Blessed4 has had me thinking.....

It sounds good to me, but I really don't understand why the mods don't want things like that here???  Couldn't they just start a section for it?  If we start another thread, will we advertise it here?  Would they let us?  If not, how would we get people to find it?

Great Idea Deb

Deb C

I could certainly set up a new website for this and I'd be honored to be a part of this. But it reminds me of real bad/sad memories.

As some of you may know, I own a picture forum where we can post pictures of our reconstructions, bald heads etc without having to worry about trolls (the forum is password protected). I used to have a thread about this forum here on BCO (on the recon board) so that those wanted to gain access would know who to contact. It lasted quite a long time but suddenly got deleted by mods. Now they say we can post a link but at that time, I was even accused that I was advertising my forum and trying to take people away from here just to get them on my forum. WTF??? I started this forum at someone's request and worked hard to keep it alive solely because I wanted to help those who were to make a hard decision and then had to be accused? I didn't even post a link, just mentioned there's a forum for recons. I did ask mods why I had to be accused and that thread had to be deleted but of course didn't hear back from them.

So if this really could be allowed, I'd be willing to help. But just want to make sure I won't be labelled as an attension seeker.

xo

Fumi

Fumi -- that certainly is upsetting to me.  I am so sorry that happened.

Deb,

It sounds like a good idea, albeit a lot of work, and a lot to consider:  Would it involve giving someone's social security number, or would it be set-up as a 501c3 (non-profit)?  Would there be a separate bank account for this purpose?  I don't mean to be a downer, but anything involving money here in the US, is always subject to taxes; scrutiny; paperwork; accountability, etc.

You may want to check in with bcmets.org as they had, and possibily still have what was called "Stage IV Crises Fund" and ask how this was (is?) handled.  Perhaps somone out of the US handles this fund.

It's a great idea that can help a lot of people I'm sure, but not as easy as it sounds when you get down to the nitty gritty.

A very noble idea!

Jelly

Dear Deb,

This is a beautiful idea.

I will be happy to help you any way I can.

Just to fill you in on some of the rules of non-profits:

Every state has different laws governing their formation and how they are run. For example, there needs to be a director whose social security number will be associated with the application for the non-profit. They then differentiate between what type it is. There are educational, religious, financial support for something, etc. And everything has to be clearly spelled out before you apply.

A lawyer who specializes in non-profits is your best bet. However, this costs a lot of money and takes time as well.

So just be prepared for a long set-up. Then afterward, the organization will be monitored to make sure you are sticking with the original mission of the non-profit.

There are laws that guide non-profits. For example, an organization like Breastcancerorg has its mission statement which spells out what their non-profit set up is all about for the IRS' scrutiny. If, for example, someone here decided to start a thread to raise money for something completely unrelated to BCO's mission and structure, the IRS could penalize them because it will be against the rules of their original charter and could actually harm BCO.  That may be why we can't do fundraising on our own in the threads because it could jeopardize BCO's non profit status.

But as far as Fumi, I don't know why a separate site with recon photos EVER was deleted. I still feel really bad for Fumi and what happened back then. But I will say that there are a very small few who get bees in their bonnet when one of us sets up something on our own. Been there done that with my own. And someone else here was attacked because she had a rockin site herself that offers something that is not covered here to the great extent hers is.

My site is there for anyone who wants to hang out - and BCO is known as "The Mother Ship" over there and I could no more leave this place than I could leave my own family. The fundraising we will be doing soon will be sponsoring research projects that look the most promising for our treatment and cure. No pink ribbons- actual research. But that has a way to go yet.

Setting up a website isn't hard. If you would like help with that and even with the non-profit set up or at least the basics, please PM me.  I would be happy to help in any way I can.

The name you picked is wonderful. There once was a Make A Wish for adults, but I can't remember the name of it. I can't think of anything better than fellow cancer survivors setting up something similar when we know exactly what is needed by the person in need.

Even something like Steph's vacation could be covered there. 

Just let me know.

Yes, it is a lot of work. But boy the difference you will make in people's lives!

g 

Deb,

I understand exactly what you are trying to do and it's very admirable. My question is why does it have to be a "non-profit"

unless those who donate are seeking a tax deduction? We started a group here in my small town several years ago called "Friends of the

Library" and took private donations to buy extra books, videos etc.

for our small public library. No one asked for a receipt and our bookkeeping was rudimentary at best. When people asked us if we would get a certain book, video, piece of furniture etc. we just took a vote among the "Friends" membership and then made the purchase (or didn't). This is all very simplistic here in Mayberry I know, but since we aren't talking about millions of $$ would this simple approach not also work with our donations to our BC sisters?

As I understand the IRS rules we don't have to 1099 anyone until the amount given exceeds $600 or so. If we had a maximum assitance grants of say $500, the tax reporting would not apply. I will sit tight until an accounting type comes along to tell me how wrong I am and then I would be happy to make the first donation!

Nico

I agree with Rocktober as far as this possibly opening a whole can of worms re: a popularity contest. Also, how does one determine "need"? I don't think anyone of average means gets through the cancer process without struggle and hardship. But it is all relative - for one family it might mean no vacation, for another no cable TV, for another they lose their house. Some feel comfortable appealing for aid when they feel strapped because they cannot afford the extras they are accustomed to, others would not think of asking for help unless their children were going hungry and had no shoes. Not new shoes, no shoes.

Setting up a fund is a wonderful, generous idea. But, besides avoiding scammers (whose numbers are infinite) there would need to be some criteria and verification process for applicants. It all gets very complex, very quickly. How sad it would be to grant funds to a 'squeaky wheel' with other resources (family, retirement accounts, etc.) and have little/nothing left to give to a more timid voice who might truly be on their last few pennies?

Just thinkin'

whoops - I certainly didn't mean to rain on your parade. I think you have some outstanding ideas here. ChemoAngels is a wonderful organization - my Angels meant the world to me during treatment. The cards of support and little treats were a real boost to my spirits. I was even able to meet up with one of mine (completely our decision, they do not encourage this) because we became such buddies.

What begins as 'totally unprocessed thinking' can turn into miracles. Don't give up on the dreams of your generous heart.

Lisa

I was off the boards the whole time the monies were raised for Angela's trip.  I actually feel bad that I can't afford to donate anything right now to her trip. But Whoops idea of setting up a web site with things for sale is something I think is a good idea, I could help with that because I have some collectibles I could sell on that site.  Figuiring who would get funds would be the hard part and I think that there should be policies set up for giving them.  As for cards and small things that could come out of a petty cash fund but for larger amount there would have to be a vote or policy set up so that any monies collected would go out regardless of popularity etc.

But starting a web site with collectibles for sale and putting those funds into helping is a great idea. Just a thought.

Yes thats what I meant and couldn't put it into words, AN APPLICATION process, perfect.  Good thinking.