There are several options, and it’s always worth learning more about any charity before you donate so that you know your money is going toward what you want it to.
You can do your own research on breast cancer (and other) charities by looking them up on Charity Navigator, a website that tells you how charities allocate funds.
To get your search started, here are five breast cancer organizations with strong missions and transparency about how they use the money they receive.
Evelyn Lauder, a breast cancer survivor and senior corporate vice president of The Estee Lauder Companies, founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to help fund research and raise public awareness. Lauder was also the co-creator of the original pink ribbon launched in 1992 with Alexandra Penney, former editor-in-chief of Self magazine.
BCRF is currently one of the largest private funders for breast cancer research. The money is allocated to research grants to more about researchers worldwide.
In 2019, BCRF celebrated its 25th anniversary with its annual Hot Pink Party, a charity fundraiser that raised over $6 million in one night. The 2022 Hot Pink Party raised $8.5 million.
Formerly known as the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and often referred to as simply “Komen,” Susan G. Komen for the Cure is another highly successful breast cancer-focused charity. Since its inception in 1982, Komen has raised breast cancer awareness, supported research, and paid for community health and education programs around the world.
The Dallas-based charity directs its funds toward breast cancer research, screening, treatment, and education. In 2021, the charity invested almost $22 million in breast cancer research grants.
Annually, Susan G. Komen conducts its multi-city Race for the Cure charity run event, which is considered the most successful breast cancer fundraiser in the world.
For example, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) was founded in 1991 by Marisa C. Weiss, MD, a radiation oncologist. Weiss started the charity from her home with the support of local volunteers.
Its initial mission was to provide information and support to women with breast cancer after completing breast cancer treatment. In recent years, LBBC has:
Expanded to help women (and men) across the complete spectrum of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survival Offered programs that support caregivers and healthcare professionals devoted to the care of those living with breast cancer.
In 2020, LBBC raised $5 million in funds to support the programs and services it offers.
LBBC’s centerpiece fundraiser, called Reach & Raise, raises money through community-based yoga events around the country.
Founded in 1991 by a breast cancer survivor named Janelle Hail, NBCF is driven by the mission to help women affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support.
The Texas-based charity devotes over 80% of its funds to programs. In addition to providing free mammograms to women in need, NBCF also funds breast cancer education programs, awareness campaigns, and research.
Among its various fundraising efforts, NBCF created Game Pink, an innovative, year-round fundraiser in which online gamers can raise funds by putting their gaming skills to the test.
Still considered incurable, metastatic breast cancer is diagnosed in 6% of women on their very first diagnosis with an estimated 27% five-year survival rate. These figures highlight how vital an organization like METAvivor is to women who are often isolated and in need of support in addition to the latest research information.
In terms of governance and delivery, METAvivor ranks among the top charities overall. METAvivor is the only national organization with a grant program that exclusively funds metastatic breast cancer research. Impressively, 100% of their funding is devoted to research.
Among its fundraising efforts, METAvivor holds annual Metsquarade parties in various cities in the United States as well as the annual Metabash Party in New York City.
