FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Fishin’ for a Cure is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds and awareness to support individuals battling breast cancer, their caregivers, and their families. We bring people together through fishing, fundraising, fellowship, and community events.

Events may include fishing tournaments, golf tournaments, walks, fitness events, community festivals, art activities, auctions, raffles, food and music events, and other local fundraisers.

The Hope Fund provides financial assistance to qualifying individuals battling cancer. It was established in 2014 to help people facing financial challenges during their cancer journey.

Yes. Fishin’ for a Cure depends on volunteers to help plan, promote, prepare for, and operate events throughout the year.

Subscribe to the Fishin’ for a Cure email list through the website to receive event announcements, registration information, fundraising updates, and other news.

Use the Donate button on the Fishin’ for a Cure website. You may also support the organization through event registrations, sponsorships, raffles, auctions, partnerships, and approved fundraisers.

Businesses, organizations, community groups, families, and individuals may participate in available sponsorship opportunities.

Funds raised by Fishin’ for a Cure benefit breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, research initiatives, earlier detection, diagnostic programs, support organizations, and qualifying Hope Fund applicants.

Event sponsors help cover the costs of fundraising activities so that Fishin’ for a Cure can continue supporting its mission and charitable programs.

Our mission is to make a difference for individuals battling breast cancer through fishing, fun, fellowship, and community-driven fundraising. Every Catch Counts!

Individuals currently battling cancer may submit an application. Please review the current application guidelines before applying.

Volunteer needs may include:

• Event setup and cleanup
• Registration and check-in
• Guest assistance
• Fishing-event support
• Auction and raffle assistance
• Vendor coordination
• Photography and video
• Promotion and community outreach
• Administrative or professional support

Yes. Follow Fishin’ for a Cure on Facebook for news, event reminders, photographs, and community updates.

Yes. You do not need to attend an event to make a donation or support an event-related fundraiser.

Fishin’ for a Cure Weekend is held each October. Exact dates, times, activities, and locations may change from year to year, so please visit the Events page for the current schedule.

Our work helps support:

• Financial assistance for people facing cancer
• Breast cancer research and earlier detection
• Mammograms and diagnostic services
• Survivor and family support
• Retreats for patients and their loved ones
• Community education and awareness

Sponsorship levels and benefits may change by event and year. Visit the Sponsors page or the current event sponsorship materials for available opportunities.

Use the Contact page and explain where you are located, which event interests you, what type of help you can provide, and your general availability.

Fishin’ for a Cure has worked with organizations including Little Pink Houses of Hope, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, and Earlier.org.

The annual weekend is centered in and around Emerald Isle and nearby Crystal Coast communities in North Carolina. Individual activities may take place at different venues.

Fishin’ for a Cure is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please retain your receipt and consult a qualified tax professional regarding your situation.

The Hope Fund page states that funds are earmarked for individuals battling cancer. Applicants should review the current guidelines and contact Fishin’ for a Cure with questions about eligibility.

Complete the form on the Contact page or call 919-369-3226.

Fishin’ for a Cure began in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, in 2013. It started when a small group of women wanted to take a friend who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer fishing.

Yes. Fishin’ for a Cure has helped fund research focused on finding better methods of detecting breast cancer earlier.

Benefits may include logo placement, website recognition, event signage, promotional mentions, tickets, registration benefits, or other visibility. Benefits vary by sponsorship level and event.

The donation platform generally provides a confirmation or receipt. Save that message for your records. Contact Fishin’ for a Cure if you need help locating documentation.

No. Hope Fund recipients may be located anywhere in the United States.

No. You may attend or register for the activities that interest you. Some are ticketed or require advance registration, while others may be open community events.

No. Many volunteer roles do not require prior experience. Instructions or guidance will be provided when needed.

Fishin’ for a Cure is supported by volunteers. Response times may vary, especially around major events. Please allow reasonable time for someone to review your message.

What began as a fishing outing among friends became a community fundraiser and eventually a statewide nonprofit organization. Today, Fishin’ for a Cure hosts and supports events in communities across North Carolina.

Include your name, contact information, the subject of your question, and enough detail for the appropriate person to respond. Do not submit sensitive medical, financial, or payment information through the general contact form.

No. Many Fishin’ for a Cure activities do not involve fishing. Even at fishing-related events, beginners and supporters are welcome.

Fishin’ for a Cure accepts Hope Fund applications online. Visit the Hope Fund page, review the guidelines, and use the application link provided there.

Donation options may allow you to recognize someone special. When that option is not available, use the Contact page to ask how to submit tribute information.

Yes. Sponsorship is not limited to businesses. Individuals, families, memorial groups, and community organizations may participate when appropriate sponsorship options are available.

Fishin’ for a Cure was founded in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Our mailing address is:

Fishin’ for a Cure
PO Box 4631
Emerald Isle, NC 28594

Businesses, clubs, civic organizations, schools, families, and community groups may ask about volunteering together. Group opportunities depend on the event and current needs.

Yes. Through its charitable partnerships, Fishin’ for a Cure has supported programs that provide free mammograms and serve patients who may otherwise face barriers to receiving care.

No. Hope Fund applications are accepted online.

No. Although the organization began in Emerald Isle, our events and supporters extend from the Crystal Coast to the Foothills and other areas of North Carolina.

Recurring donation options depend on the current donation platform. Review the choices provided on the donation page. We would love for you to be a recurring donor!

Use the Contact page and describe the page, link, form, or feature that is not working. Include the device and browser you were using if possible.

Yes. Cancer affects entire families. Some of the programs we support provide retreats, activities, meals, lodging, travel assistance, and opportunities for patients and their loved ones to reconnect.

Possibly. Contact Fishin’ for a Cure before volunteering to determine whether a suitable opportunity is available and whether service hours can be documented.

Recognition may be available depending on the event and sponsorship level. Contact Fishin’ for a Cure to discuss tribute sponsorship opportunities.

Many events welcome families and community members of different ages. However, age restrictions, alcohol service, fishing rules, and venue policies may vary. Review the details for each event before attending.

A sponsor generally supports a particular event or fundraising campaign. An annual partner provides broader, year-long support for the organization and its mission.

Children may participate in designated family and youth activities. A parent or guardian should review the event requirements, registration information, safety rules, and supervision expectations.

You only need to apply once. Do not submit duplicate applications unless a Fishin’ for a Cure representative asks you to do so.

Yes. Fishin’ for a Cure events and organizational partners are based in North Carolina, but Hope Fund recipients may live anywhere in the United States.

Contact Fishin’ for a Cure as early as possible and describe the event, date, and accommodation requested. The organization will review the request and coordinate with the venue when applicable.

No. Fishin’ for a Cure does not provide medical diagnoses, treatment recommendations, or professional medical advice. Please speak with a qualified healthcare provider about medical concerns.

Age requirements vary by role, venue, and activity. Minors may need permission and supervision from a parent or guardian.

Possibly. Ask your employer whether it offers a charitable matching-gift program and what documentation is required.

Applicants may request up to $2,500 per application. The amount awarded may depend on available funding, eligibility, and the review process.

Yes. Fishin’ for a Cure holds and supports activities in multiple North Carolina communities. You may also be able to help with promotion, fundraising, professional services, or other projects.

Yes. Fishin’ for a Cure may accept appropriate merchandise, artwork, gift certificates, experiences, professional services, supplies, or other in-kind contributions for events and auctions. Contact the organization before arranging delivery.

Some events require advance registration, while others may allow on-site participation. Check the Events page and the registration page for the activity you plan to attend.

Do not use the Fishin’ for a Cure name, logo, or branded materials to promote a fundraiser, product, service, or event without permission. Contact the organization to request approval and appropriate files.

“Every Catch Counts” reflects our belief that every donation, volunteer, sponsor, participant, fundraiser, and act of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

We are not a medical referral service. A healthcare provider, hospital, patient navigator, or local cancer support organization may be able to help you identify appropriate medical resources.

An annual partnership is a year-long relationship that helps provide continuing funding, resources, services, or promotional support to Fishin’ for a Cure.

Yes. Auction donations may include artwork, merchandise, gift certificates, vacation experiences, services, or other items. Contact Fishin’ for a Cure with a description of your proposed donation.

In-kind services may be helpful, depending on the organization’s current needs. Contact Fishin’ for a Cure with a clear description of the service, estimated value, limitations, and availability.

Fishin’ for a Cure has raised more than $1.6 million since its founding, directly benefiting breast cancer patients, caregivers, families, support programs, and research initiatives.

Visit the Events page at fishinforacure.com/schedule. It contains the most current available event dates, locations, descriptions, and registration links.

Yes. Fishin’ for a Cure welcomes fundraising ideas. Use the Contact page to describe your idea, proposed location, timeframe, audience, and the kind of assistance you would need.

Fishin’ for a Cure is an independent nonprofit organization. We work with charitable partners and programs that support breast cancer patients, early detection, research, mammograms, family retreats, and other services.

Yes. Please complete the application in its entirety. Missing information may make it difficult to review your request.

Use the Contact page to tell us about your story or photographs. Please make sure you have permission from anyone identifiable in an image before submitting it.

Visit the Fishin’ for a Cure website, Events page, email newsletter, and official Facebook page. Event details may change, so always check the current listing before traveling or attending.

Fishin’ for a Cure is guided by a volunteer board of directors. Visit the Board page to learn more about the people helping lead the organization.

Refund and cancellation policies may vary by event and registration platform. Review the terms shown during registration or contact Fishin’ for a Cure before purchasing if you have questions.

Fishin’ for a Cure welcomes community fundraising ideas. Be a Team Fish ambassador. Contact the organization before promoting your fundraiser so that expectations, branding, donation handling, and other details can be discussed.

Vendor opportunities may be available at selected events. Vendors may be asked to pay a fee, donate a portion of proceeds, contribute an item, or meet other event requirements.

Media partnership opportunities may be available for broadcasters, publications, websites, photographers, videographers, and other media organizations. Contact Fishin’ for a Cure for current information.

Visit our About page to learn more about our history, achievements, charitable partnerships, and the programs our supporters have helped fund.

A Fishin’ for a Cure representative will contact you if you are selected to receive assistance.

Contact Fishin’ for a Cure and include your business name, contact information, website or social media page, the products or services you offer, and the event that interests you.

Review the Sponsors and Partnerships pages, then use the Contact page to introduce yourself or your organization and explain how you would like to help.

Hope Fund awards are paid directly to the selected applicant to be used at the applicant’s discretion.

Weather decisions depend on the activity, venue, and safety conditions. Check the website, email updates, registration communications, and Fishin’ for a Cure social media for announcements.

Yes. Businesses may host approved percentage-of-sales promotions or other fundraising activities. Contact Fishin’ for a Cure in advance to discuss your idea.

Bring anything recommended in the event description. Depending on the activity, this may include sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, water, a chair, fishing equipment, identification, or proof of registration.

Entertainment opportunities may be available for certain events. Contact Fishin’ for a Cure with information about the performer, music or program, equipment needs, availability, and fees or donated services.

Commit as early as possible. Artwork, printing, signage, promotional deadlines, and event preparations often begin well before the event date.

No. Submitting an application does not guarantee that assistance will be awarded. Awards depend on eligibility, the review process, available funding, and the number of requests received.

Contact Fishin’ for a Cure before creating an online fundraiser in its name. The organization can help ensure that donations are properly directed and that its name and logo are used appropriately.

We love our pets! Khaki Shorts, was our mascot for many years and taught many four-legged friends how to fish.

Pet policies depend on the venue and type of event. Service animals are permitted as required by law. Contact Fishin’ for a Cure or the venue if you have any question about pets.

A trusted family member, caregiver, social worker, patient navigator, or support person may help you complete the application. The information submitted should be accurate and authorized by the applicant.

A high-resolution vector file, such as an SVG, EPS, or print-quality PDF, is usually best. A transparent PNG may also be requested. Follow the instructions provided by the sponsorship coordinator.

Contact Fishin’ for a Cure before mailing a donation so you can confirm the current instructions. The organization’s listed mailing address is PO Box 4631, Emerald Isle, NC 28594.

Yes. Certain benefits, placements, or exclusive sponsorship categories may be limited. Early commitment is recommended.

Use the website’s Contact page and include your name, the approximate date of the donation, and the issue you encountered. Do not include full payment-card information.

Use the Contact page to send your question to Fishin’ for a Cure. Please avoid submitting highly sensitive medical or financial details through the general contact form.

Food may be available for purchase or included with admission at certain events. Check the individual event description for current details.

Often, yes. Many events include opportunities to watch, socialize, volunteer, eat, shop, bid, donate, or enjoy entertainment. Requirements vary by event.

Visit the Gallery page to see photographs showing the people, activities, fellowship, and community spirit of Fishin’ for a Cure.