Starting a charity for my BFF; need help how to start one

tinnieminnie

It is of unfortunate news that my best friends just confirmed that indeed she has breast cancer on her left breast.  She recently felt 2 lumps and one of the is at the her lymph node.

Since I do not know very much of this diseas except through ads and "others" having it, I'm a bit at a loss.  But one thing I know for sure is to try and help her as much as I can to beat this disease. 

With the help of modern medicine and western treatments that the insurance company will pay for...we are also in the mindset of using alternative medicine as well.  Which we know the insurance company will NOT pay for, therefore, I want to start a charity to raise money.  DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN TO START ONE? 

I'm a very creative person and would love to use my skills to help raise money.

If you anyone out there that can advise, I would truly appreciate it!

Thank you in advance

itsjustme10

I'm sorry about your friend's diagnosis.

Charities are not intended to benefit 1 person.  That's not what a charity is, that's not why people donate to them. 

If you wanted to run a local fund raiser for your friend, I would suggest making an apointment with your attorney to find out what, if any permits might be needed before doing anything else.  That's what many people do.  They don't create charities, they create medical trusts with the money raised at fund raising activities, which are completely different from charities.  Your attorney can advise you how to begin, the IRS reporting requirments, the legallties your community requires, etc.  Because you can't just run a car wash and collect money like that, iether... you have to be able to account for everything ..

Good luck.  It's really sweet of you to want to help your friend. 

itsmytime2

I too am sorry to hear about your friends diagnosis. 

When I was diagnosed, my neighborhood friends held a surprise fundraiser for me.   Just plain old fashioned fun.  They set up a table at the door with a basket and as people entered the building they dropped envelopes in the basket.  They had a few refreshments and that was it.  They raised about $600 for me that time.  I was in tears when they dropped off this basket full of cards to me.  You can do something on a small scale like that.  You can also open up a trust fund at a local bank in her name and have friends and family donate.  My sister set one up for me and that worked fine also so you may want to look into that.