Hi everyone,
I’m a thyroid cancer patient and mom of 3 in North Carolina. Before surgery and treatment I was a Title I teacher; now I co‑own a small tractor/fencing business with my husband and I’m trying to turn my “heart project” into a real nonprofit. I have an EIN and my nonprofit (Planting Hope) is in the early stages. The goal is to provide:
- Basic Needs Kits for classrooms in high‑poverty schools
- Comfort / personal care kits for cancer patients (especially parents going through treatment) Right now I can’t afford to file the 501(c)(3) paperwork because of ongoing treatment and medical bills, but I don’t want to lose momentum or do anything wrong legally/financially.
I’m looking for:
- Resources for cancer patients who are also parents (practical help, grants, orgs that support caregivers)
- Low‑cost or free help for starting a 501(c)(3) correctly (law clinics, nonprofit incubators, orgs that sponsor filing fees, etc.)
- Any cancer nonprofits that might partner, mentor, or let me volunteer/learn while I build this out
- Advice from anyone who has started a small nonprofit while sick or on a tight budget – what would you absolutely do or avoid?
I’m not asking for personal donations here, just information and connections. I want to build something solid and ethical that actually helps classrooms and patients like me.
Thank you for any leads or tips. 💛