FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Cancer Research?

Discover top fundraising resources, including grants and corporate sponsors, to advance cancer research and make a lasting impact in 2025.

Top 5 grants for Cancer Research nonprofits in 2025

Unlock 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.

Apply

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.

Apply

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.

Apply

SU2C Nina Nicolai Innovation in Collaboration Award

Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C)

Not specified

Foundation

Open to SU2C scientific community members to explore synergistic and innovative collaborations that enhance the SU2C mission to accelerate new cancer treatments for pancreatic cancer.

Apply

ASTRO-BCRF Career Development Award

American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Not specified

Foundation

Dedicated to early-stage investigators from underrepresented groups or studying health disparities to advance breast cancer and radiation oncology research.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Cancer Research nonprofits in 2025

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.

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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Cancer Research

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%

2.2% + $0.30 per transaction; 0.8% for ACH payments*

  • Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction
  • PayPal: 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction
  • ACH/Bank transfer: 0.8% ($5 maximum)

Up to ‍5% + 35¢ per transaction

Not publicly disclosed
Platform fees
$0
1% to 4%, depending on feature usage
1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.
Annual subscription. Undisclosed price
Not publicly disclosed
Monthly fees
$0 / month
Starting at $299/month*
Donorbox offers 3 subscription plan: Standard $0/month | Pro $139/month | Premium custom pricing
Starting at $99/month and can go up to $409 for the more advanced plan.
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
3.9/5
4.7/5
4.5/5
4.3/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
4.3/5
4.7/5
4.4/5
4.1/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
4.3/5
4.8/5
4.8/5
4.3/5

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10 Best fundraising ideas for Cancer Research in 2025

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.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

'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.

9

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.

10

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are the most effective fundraising strategies for cancer research nonprofits in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">In 2025, the most effective fundraising strategies for cancer research nonprofits combine digital innovation with personalized engagement. Zeffy stands out as the leading online platform for managing donations and fundraising campaigns. Other top strategies include peer-to-peer fundraising, which leverages social networks to expand reach, and virtual events that offer engaging experiences while minimizing costs. Cause-related marketing partnerships with businesses can also provide significant revenue. Additionally, many nonprofits are finding success with monthly giving programs, which provide a steady income stream. Lastly, targeted grant writing remains crucial, with a focus on showcasing the potential impact of research projects. To maximize effectiveness, nonprofits should utilize data analytics to personalize outreach and optimize campaign performance across these various channels.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can cancer research organizations increase online donations?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">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. Optimizing the organization's website for mobile devices is crucial, as over 50% of nonprofit website traffic now comes from mobile users. Implementing a strong content marketing strategy that shares impactful stories and research outcomes can drive engagement and donations. Leveraging social media platforms, particularly through targeted ads and influencer partnerships, can significantly expand reach. Email marketing remains highly effective, with personalized campaigns showing a 14% higher click-through rate. Organizations should also consider implementing matching gift programs, which can increase individual donations by up to 65%. Lastly, offering multiple giving options, including recurring donations and planned giving, can cater to diverse donor preferences and increase overall contributions.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What percentage of donations typically go directly to cancer research?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">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. For instance, the American Cancer Society reported that 77% of its funds went to cancer research, patient support, prevention information, and detection and treatment programs in 2022. However, it's important to note that some portion of funds must go towards administrative and fundraising costs to ensure the organization's sustainability and growth. Donors can review a nonprofit's financial statements or check charity watchdog sites like Charity Navigator for detailed breakdowns. When evaluating organizations, look for those that maintain transparency about their fund allocation and demonstrate a strong commitment to maximizing research impact. Remember, while a high percentage going to research is ideal, factors like public education and advocacy can also play crucial roles in advancing cancer research goals.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How do I organize a successful cancer research fundraising event in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">Organizing a successful cancer research fundraising event in 2025 requires a blend of traditional and innovative approaches. Start by setting clear goals and choosing a theme that resonates with your target audience. Utilize event management software like Zeffy to streamline registration, ticketing, and donations. Incorporate hybrid elements to allow both in-person and virtual participation, maximizing reach and inclusivity. Leverage social media and email marketing to promote your event, using compelling storytelling to connect emotionally with potential attendees. Partner with local businesses or influencers to increase visibility and sponsorship opportunities. During the event, use live-streaming technology to engage remote participants and consider gamification elements to boost interaction. Offer multiple ways to donate, including mobile giving options and cryptocurrency. Post-event, promptly share impact stories and express gratitude to maintain donor engagement. Remember to analyze event data to inform future strategies and continuously improve your fundraising efforts.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are the tax implications of donating to cancer research organizations?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Donations to qualified cancer research organizations are generally tax-deductible in the United States. As of 2025, individuals who itemize deductions can typically deduct charitable contributions up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) for cash donations, and up to 30% of AGI for appreciated securities. It's crucial to obtain and keep receipts for all donations, especially those over $250, which require written acknowledgment from the organization. For non-cash donations valued over $5,000, an official appraisal is usually necessary. Donors should be aware that the fair market value of any goods or services received in exchange for donations must be subtracted from the deductible amount. Additionally, those aged 70½ or older can make qualified charitable distributions directly from IRAs, potentially reducing taxable income. As tax laws can change, it's advisable to consult with a tax professional for the most current and personalized advice regarding charitable donations and their tax implications.</div>