The Michigan Lupus Foundation has launched an urgent capital campaign to raise $125,000 in emergency funds by May 1 to ensure the nonprofit is able to continue offering support services for those with lupus in the state of Michigan. Without the critical funding, the foundation will be forced to close its doors this spring.
The Michigan Lupus Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that exists to improve the quality of life for those living with lupus through support, education and research with the goal of finding a cure. The foundation has been continually serving the state of Michigan since 1974 and is working to build a brighter future for all lupus patients and their families.
The Michigan Lupus Foundation has been rebuilding and restructuring the organization after almost dissolving in 2022 due to depleted funds and unrepairable oversight from former staff. The overwhelming need for support in Michigan for those with lupus encouraged the foundation to stay committed to fulfilling the foundation’s mission and rebuild from the ground up.
While the foundation has taken steps to strengthen the organization’s infrastructure and expand its donor base, the rebuilding process has been ongoing. The foundation recently experienced a substantial setback when pharmaceutical sponsors eliminated longtime financial support from patient groups like the Michigan Lupus Foundation nationwide. These cuts have been detrimental to the immediate future of the foundation and it no longer has funds to operate. The Michigan Lupus Foundation is a very small nonprofit with an annual operating budget of $150,000. The foundation operates with one full-time employee and two hourly contractors.
The Michigan Lupus Foundation is respectfully asking for the public’s help to ensure the organization is able to continue to provide support services to lupus patients across Michigan including support groups, financial aid programs and awareness events. The foundation needs to raise $125,000 by May 1 in order for the organization to operate through 2026.
The Impact of Your Donation
Charitable donations made during the capital campaign will help the foundation provide regular support services while the longevity of the foundation is continuously evaluated. The board of directors will be continuously reassessing financials in the next few months.
Donations made to the Michigan Lupus Foundation directly support services that are vital to the Michigan community. The foundation provides financial and informational resources for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers including support groups, counseling services, financial assistance, advocating with lawmakers at the state and federal level to amplify the patient voice, funding state and nationwide research as well as hosting awareness and educational events across the entire state of Michigan.
Fundraising for lupus is necessary to drive patient initiatives and provide support and services to those who need it. The Michigan Lupus Foundation provides a community for people living with lupus that is crucial to disease management. It provides an essential support network and safe space where individuals can share experiences, access information, gain emotional support and discuss challenges and coping mechanisms related to managing the disease. Those with lupus often feel isolated as lupus symptoms can be invisible and difficult for others to understand. Connecting with others who face similar challenges, either virtually or at in-person events, can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide emotional validation, which is imperative for mental health. By providing a sense of belonging and support, a lupus community can positively impact the overall quality of life for individuals with lupus.
Get The Word Out