NONPROFIT NEWS: Five years ago Jerry Williams founded “Polymyowhat: Understanding Myositis” as a Facebook group and blog. At the time, he had a vision to start a nonprofit that would directly benefit the Myositis Community while working with other existing nonprofits. “Polymyowhat” became Myositis Support and Understanding in early 2014. After much planning, organizing, hard work and patience, we are proud to announce that MSU is officially a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – Myositis Support and Understanding Association, Inc.!
What does this mean for you? First, it means donations you (U.S. Citizens) make to us are now tax deductible. It means we are exempt from paying federal taxes and we can focus our funding efforts towards programs, services and financial assistance for Myositis patients. It means we are looked at as a legitimate organization and have proven to the IRS that the work we are doing, and will continue to do, serves the public. Finally, it means we are now qualified to seek out grants to help fund our organization and provide additional services directly to you, Myositis patients and caregivers.
Receiving our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the IRS is a huge turning point for us, but it did not come without much hard work, anxious waiting and assistance from many special people, such as our Board of Directors. We have had an active Board since February of this year that has done so much behind the scenes and Jerry is grateful to his fellow Board Members, group Administrators and Volunteers.
This is where the hard work begins. We will begin more in-depth planning to determine how to best serve our Mission within the Myositis community. We will be reaching out to other nonprofits to work together in making awareness and assistance priority one. We are already working together with The Myositis Association (TMA) and have had other organizations express their interest.
Remember that YOU are a huge part of this! None of this would ever have been possible without you — our fans, supporters, families and friends. Please give yourselves a well-deserved pat on the back.
If you are interested in making a financial contribution that is now tax-deductible, please use the link below. We appreciate your continued support! www.UnderstandingMyositis.org
(We also offer Myositis products such as wristbands, pens and info cards, with additional products coming soon. The sale of products helps us to begin helping you while providing an opportunity for you to spread awareness of our rare disease.)
Tags: myositis support
