patient. If it could be set up so that donations could be tax deductible it would be even better as possibly companies would get involved. Any direction would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Bill Corbin
[removed].com

[edited to remove email address.
Bill, our board guidelines do not permit the posting
of contact information on these message boards. You are
certainly welcome to discuss this topic on the forums, but
please do not ask for off-board communications. Thank you.]


[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 07-29-2002).]

Bill,

As former vice-president of a non-profit, I can tell you that the process of setting up a tax exempt organization takes time - at least a few months - and tons of paperwork. Is it one particular person you want to help, or many? If it's one person, you might want to do a story for the newspaper and ask for donations, or do a canister program around town.

Yes, having 501(c)3 status would probably enable you to get corporate donations more easily, but even then, you've got to get to the right people and get them to give...not necessarily a piece of cake!

Can you tell me more about the circumstance? Maybe we can come up with some more ideas.

Ruth

Ruth,

Thank you for your reply.

The purpose for the help is specific to one person. He is 52 years old and diagnosed with terminal cancer with approx. 9 months remaining. He only has $10,000 dollars in life insurance due to a misunderstanding. He bought an additional $90,000 but it is A.D.D.
He has very little savings left.

We are trying to accumulate funds to help with expenses and other responsibilities he still has, yet cannot meet due to not being able to work any longer.

Do you think it would be aceptable to just set up a checking account called "John Doe - Cancer expenses" (with John and his wife as owners of the account) and deposit all of the collected funds into this account for their use as they need them?

The reason I asked about tax deductible status is that one of my family is heavily involved with an indutrial "Roundtable" group and thought that the tax deductible status might be attractive to them in addition to the donation.

Thanks again for your help,

Bill Corbin

Have you tried contacting the Cancer Society or ACOR.org? Someone there may have information on this.

Good idea, Jay Tor.

But also, yes, I think it's perfectly acceptable to just open a checking account in their names for donations. Just make sure when you ask for donations that you make it clear what the donations are for, i.e. "John and Mary Doe are unable to pay the mortgage due to mounting medical bills", "John can't work and has a prognosis of only 9 months. We're trying to help out with all the bills." I don't think there are any legal prohibitions against collecting money to help an individual out. Also, as far as the roundtable people go, they may be willing to donate when they hear the circumstances, and you can tell them that there simply isn't time to waste going after a tax-exempt status.

Ruth