Close
Donate

FCS Foundation Volunteer Program Sponsored by:

Bagley Woman Owned

Volunteer Face Mask Sponsor:

Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with the Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation. We welcome you to join our team to provide support and compassionate care for cancer patients.

Spanish speaking volunteers needed for Foundation office assistance with verbal or written translation, in office or virtual.

CURRENT OPEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Volunteer Application

Patient Support Volunteer (Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) clinics statewide) – Provides non-medical assistance to patients in the infusion treatment area.  Volunteers provide comfort and companionship, a listening ear, a smile, light refreshments, blanket and pillows, and assistance to the nursing staff.  This position is located in a FCS clinic and volunteer shifts are based on the needs of the clinic. Time commitment is a minimum of three hours per week for six months. 

Client Communication Specialist: Assists with answering the telephone, documenting voice mail messages, and returning phone calls in response to applicant questions regarding the online grant application process.  Spanish-speaking volunteers are a plus. This is an in-person position only; volunteers must be willing to report to the FCS Foundation office located in Bradenton, FL.

Client Documentation Specialist: Responsible for uploading patient applications and other documents received via email and fax in the online grant application system. Experience with Adobe Acrobat is desired.  This is a virtual and/or in-person position.  Volunteers who commit to the in-person opportunity will be required to report to the FCS Foundation office located in Bradenton, FL.

Client Application Specialist: Assists with reviewing patient grant applications in the online grant application system.  Volunteers will review financial qualification criteria as per the Client Services program requirements. In addition, volunteers will communicate with patients regarding application status via email. Spanish-speaking volunteers are a plus, but not required. This is a virtual and/or in-person position.  Volunteers who commit to the in-person opportunity will be required to report to the FCS Foundation office located in Bradenton, FL.

Special Event Committee Members (Statewide): – This position assists with day-of planning and preparation for FCS Foundation events, including setting up, registration, and clean up. Pre-event opportunities include joining event committees, soliciting prospective event sponsors and auction donations, and preparing event decorations. For more information on dates and locations, please visit our “Events” page. 

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

The internship program is for undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining nonprofit experience. Must receive college credit through college or university.

Client Services Support Intern: Assists with reviewing and processing patient grant applications to determine eligibility.  This position will work with applicants to process their application via telephone or email and will assist with data entry-type duties. The Client Services Intern must be team and detail-oriented with strong communication, multi-tasking and organizational skills.  Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Adobe required.  The time commitment for this position is at least 12 hours per week for three months.

Volunteer Application Process

If you would like to join the FCS Foundation volunteer team, please follow the steps below. Please note, the application process can take up to three weeks or longer to complete.

 

  • Complete the Online Application
  • Complete a phone interview
  • Complete a criminal history check
  • Attend Volunteer Orientation & Clinic Training at assigned FCS clinic
  • Submit an influenza vaccine (required annually October 1st – March 31st)

 

EFFECTIVE 9/28/23: Volunteers will be required to:

  • Attend a Policy & Requirements webinar
  • Complete a drug/nicotine screening
  • Complete a Health screening: Tuberculosis (TB) testing and Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, and Varicella immunizations or approved exemption are required for Patient Support Volunteers
  • Virtual or Client Services (in-office) volunteers are not required to complete the health screening

 

Volunteer Requirements

  • Volunteers must be 18 years old with a valid driver’s license
  • The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation does not accommodate court-ordered community service
  • Florida Cancer Specialists patients who are in active treatment are not eligible to participate in the Volunteer Patient Support program
  • The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation requests volunteers commit a minimum of 3 volunteer hours per week for at least six months
Previous
Next

Benefits of Volunteering

  • Give back to your community on your terms – volunteer when it fits best with your schedule
  • If it interests you, professional and social networking opportunities are available
  • Have impact in the lives of those affected by cancer
  • Share your skills and talents with others
  • Gain work experience and sharpen your resume (if applicable)
  • It feels great!!

For additional volunteer information, contact the Volunteer Program Manager by calling 941-677-7191 or by email at VolunteerProgram@FLCancer.com to learn more.

SPECIAL FUNDS

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization as designated by the IRS. The Foundation’s EIN number is 20-4616813. The Foundation is also registered in the State of Florida, Registration No. CH24320. A copy of the official State registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 800-435-7352 within the State of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.

After Your Event

Don’t Forget to Thank Everyone for Their Support

 

  • Thank your sponsors, committee members and other special supporters immediately after the event. A hand-written note, phone call or personal email will be greatly appreciated and will encourage supporters to come back next time!

  • Post ‘Thank You’ messages and photos on social media.

  • Mail a check to:
    Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
    5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210
    Bradenton, FL 34211

  • Once we receive your donation, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you for tax purposes.

 

Thank you for hosting a successful event that helps cancer patients in need!

Use Various Media to Maximize Publicity for Your Event

These publicity tips and tools will help increase exposure for your event through various media, at very little cost. (Media outlets could include local radio, TV and newspapers, community calendars, social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.).

Create a Timeline to Maximize Publicity

A realistic timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event. Keep this timeline in mind as you put together a publicity plan:

3-4 months before the event:
Identify your target audience based on demographics, interests, and location; develop a targeted media list.

4-6 weeks before the event:
Distribute media materials (i.e., media alert, listing on a community calendar, Facebook posts, Instagram, etc.). Be creative in developing the media materials – what makes your fundraiser different? Media outlets receive hundreds of requests to publicize non-profit events; they can’t publicize everyone – so make sure that YOUR EVENT is so special, different and appealing that it will be hard for the media outlet to resist!

2 weeks before the event:
Make follow-up calls and send e-mails to local media who received the information. Re-send information if they have not received it.

1-2 days before the event:
Email and/or fax a media alert with the basic information about your event (who, what, when, where and why) to the TV news assignment desks and photo desks at the daily or weekly newspapers.

Take Lots of Photos

Photos are a great way to document your event, whether for publicity or simply to share with family and friends. Here are some tips on capturing special moments at your fundraiser:
  • Write out a targeted shot list in advance to make sure you get photos of everything and everyone
  • Take candid and close-up shots that capture the different aspects of your fundraiser
  • Capture images of your sponsors
  • Include three to four people in a photo for the best publicity shot
  • If taking photos on your phone, turn your phone in the horizontal position
  • Send photos to Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation for approved use on social media and website (Please make sure you have permission from the individuals in the photo and include their names)

Ideas for Your Fundraiser Event

The following are just a few ideas for your community fundraiser.  We suggest thinking of something you enjoy doing (e.g., book club, cooking, golf, tennis, bingo, music) and working to add a fundraising component into that. This way, you are not starting from scratch and, in addition to giving back to a great cause, you are doing something you love!

FACEBOOK
You can easily raise money on your Facebook page by clicking on “Raise Money” on your post, including a special message of inspiration or in celebration of your birthday or notable anniversary.

BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Do you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, shower, or bar/bat mitzvah? Consider contributing to FCS Foundation, in lieu of personal gifts – and ask your friends and family to do the same. This is a great way to get the kids involved!

COCKTAIL PARTY
Throw a cocktail party in your home or at a local restaurant or bar. Many venues provide great deals for non-profit events. For example, ask your friends to donate $50 per person to attend — if you spend no more than $20 per person on the food, you will have a good amount left over after expenses to donate. Include a chance drawing or auction to increase revenue.

GARAGE SALE
Ask friends and neighbors to clean out their basement or garage for a good cause. Organize a garage sale, and you’ll clean out your house while supporting cancer patients in need in our community at the same time!

GOLF OUTING OR TOURNAMENT
Whether planning a small golf outing with friends and family or a larger tournament for your business, think about making every stroke really count by partnering with us to give back to the patients at FCS Foundation!

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS GIVES BACK
Are you a local independent business owner, restaurant or retail owner who is looking to align with a great cause? Whether donating a percentage of proceeds for a day, or a week, or simply collecting an ‘extra tip’ for the FCS Foundation, you can make a difference while you work.

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Kids love to help!  Have fun with your students teaching them about the meaning of philanthropy, with anything from a read-a-thon to a bake sale. Be creative! We’d love to hear about your school fundraiser ideas and stories.

SELL, SELL, SELL!
Many marketing/promotional item companies offer a lot of discounted items. Create T-shirts, bracelets, key chains, etc., and sell them at a price more than your cost to create revenue.

TRIVIA NIGHT
This is a fun way to raise funds while increasing awareness about pediatric illnesses. Host your trivia night at a restaurant or other local establishment and invite between 10 and 50 of your friends and family.

PURSE BINGO
Hold a bingo night and charge people to play ($20 for 4 cards, $40 for 8 cards, etc.) Instead of cash prizes, the prizes are designer or vintage purses that have been donated. One of the trendiest and easiest events to organize!

Getting Started

Deciding to host a community fundraiser for the FCS Foundation is a huge accomplishment in itself — thank you!


Here are 10 steps to help you get started:

1. Form a planning committee. Bring together a group of enthusiastic, dedicated people, who share a passion and interest in raising money for cancer patients and their families. This will increase the probability of a successful event.

2. Brainstorm. Members of your planning committee can brainstorm ideas for your fundraiser. Let your imagination guide you — and be sure to consider the special talents of committee members and their contacts in the community! The more people who participate in the planning phase, the more committed they’ll be later.

3. Choose the “right” event. The type of event you choose should fit the size, interests, talents, goals, and time availability of your planning committee.

4. Identify your target audience. Consider who is most likely to attend and support the type of event you have selected. Will the event appeal to everyone? families? adults only?

5. Develop a budget. Try to identify all the expenses involved with your event (invitations, postage, rental space, signage, food and catering, promotional materials, website, advertising, etc.) Then think about possible sources of funds, including people and companies you know that may be able to donate products (food, equipment) or services (graphic design, printing, photography) to reduce your costs. This will help keep your costs down, which is something everyone will appreciate.

6. Develop an event timeline. A timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event. Work backwards from the event date – publicity should start four to six weeks prior to the event.

7. Schedule the event. Select a time that is appropriate and convenient for those who will be attending. Be sure to check local community calendars for conflicting events.

8. Open a bank account. You may find that you will need to establish a bank account to accommodate incoming revenue and expenses. This can be done by visiting a local bank and creating a business account under your event’s name.

9. Collect all funds. We ask that all event proceeds designated for the FCS Foundation be forwarded to the Foundation within 30 days following the conclusion of your event.

10. Say thank you! Sending thank-you letters, notes, or e-mails to everyone who participated in or supported your event shows your appreciation and reinforces their goodwill about the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
Miguel