Top-Rated Organizations for Childhood Cancer Research Donations Here

Cancer puts children through pain, pulls families apart and creates financial hindrances. There are organizations that support patients in overcoming difficulties and healing from health conditions, but it’s crucial to target the roots of these problems. Learn how you can help fund research for childhood cancer.

What Research Is Being Done on Childhood Cancer?

Studies are conducted to gather more information about childhood cancer. Data shows that 400,000 children 19 years and below develop cancer every year. The most common types that they go through are leukemia, brain tumor, lymphoma and solid tumors. 

Research is being conducted on how to minimize childhood cancer and save lives. For example, clinical trials review the impact of immunotherapy medicine Blinatumomab combined with chemotherapy. Findings suggest that it improves disease-free survival from 88% to 96% in children with standard-risk B-cell. 

Best Charities to Donate to for Childhood Cancer Research

Kids impacted by cancer deserve to live healthy lives and have more time with their loved ones. Researchers work to understand their conditions and find solutions to get them one step closer to remission. Here are charities that accept donations and support childhood cancer research.

1. THON

THON is one of the largest student-run philanthropy organizations that helps fund research for childhood cancer. It also provides emotional and financial support for families under the Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

The THON Community holds dance marathons and events to attract participants and highlight the importance of critical research in finding a cure for childhood cancer. It has raised over $254 million and drawn the help of 16,500 student volunteers.

Key features:

• Allows you to donate in memory or in honor of a loved one 
• Sets up a Giving Society membership
• Offers an Employer Matching Gifts Program
• Provides merchandise

2. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a leader in childhood cancer research that promotes customized and inclusive care for children. Its 22 academic departments help 120 fundamental and translational research labs find a cure for patients. 

There are many unique ways to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, such as planned giving from your appreciated assets. For example, IRA charitable contributions can help you fund childhood cancer research while receiving tax benefits. 

Key features:

• Helps you create a Memorial Fund
• Offers an Employer Gift Match Program
• Accepts mailed checks and money orders
• Provides merchandise

3. CureSearch

CureSearch aims to end childhood cancer by forwarding innovative research with measurable results and creating more effective, safer treatments. It bridges the funding gap for translational, preclinical, and early-phase clinical trials.

It has the best-in-class advisory councils to accelerate research to the marketplace. About 60% of preclinical research projects under its Acceleration Initiative progress to clinical trials, and it has already contributed to multiple discoveries and advancements in treatment. 

Key features:

• Accepts Honor and Memorial Gifts
• Helps create a Legacy Fund program
• Manages Donor-Advised Funds for assistance and immediate tax deductions
• Supports holding your own Gold Event fundraiser

4. Alex’s Lemonade Stand

Alex’s Lemonade Stand is the largest independent charity in the U.S. that helps fund research on childhood cancer and provides family support. It was founded in 2000 when 4-year-old Alexandra Scott raised $2000 with a lemonade stand while battling neuroblastoma.

The charity’s funds have been funneled to over 1,500 cutting-edge research projects at almost 150 institutions. It has backed impactful projects such as the Childhood Cancer Data Lab and Crazy 8 Initiative to innovate treatment. 

Key features:

• Accepts Honor and Memorial Giving
• Holds Workplace Giving Campaigns
• Open to business partners
• Provides merchandise through Give & Shop

5. Rally Foundation

Rally Foundation is a nonprofit organization and philanthropic seed investor. Its story started when William joined a baseball team in 2003, and a community came together to support his recovery. At the time, there was little progress in childhood cancer research.

The event had sparked a hopeful movement full of love and urgency to get better treatments for children. It has awarded $40.5 million in research grants to discover breakthroughs and spread awareness about this cause. 

Key features:

• Supports hosting your own fundraiser
• Open to corporate partners
• Invites leaders and advocates to Rally Young Professionals 
• Provides merchandise

6. Children’s Cancer Research Fund

Children’s Cancer Research Fund is a national nonprofit that increases awareness and funds childhood cancer research. It notes how the Federal Government’s funding for pediatric cancer research is only a single-digit percentage of its cancer research funding. 

Since the nonprofit’s inception in 1981, it has contributed over $300 million to accelerate research. It has also funded programs like support groups and camps to help families impacted by childhood cancer find joy and support throughout treatment and after. 

Key features:

• Supports creating a fundraising honor page
• Accepts mailed checks
• Allows you to donate over the phone
• Provides a donor portal to update your information 

7. National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is committed to funding research to eliminate childhood cancer. Its collaborative initiative, the Sunshine Project, brings together the best doctors and researchers to find a cure and develop new treatments. 

It currently partners with over 40 hospitals and leading scientists. More than $50 million has been donated to research, and Charity Navigator verified that it has a perfect 100% score in financial health and transparency. 

Key features:

• Accepts cryptocurrency
• Accepts vehicle donation
• Open to foundation partners
• Holds Company Match campaigns

8. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is a global leader in cancer care. Its pediatric program, MSK Kids, supports childhood cancer research and care for children of all ages. It also holds special events like running programs and kids’ activities. 

As a whole, the organization is backing 2,000 clinical trials to uncover more effective cancer treatments. It also trains over 2,300 cancer experts to cultivate the next generation of leaders and researchers. 

Key features:

• Designates donation for certain cancer types
• Allows you to support specific fundraising events
• Helps you create an honorary fundraising page
• Accepts company-matched gifts

9. Beat Childhood Cancer

Beat Childhood Cancer is a parent-founded organization that aims to drive progress through child-informed treatments to help families and their children. The Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium has conducted over 24 clinical trials involving over 2,000 kids.

It is best known for getting the FDA approval of DFMO, which prevents neuroblastoma relapse. That recent win in December 2023 is fueling further research in stopping the relapse of other cancer types. 

Key features:

• Accepts mailed checks
• Endorses Employee Match programs
• Invites event sponsors
• Allows Bequest Giving

Evaluating Organizations for Childhood Cancer Research

Knowing that your funds are going to a legitimate and compassionate agency is critical. Here are the criteria for vetting childhood cancer research organizations. 

Mission and vision	The ideal organization will have clear goals about advancing research and envision a future without childhood cancer. A clear mission and vision are signs of its commitment, and they will typically be followed by actionable steps.
Overall impact	A childhood cancer research organization should impact young patients and their families. Look up its history and how much it has donated. Check other efforts to pursue clinical trials and eliminate pediatric cancer.
Trustworthiness	Legitimacy is paramount when sending your hard-earned money. Some organizations are transparent by providing an in-depth report on their finances. You can also use third-party websites and check out assessments from Charity Navigator.
Research focus	Is there a specific childhood cancer type for which you want to fund the research? Do you prioritize translational research over clinical research? Check the scope of the research supported and confirm if it aligns with your priorities.
Community involvement	What kind of people is your organization partnering with? Are they making an effort to encourage youth, families and other people of all walks of life? You want to donate to a group that brings people together and cultivates a community.

How to Help Fund Research for Childhood Cancer

You can help fund research for childhood cancer and bring scientists one step closer to a breakthrough in various ways. Check an organization’s channels to see what they accept.

Send Direct Donations

Direct donations are some of the simplest ways to support pediatric cancer research, as even a little goes a long way. Nowadays, charities will accept online payments, but you can also send a check through the mail if you prefer.

Certain groups may also accept donations in the form of stocks, cryptocurrency, and other monetary assets. There are schemes where employers can match what their workers donate, which would also count toward childhood cancer research. 

Join Fundraisers

Organizations can set up their own fundraising initiatives, such as marathons, concerts, bake sales, and the like. Participants typically register for a fee or are invited to donate on the spot, which is funneled to pediatric cancer research.

You can also set up a personal fundraiser to gather and donate money to your chosen charity. Consider setting up a fundraising page in honor of a loved one who battled or is currently battling cancer. 

Purchase Merchandise

Some organizations design and sell merchandise to raise funds for childhood cancer research. This merchandise could include shirts, tote bags, mugs, and more with their logo or an inspirational message.

Purchasing this merchandise is a way of sending donations while getting something in return. You can use it as a keepsake of your support for the cause, and it can even spread the word about the group you supported.  

Commit to Being Consistent

If you’re financially capable, consider becoming a monthly donor to a pediatric cancer research organization. The constant stream of donations can make a big difference in continuing the search for a cure to these ailments.

You can easily set up recurring payments on online donation forms, even with a debit account. If you need to reduce or change the monthly amount you’re sending, check the terms or contact the charity directly. 

Other Ways to Make a Difference

Monetary donations help ensure that researchers, scientists, and other health professionals are still compensated for their hard work finding a cure. However, there are additional ways that you can help out the cause, such as:

Give In-Kind Donations

Have a preloved doll or art supplies you’re ready to let go of? Certain research-centered initiatives also provide joy and care to young patients facing cancer. It would be a great way to give a home to your old belongings while making another kid happy. 

There are also charities where you can donate your vehicles. These can serve as transportation solutions for researchers and scientists who need to travel to different locations and give rides to families they care for.

Volunteer Your Time

Lend your time and passion to helping initiatives that fight against childhood cancer. These usually entail engaging with your community, building leadership skills, and gaining on-the-ground experience helping families.

If you have professional skills, use them in your volunteering endeavors as well. For example, writers can help create grant proposals for government agencies, while event planners can conceptualize and organize different gatherings.  

Participate in Events

While some events may charge fees to fund researchers, others are free and open to the public to raise awareness. Contribute your presence, and invite other loved ones to attend and participate with you. 

Organizations and impacted families will appreciate your support more than you’d think, as it signals one extra person who believes in a future free of cancer. Plus, you can learn more about how childhood cancer research is progressing at these events. 

Spread Awareness

Pediatric cancer research deserves more recognition, especially considering it only receives 4% to 8% federal cancer research funds and relies mostly on corporate or private foundations. Search legitimate sources, learn about the facts, and share them with loved ones.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so now is the time to observe and share the realities that most kids face. You can use social media or speak to people at events to showcase solidarity and spread hope.

Help in the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

The fight against cancer has made plenty of progress, but it’s vital to band together and advance further. Contribute to charities that help fund research on pediatric cancer to help make treatment safer and more effective. That way, kids can enjoy their youth and spend as much time as possible with their loved ones.