There are endless ways to raise funds for a loved one with cancer.

All it takes is a few friends or family members, a plan, and some promotion.

Keep in mind any people who might like to help and the special skills they may have.

White cancer ribbon for lung cancer awareness

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Ideally, you should start with a smaller financial target than the beneficiary needs.

As the campaign gets close to the goal, you’re able to increase it.

Before setting up a crowdfunding page, ensure you have your friend or family member’s permission.

You do not want to share another person’s private health information on the internet without their permission.

Another important decision is who will collect and distribute funds.

Online fundraisers can be set up to disburse money raised to a bank account.

You will need this information when you set up the fund drive.

In addition, a large event can bring in a lot of money all at once.

The first is choosing a coordinator and identifying friends who are good at getting things done.

The group should meet together in person or in a virtual meeting to hash out ideas.

One key point in organizing is deciding how the group will communicate with one another.

The more hands helping out, the easier the event will be.

The fundraising coordinator should delegate tasks, so no one feels they are taking on too much work.

The venue’s availability will also be a factor.

When picking a date, consider other events that are going on in the community.

You don’t want to plan a fundraiser at a time when many people already have plans.

For example, avoid booking a fundraiser on a holiday weekend when many people go away.

You want to plan for a time that you might get the biggest turnout.

Hosting the event in a five-star hotel may will eat up much more revenue than a local VFW hall.

Some places may be willing to donate or give you a discount on the rental space.

Whether or not to serve alcoholic beverages is a decision to make ahead of time.

It is common to have a cash bar at fundraisers.

Music

Music can enhance the ambiance of your fundraiser.

The bang out of music will depend on the people you expect to be there.

You may need to rent or borrow sound equipment if the location does not have an in-house sound system.

it’s possible for you to pipe in a playlist, have live music, or hire a deejay.

For an all-day event, you may want to split up the music with a few different acts.

you’ve got the option to also mail flyers to family and friends of the beneficiary.

Ask for a copy of their address book or Christmas card list.

Local media typically likes feel-good stories and spreading the word about fundraisers.

Word of Mouth

Many people feel uncomfortable reminding people about the upcoming event.

Social media is one place where you better post frequent reminders.

After your initial post, continue to post again with more information.

Asking Businesses For Donations

Raffles and silent auctions of donated items are profitable in fundraising.

Don’t get discouraged.

You may be surprised by how many businesses offer to help.

Some businesses will require documentation of your fundraiser (often a flyer suffices).

you could call or email to request donations, but sometimes a face-to-face meeting is best.

Keeping a spreadsheet with timing can be priceless.

In this economy, finances can be stressful enough without the double-edged sword of a cancer diagnosis.

Your friend with cancer will be grateful for your efforts for years to come.

A fundraiser isn’t a performance that is given a star rating.

If you ever sleep in, this would be a good day to do so.

Domake sure to send thank you notes to all who helped plan your fundraiser.

We all like to be appreciated, and your friends who helped will feel validated by mentioning specific chores.

Even though the event is over, you will still have your GoFundMe account.

Another way friends can help is by simply giving loved ones permission to seek out assistance.

Perhaps you could travel with her to her cancer center to talk to a social worker about options.

There are several, but most take significant legwork.

Families with teens will find that adding together braces, contacts, and much more quickly raises the total.

Living with cancer involves so many decisions, and responding to this question is one more decision.

Instead, people living with cancer often prefer specific offers of help.

Aiming for specifics will be equally helpful as you plan your fundraiser.

American Association for Cancer Research.How to Find Financial Aid and Advice.

National Cancer Institute.Managing Costs and Financial Information.