Who would like to help start a fund-rasing program to get meds for people..

[gymnut]

Does anyone know how to start a fund-raising program? There has got to be something we can do to help get everyone their medication. I live in PA and I would like to start a fund-rasier her as soon as possible not for people here but for everyone. What do you all think?

[gymnut]

I have a few responses to get this going I am trying to do something so people all over can help to make a better and bigger impact any one interested?

[Assurbanipal]

There is a charity currently actively funding this.  It is called Welvista.  Have you thought about contacting them?  Although Welvista is located in the Carolinas, they are working with the Pittsburgh-based Heinz family foundation.

http://www.welvista.org/news_detail.php?newsID=28&referrer=home

[leatherman]

While Welvista is in my own backyard, down in the state capital of Columbia SC (though now they are serving all states with ADAP waiting lists), don't forget to think about your own backyard.

My ASO, Catawba Care located in Rock Hill SC, is a non-profit offering HIV-testing, prevention, education, medical care, case management and counseling. While the largest part of their budget does come through state and federal grants, a big part also comes from the donations of individuals and local businesses. Catawba Care hired a full-time staff member this time last year to do nothing but medication paperwork. Between tracking Ryan White eligibility, arranging money to pay for co-pays and insurance premiums, CC has gone so far as to out-and-out pay for clients' prescriptions trying to keep our clients off the waiting list and with their needed medications.

A fundraiser for your local ASO could very well do the job you're looking at of supplying many people - your friends and neighbors - the medications they need. Once you work out the details and determine the success rate, it's possible that you could take your fundraising idea "on the road" to teach, lead, and help other non-profits raise funds in their areas. Sometimes that's all it takes to get people the help that they need - a single motivated person to organize, instruct, motivate, and do some leg-work to make a difference.

[gymnut]

WE WILL HOPEFULLY SEE SOMETHING GETTING STARTED HERE SOON. I want to be able to help where ever the help is needed my back yard, yours, and others.I am asking all the foundations/organizations to help pitch in. 

[buginme2]

Are you wanting to start a new Program or just raise money for an existing program?

[gymnut]

I would like to start a new program. Any info is welcome.

[phildinftlaudy]

Aid for AIDS, Inc (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) does this type of service.  They have various medication drop off locations.  They have offices in New York and several Latin American countries.

You would need to become a 501(c)3 with IRS and a registered nonprofit corporation in your state (I believe you said PA).  Many states also require that your register to become a charitable organization (i.e. that you are able to raise funds and accept charitable contributions).

One process to becoming a 501(c)3 is that you have to form a Board of Directors - of at least 3 individuals (President, Treasurer, Secretary - typically).

Starting a 501 is a lot of work - paperwork, time, etc.

Best of luck to you on starting a new program - I'm sure if you are committed to it and go through all the appropriate processes that you will be able to make it happen.