Frequently Asked Questions - Starting a Chapter of Friends for Life of America

How do I organize Friends for Life of America programs at my school?

Before starting a chapter of Friends for Life of America at my school, I would like some background information about the organization.

I'm proud to join an organization that has raised more than $65,000 in cash and
in-kind donations for leukemia patients and their families. What does Friends for Life of America do with all of that money?

I'm excited about starting a chapter of Friends for Life of America at my school. Now what do I do?

The Friends for Life of America National Board just granted my school an official charter. What's my next step?

Where can I access more information about Friends for Life of America?

How do I contact the Friends for Life of America National Office?

How do I organize Friends for Life of America programs at my school?

Thank you for interest in helping leukemia patients and their families! Before you can organize any of our programs, you must first start a chapter of Friends for Life of America at your university or receive special approval for a specific project. This page will provide you with all of the information you need to create a successful chapter.

Before starting a chapter of Friends for Life of America at my school, I would like some background information about the organization.

Steven D. Cohen started Friends for Life of America in February 1997 after a little six-year-old boy named Daniel Heidenberg lost his life to leukemia. For more information about our history, please visit About Us.

I'm proud to join an organization that has raised more than $65,000 in cash and
in-kind donations for leukemia patients and their families. What does Friends for Life of America do with all of that money?

We are proud that so many caring individuals have supported our mission. Friends for Life of America donates about 60% of its revenues to special initiatives through a grant process. These innovative projects are supported by organizations with 501(c)(3) status that utilize part or all of their resources to further objectives similar to our own. For a description of some of the initiatives we have funded, please visit Beneficiaries. As more chapters join our organization, we will create our own innovative patient services, thereby shifting funds from special initiatives to our new programs. About 25% of the funds support chapter programs, including Hearts for the Holidays and Global Outreach. This money helps us reach out to patients in hospitals across the United States and around the world. We allocate about 15% of our funds to pay for member services and administrative expenses such as recruitment materials, office supplies, workshops, and conferences.

I'm excited about starting a chapter of Friends for Life of America at my school. Now what do I do?

We're glad to hear that you're excited about joining our efforts to improve the quality of life for patients living with leukemia and related cancers. Before you can begin programming, you must first register your chapter with the Friends for Life of America National Office. After you submit the appropriate forms, please allow up to four weeks for us to process your request. The Board of Directors will review your paperwork and grant chapter status to those schools that meet our guidelines.

The Friends for Life of America National Board just granted my school an official charter. What's my next step?

Congratulations! Your chapter's membership will join hundreds of students across the United States who have decided to make a difference in the lives of others through Friends for Life of America programs. Your next step is to find more students at your school who care about our mission. With the help of your original members, publicize your first meeting around campus. While flyers and posters will generate interest, "word of mouth" advertising is one of the most effective ways to recruit members. While maintaining a large membership may seem important at first, the real challenge is to find a core group of members who will help plan successful programs. At your first meeting, get your members excited about joining Friends for Life of America by planning a kick-off event. Remember to talk to the appropriate university officials, including the Director of Student Activities, before planning any fundraisers. In most cases, contributions to individual chapters are tax-exempt since your university, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, sanctioned your request to start a club. Contact the Finance Office or the Office of the General Counsel at your school for more information.

Now that you have joined our efforts, we know that you may need some guidance. Your regional representative will contact you soon to address your concerns and to discuss possible programs for the upcoming semester.

Where can I access more information about Friends for Life of America?

Feel free to peruse our comprehensive website, which you can access by visiting http://www.friendsforlife.com. If you have questions or comments about any aspect of our organization, please contact us at your convenience.

How do I contact the Friends for Life of America National Office?

Friends for Life of America currently maintains an office in Gainesville at the University of Florida. To contact our office, write to Friends for Life of America, 300-8 J. Wayne Reitz Union, PO Box 118505, Gainesville, FL 32612-8505, or call us at (352) 392-1665 x323 during normal business hours. For faster service, we recommend that you contact your regional representative via telephone or e-mail. Please send all general inquiries to national@friendsforlife.com.