Frequently Asked Questions

Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer patient expense assistance?

No.

What kind of support does SBTF offer patients and families?

The SBTF functions as a resource for the brain tumor patient & patient’s
family. We host and facilitate brain tumor support group meetings, award educational
scholarships to brain tumor patients & family members seeking a post-secondary
education, provide educational and uplifting information via social media platforms, and
endeavor to connect patients & families with other brain tumor/brain cancer organizations
throughout the World as well as in the US. We do not directly reimburse patients or their
caregivers for expenses incurred during treatment or after.

Does the SBTF provide expense reimbursements to patients?

Presently, we do not reimburse patients directly. The SBTF defrays expenses
(like patient parking) by providing funds to brain tumor treatment facilities.

Does SBTF charge a fee for support group or other resources?

The SBTF does not charge a fee for the patient/patient family resources provided.

How can I volunteer or become involved in the SBTF?

Volunteer opportunities can be found by emailing us at info@sbtf.org

I’d like to consider a clinical trail. Can you help me find one for which I qualify?

No, we do not recommend any specific treatments. However the websites on
our “Useful Links” page may contain information you can use.

I need a second opinion. Do you recommend doctors or treatment facilities?

We do not make treatment recommendations or referrals but will try to answer
general disease related questions. Email us at info@sbtf.org.

If I know someone with a brain tumor/cancer can they reach out to SBTF and if so, how?

Absolutely, we are here to lend support and provide answers or direction. We
do not make treatment recommendations or referrals but will try to answer general
disease related questions. Email us at info@sbtf.org .

How does SBTF raise funds for research, scholarships and other services?

The SBTF is the benefactor of several fundraisers throughout the year. We
also offer several fundraising activities throughout the year, like Race For Research (a 5K road race), Muddy Duck Dash (an obstacle-style off-road 5K), Giving Tuesday, personal fundraisers, and various Facebook fundraisers.

How much of my donation actually goes to research versus administrative expenses?

The SBTF strives to maximize the amount of funding which is returned to our
mission & our cause; 49% of our donations in 2019 supported brain tumor research. In
contrast, only 6.3% of the donations applied to Management & General.

How much of my donation goes toward program services?

Programs such as support groups, scholarships, patient initiatives, and research grants total approximately 78% of our donated funds.

Why is “seed funding” so important to finding a cure?

We believe seed funding will foster the continued development of emerging
concepts, treatments, and therapies. We hope the projects funded by the SBTF might be a
springboard from which researchers will garner additional data resulting in publications
& recognition which has the potential to secure support from larger funding agencies,
such as the National Institute of Health.

Does the SBTF accept research grant proposal applications?

Commencing with the 2020 Grant Cycle, the SBTF no longer distributes a Request For (research) Proposals. Applications will now be presented to the SBTF through our partnership with other brain tumor organizations. This will streamline the
process of receiving, vetting, reviewing, and scoring of proposals.

How is SBTF governed?

The SBTF, which is a not-for-profit organization and a public charity, is
governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.

What is the SBTF Tax ID Number?

While our Tax ID number is a public record, for security reasons we do not post this information on public facing sites. However, upon request, we can provide a copy of our IRS 501(c)3 determination letter.

Is the SBTF considered a non-profit organization?

The SBTF is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organization. Additionally, the SBTF is recognized as a public charity and in
2019 received 99.41% of our revenue as a result of Direct Public Support.

Are donations to your Foundation tax deductible?

The Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation is a recognized 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization and a public charity. Donations to the SBTF are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

What are the SBTF’s short term goals?

Our short-term goals are:

1) to continue to streamline internal processes, minimizing expenses and maximizing the amount of funding that is applied toward our mission

2) to build partnerships with other brain tumor organizations and institutions which provide resources, information, or treatments specific to those diagnosed with a brain tumor

3) to continue to look for opportunities to raise awareness and funds for
those facing a brain tumor diagnosis

What are the SBTF’s long term goals?

Our long-term goal is to drive toward and witness advancements in the treatment plan for brain tumor and brain cancer patients which result in prolonged longevity of life, improved quality of life, and dare we say, eradication of brain cancer.

Does the SBTF still distribute i-pad mini’s to patients/patient families?

Less than two-dozen 16 GB i-pad mini’s remain in inventory as of Nov 2020.
For more info write to us at info@sbtf.org.

How do I receive a gift card as a part of the Patient Initiative program?

Gift cards and other means of patient support are offered through funding from the Patient Initiative Program. The items and services meant to offer support to patients currently undergoing treatment for a primary brain tumor are distributed by treatment facilities in the greater metro Atlanta area. Ask your treatment coordinator, care facilitator or nurse if your treatment facility is participating.

Does my treatment facility participate in the Patient Initiative Program?

The Foundation currently partners with treatment facilities such as Windship Cancer Center at Emory, Northside Forsyth Cancer Center, Piedmont Brain Tumor Center and Northeast Georgia Medical Center in the greater Atlanta metro area. If you'd like to suggest another treatment facility in the Atlanta area, please contact us with your contact information as well as a contact at the treatment facility. The program is for patients currently undergoing treatment for a primary brain tumor.