Without setting-up a 501(c)(3), how can I collect tax-deductible contributions to assist in charity efforts?

Question

I have researched setting up a 501(c)(3) non-profit which seems to be long and cumbersome. I was wondering how people seem to get set-up very quickly to collect tax-deductible contributions to assist others who unexpectedly have tragedies. Like "Mr. Johnson died last week. A tax-deductible contribution to his children can be made by sending a check to...."

There's no way that's a 501(c)(3) setup that quickly.

Answer 1

Contributions to a specific person are not tax deductible, so if you see a notation like you describe someplace, it's not true and if you donate then end up audited, it'll be disallowed.