Please make your families and staff aware of this information!
Jane Moore
Hospice Support Fund
The Hospice Support Fund regularly solicits funds across the United States. Not affiliated with any known hospice program, the now-named Hospice Support Fund was involved in a trademark infringement lawsuit over its use of its prior name, Hospice Fund of America. As a result of a court settlement in this case, the Hospice Fund of America is now the Hospice Support Fund. The Hospice Support Fund (and its predecessor) is run by the New Hope Foundation out of Nashville, Tennessee and formerly, Merrifield, Virginia. It should not be confused with the Hospice Foundation of America, a legitimate organization raising funds for hospice.
Why You Need to Be Aware
The Hospice Support Fund regularly solicits well-intentioned donors in your communities. At least once each year, MHPCA has been made aware of yet another campaign by the Hospice Support Fund, typically done via direct mail. Donors in your community unknowingly might give to the Hospice Support Fund, thinking it is your program. By its own reporting (disclaimer), the Hospice Support Fund raised $1,521,951, likely in 2013. Its expense distribution during the reporting period was 69.39% on fundraising, 10.22% on administration, 5.93% on program services, and 14.46% on public education in conjunction with fundraising appeals. Most nonprofit organizations attempt to direct resources to programs; with the Hospice Support Fund, 70% of their contributions are used for fundraising by two contractors that share the same address in McLean, Virginia.
What You Can Do
Write a letter to the editor of your local paper to alert your community that the Hospice Support Fund is in no way affiliated with your program, or any hospice program. Educate your donors to only support hospice programs that bear a familiar (not generic) name. In your newsletters, fundraising appeals and on your website be sure to offer your community the caveat about solicitors they're not familiar with. Offer a link to the appropriate charitable licensing office for your state and encourage them to check everyone out!
Tell MHPCA that you are aware of the Hospice Support Fund soliciting in your community. We will alert our members to be on the lookout. Email ja...@mohospice.org if you learn they're in your community. Report the Hospice Support Fund to proper agencies (Better Business Bureau, Secretary of State, Attorney General) if you suspect illegal activity.
Resources
https://hospicefoundation.org/About-HFA/News-Press/Press-Release-View?ItemID=1366
http://www.hospicesupportfund.org/disclosure.php
Jane Moore
CEO
Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care Assn.
600 Monroe Street
Suite 300
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone 573-634-5514
Fax 573-635-0659
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