I am no expert in this field but I know you don't have to go it alone. I'd go so far as to say you SHOULDN'T do it by yourself -- if it's as important to you as you say, then you should set it up so the work doesn't rely 100% on you.Hello Gary - how can I "open it up" to others ? In this economy, I do not expect much help. So I am the one who provides the funding. What worries me is that thousands of patients in Central America will have no treatment for their infections or vitamins for their children when I cannot go there any longer.
* Create a charitable foundation. Tax benefits mean your dollars go farther, and more people / corporations are willing to donate.
* Ask around for others who share your desire to help. Some may contribute $$, some may help on your trips. Some may volunteer to help run the organization.
* An organization like this could/should expand your reach. Not only does it mean you can connect with other contributors, it gets others involved so that hopefully others will carry on with the work when you can't.
Are you determined to keep it small and local? If so then you're kind of forced to help create and grow this organization. If you're willing to work with others, there are plenty of other organizations you could tap into. Let them do the organizational work and you can do what you're best at. There's plenty of info on the web -- try central america medical charity - Google Search for a starting point.
Gary