Case Study: The Lupus Foundation

About the Organization
The Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana chapter obtained its 501(c)(3) public charity status in 1987. Their mission is “ to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, support individuals and families affected by the disease, increase awareness of lupus among health professionals and the public, and help find the cure”. The Lupus foundation envision a life free of lupus, a life-threatening chronic disease, and seek to spread awareness and support for victims, families and healthcare professionals through community outreach programs, media, research and educational seminars. The Indiana chapter relocated from Northern Indiana to the city of Indianapolis into a relatively small suite in “effort to better reach and serve
The Lupus Foundation Indiana chapter was created by a woman who saw a need for relief and reform for hoosiers affected by this chronic illness. As I stated earlier, the mission of this organization is “to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus” (lupus.org). By doing so, this corporate foundation raises money to provide education and support materials to healthcare professionals that help sponsor lupus patients’ treatments and increase access to needed care. They provide a vehicle for individuals to become activists and help elevate lupus on the nation's health care agenda through raising funds for research, awareness and education. In addition to their fundraising efforts, the lupus foundation provides citizens the opportunity to engage in voluntary giving, service and association. There are several ways to give to the Lupus foundation and they have implemented different opportunities to engage volunteers. Listed on their website are numerous ways to give; direct giving, donate stocks and securities, planned giving (gift in will or estate), workplace giving (payroll deductions), used vehicle donation program (gifts of property), retail shopping and household good donations.
From the quarterly development in lupus research, to honor recognition for leaders in the healthcare field, to advancements in funding, the Lupus Foundation is fulfilling its mission through education, advocacy and relief. This continuous update in the media is important to look at when understanding an organization's mission. One of the points highlighted in their mission was to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lupus; therefore it requires consistent research. Donors, volunteers, sponsors, families and victims want to make certain that the Lupus Foundation is using their money to help support their mission, and what better way to communicate to the public than through the media and news. On their website, you can find educational blogs, research and general news, and their national Lupus