Discover top fundraising resources, including grants and corporate sponsors, to advance cancer research and make a lasting impact in 2025.
Start a fundraiserUnlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Cancer Research. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.
LCRF Leading Edge Research Grant Program
Lung Cancer Research Foundation
$150,000
Foundation
Funds innovative projects across the spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, epidemiological, health services, early detection, disparities, and social determinants of health research in lung cancer.
Small Research Grants for Analyses of Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Data
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
$200,000
Government
Supports small research projects focused on analyses of childhood cancer and/or structural birth defects genomic datasets generated by the Kids First program.
NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Not specified
Government
Supports small research projects on cancer that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources, including pilot studies and secondary analysis of existing data.
Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Cancer Research efforts.
2.2% + $0.30 per transaction; 0.8% for ACH payments*
Up to 5% + 35¢ per transaction
Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Cancer Research.
Personalized Cancer Journey Digital Storytelling Campaign
Create an interactive online platform where cancer survivors, patients, and researchers share their stories through multimedia content. Visitors can 'walk' through different stages of cancer research and treatment, with opportunities to donate at key points.
Glow-in-the-Dark 5K for Cancer Research
Organize a nighttime 5K run where participants wear glow-in-the-dark gear to 'outshine cancer'. Partner with local businesses for sponsorships and provide virtual participation options for wider reach.
Customizable 'Research for a Cure' Merchandise Line
Launch a line of high-quality, customizable merchandise (e.g., t-shirts, water bottles) where buyers can add names of loved ones affected by cancer or choose specific research areas to support. Use print-on-demand services to minimize upfront costs.
Corporate 'Genes in Jeans' Day Partnership
Partner with corporations for a 'Genes in Jeans' day where employees donate to wear jeans to work. Provide participating companies with cancer research education materials and virtual 'lunch and learn' sessions with scientists.
Community 'Cancer Research Ambassador' Program
Recruit and train local volunteers as 'Cancer Research Ambassadors' to organize micro-events, give talks at schools and community centers, and run social media campaigns. Provide them with fundraising tools and cancer research updates.
AI-Powered 'Research Progress' Visualization Tool
Develop an AI-driven platform that visualizes the impact of donations on cancer research progress. Users can explore different research areas, see real-time updates, and make targeted donations to specific projects or general funds.
Seasonal 'Research Roundup' Gala Series
Host quarterly themed galas showcasing seasonal cancer research breakthroughs. Feature interactive exhibits, researcher 'speed dating' sessions, and live auctions for unique experiences with scientists or lab tours.
'Sequence for a Cure' DNA Art Fundraiser
Offer personalized DNA art pieces created from participants' DNA samples, with proceeds funding genomic cancer research. Include options for memorial pieces using familial DNA for those honoring loved ones lost to cancer.
Cross-Sector 'Innovation for Cure' Hackathon
Organize a multi-day hackathon bringing together tech companies, biotech firms, and cancer researchers to develop innovative solutions for cancer research challenges. Sponsorship and participation fees fund ongoing research projects.
Neighborhood 'Cancer Research Champion' Challenge
Launch a friendly competition between neighborhoods to become 'Cancer Research Champions'. Provide toolkits for local fundraising events, door-to-door campaigns, and community education sessions. Offer a grant to the winning neighborhood for a local health initiative.
In 2025, the most effective fundraising strategies for cancer research nonprofits combine digital innovation with personalized engagement.
To increase online donations, cancer research organizations should first ensure they're using a user-friendly donation platform like Zeffy, which offers seamless payment processing and customizable fundraising pages.
The percentage of donations that go directly to cancer research varies by organization, but reputable nonprofits typically allocate 70-80% of their funds to program expenses, which include research.
Organizing a successful cancer research fundraising event in 2025 requires a blend of traditional and innovative approaches.
Donations to qualified cancer research organizations are generally tax-deductible in the United States.
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