They’re popping up everywhere. Messages of “Support Migraine Awareness!” can be tempting. Migraine has been ignored for so long that it feels good to finally see it getting some public attention. In our own small way, we want to be part of the solution. Wearing a Migraine awareness t-shirt or jewelry feels empowering. It gives us a sense of pride and belonging after a lifetime of feeling alone and ignored. Who wouldn’t want that?
There’s just one problem. Not everyone selling Migraine items has good intentions. For some, the new interest in Migraine is simply an opportunity to make money. That’s not necessarily a problem if it’s clear that’s what they’re doing. Unfortunately, the sales pitch sometimes looks like a fundraiser. Just because it says, “Support Migraine awareness,” doesn’t mean that the proceeds are going to support Migraine research or advocacy.
Legitimate fundraisers will clearly state the purpose of the campaign and who benefits from the proceeds. In the U.S. donations made to registered charities are tax-deductible if the organization has 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. Other countries have similar registrations for charities. Donations made to charities outside your own country are not usually tax-deductible. When in doubt, check with a tax professional.
Looking for a good cause to support?
Here are some examples of reputable non-profit organizations that support Migraine research and advocacy.
- Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy
- American Headache Society
- American Migraine Foundation
- Association of Migraine Disorders
- Chronic Migraine Awareness
- Cluster Headache Support Group
- Clusterbusters
- Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients
- Danielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation
- Global Healthy Living Foundation
- Headache and Migraine Policy Forum
- International Headache Society
- Migraine Research Foundation
- Migraine World Summit
- Miles for Migraine
- National Headache Foundation
- OUCH-UK
- Patient Advocacy Foundation
- Runnin’ for Research
- The Migraine Trust
- U.S. Pain Foundation
- Will Erwin Foundation
Thinking about making that purchase or donation?
Take a minute to contact the organization or person in charge of the promotion. Legitimate fundraisers are simple to contact and will respond to your questions honestly. When we take a few minutes to verify the promotion, we ensure that our efforts really make a difference.