Funding Our National Grant Program
The Komen Foundation offers one of the country’s most innovative and responsive grant programs. Since its inception in 1982, the Foundation has raised more than $200 million for the fight against breast cancer. The work funded includes basic, clinical and translational breast cancer research. Grant recipients in these areas are selected through a blind peer review process recognized by the National Cancer Institute. In order to recruit and retain young scientists in the field of breast cancer research, the Foundation also awards 3-year postdoctoral fellowships to individuals working under the guidance of experienced cancer researchers.
For 14 years, our grant program has also provided funding for innovative outreach projects in the areas of breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment. In addition, our Affiliates administer local grant programs funded by local Komen Race for the Cure and other fund-raising events. Community programs are selected for funding based on needs identified through community profiles developed by local Komen Foundation Affiliates.
1998 was a stellar year for our National Grant Program. We funded 77 national grants totalling more than $11 million.
How Susan G Komen Became Such A Recognized Name In Breast Cancer Awareness
Susan G. Komen is one of the largest, most recognized breast cancer organizations in the world. Since its founding in 1982, the nonprofit has invested more than $1 billion in cancer research, and more than $2 billion in patient outreach, according to financial documents. The foundations Race for the Cure is known as the one of the largest breast cancer awareness events created, and is as synonymous with the cause as the iconic pink ribbon.
Yet, the actual Susan G. Komen was not a celebrity. She did not publicize her illness, which took her life in 1980 at the age of 36. In fact, it was only after Komens death that her name became so incredibly famous.
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
In 2006, Komen wrote in its newsletter that embryonic stem cell research had promise for curing breast cancer. One such grant recipient was Robert A. Weinberg, Ph.D. through Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research at MIT. In 2011, the anti-abortion Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer said that Komen gave $12 million to institutions such as Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the U.S. National Cancer Institute that funded stem cell research, which the Coalition considered to be abortion. In 2012, Komen said that it did not fund stem cell research and never has. According to Science magazine, Christopher Umbricht got nearly $600,000 from Komen for molecular marker research at Johns Hopkins that includes stem cells.
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Ready Unites With Susan G Komen Against Breast Cancer
Ready® Commits to Supporting Fundraising Efforts for Breast Cancer Research and Breast Cancer Patient Support Services
DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today announced a partnership with Ready®, one of the fastest growing premium sports nutrition brands in America with co-owners Aaron Donald and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Ready® is committing significant funding in support of Komen’s work against breast cancer by donating $250,000 to Susan G. Komen to help fund breast cancer research and patient support services
Beginning in January, the signature Ready® Bars will be available nationwide in over 4,400 Walmart stores and other retailers across the country. The same Ready® Bars will be given out at Komen’s annual MORE THAN PINK Walk and Race for the Cure Series in 2023. The events held across the United States draw several thousands of participants who raise critical funds for breast cancer research and patient support services while spotlighting breast cancer patients, individuals living with metastatic breast cancer, survivors and all those affected by the disease.
View a video highlighting what the fight against breast cancer is all about and Ready’s® commitment to it.
Ready® has also been chosen as the Official Sports Drink of The Amateur Athletic Union , the largest athletic organization in the United States with over 700,000 athletes that compete in 41 sports.
Serving As A Vocal Public Policy Advocate
Representatives of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation are regularly called on to represent those battling against breast cancer.
Whether addressing legislative bodies, scientific conferences, women’s groups, community health fairs or media opportunities, these Komen Foundation advocates are the voice of the women and men in this battle. Our efforts help shape public opinion and public policy, and we are being heard.
We are also challenged to help ensure the well-being of those at risk of or diagnosed with breast cancer, continuing to work in collaboration with agencies like the U.S. Public Health Service’s Office of Women’s Health, the National Cancer Institute, and the Centers for Disease Control. Komen Foundation representatives also serve on many national and international boards and committees on healthcare and cancer.
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Susan G Komen Responds To Stop Banking On Breast Cancer
Posted on October 27, 2021
BREAKING: Susan G. Komen® responded to our campaign Stop Banking on Breast Cancer in a news feature by Spectrum News 1 Ohio.
Sean Tuffnell, Susan G. Komen® Director of Communications writes, Susan G. Komen is proud of our 22-year partnership with Bank of America. They have a significant impact on the breast cancer fight, having raised more than $10 million in support of our advocacy, research, and patient care and support services.
Is it just us or does this highly toxic bad romance reek? Komen and Bank of America are deeply devoted to each other and most definitely not to people at risk of breast cancer.
The big bad bank pours billions into the fossil fuel industry that causes cancer and destroys resources necessary for the survival of our communities in the process. Environmental racism is inherent to the fossil fuel industry. And just as breast cancer disproportionately impacts BIPOC communities, so too do fossil fuels disproportionately harm, displace, and kill BIPOC communities. And in an effort to convince the world how much they care about women and breast cancer, Bank of America gives millions to Susan G. Komen® who claims to want to end breast cancer. So, its okay to fund projects and practices that kill us, as long as Komen receives funds for programs that raise awareness for another thing that kills us? Hmm are you as confused as we are?
And Susan G. Komen® is proud of this partnership?
Susan G Komen For The Cure
| 1982 40 years ago |
| Founder |
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| .org |
Susan G. Komen is a breast cancer organization in the United States.
Komen focuses on patient navigation and advocacy, providing resources for breast cancer patients to understand the American medical system. It has also funded research into the causes and treatment of breast cancer. However, the organization has been mired by controversy over pinkwashing, allocation of research funding, and CEO pay. Its revenue and public perception have steeply declined since 2010.
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Dedicated To Being Good Stewards Of Our Money
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation continues to operate with only a small staff, thanks to the time and effort caringly donated by our large volunteer network. We are very careful in our spending, realizing that our supporters expect their money to be dedicated to fulfilling our mission of eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. General and administrative expenses continue to remain well below 10% of our annual revenues.
Your Fundraising Is Helping Us Save Lives Every Day
that provides new hope through lifesaving discoveries. Funding breakthroughs that give more time to everyone in their fight against breast cancer.
that ensures all have access to quality screening, diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. Offering patient support, treatment assistance, even childcare and transportation services.
to support everyone, no matter where they are in their breast cancer journey. Providing a safe place to share, grieve, support and find strength forward.
through advocacy, fighting for government funding and critical patient support and research. We fight for the rights of patients among policymakers and compassionate care for everyone.
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Susan G Komen For The Cure Global Initiative For Breast Cancer Awareness
The Komen Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness is funded by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® , managed by the Institute of International Education West Coast Center and implemented in collaboration with local partners in ten countries: Ghana, India, Romania, Ukraine, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The primary goal of the initiative is to create a dynamic global network of dedicated activists with the skills, knowledge and vision to play a strategic role in shaping their countrys response to breast cancer.
Susan G Komen Breast Cancer License Plate
Description:
Specialty plate to support breast cancer research.
Eligibility:
Any motor vehicle owner may apply for the Susan G. Komen license plate.
Requirements:
Complete the request for a Susan G. Komen license plate form.
Issuance:
Department of Finance and AdministrationOffice of Motor Vehicle
Additional Information:
The Breast Cancer Research Fund receives $25.00 for each plate issued to be used by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Cancer Research Center for the purpose of Breast Cancer education, outreach and research. Contact the Arkansas affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation by calling 501-603-1406 for more information about the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer license plate program.
Plate Category:
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To Build An Organization To End Breast Cancer You Need A Strong Foundation
Like so many others, Nancy Brinker’s life was forever changed by her sister’s battle against breast cancer. Susan Goodman Komen died at the age of 36. Founded in her memory in 1982, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was born from a sister’s love and a solemn promise to do something to stop breast cancer from taking more lives. Within 2 years of Suzy’s death, it was Nancy who was battling breast cancer and now she is a survivor!
Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Returns After Pandemic Break
The Susan G. Komen More Than Pink walk has returned for its first in-person walk since the pandemic.
“Every single person here has a story. They have been touched by this disease,” said Vice President Kate Watt. “And we all stand united in one goal, which is to end breast cancer.”
In addition to commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the proceeds of the walk hope to help with the economic, medical, social and emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis.
“I do this walk for people who weren’t like me who don’t have insurance, so they can get mammograms,” said breast cancer survivor Estelle Freeman.
Freeman said because of her insurance coverage she was able to schedule regular mammograms which helped catch her breast cancer before it worsened.
“A mammogram is the best thing you can do to for hope and to save lives,” she added.
Thousands of people typically participate in the event, many of whom, like Freeman, are breast cancer survivors.
“We all know somebody that’s been affected by breast cancer,” said Crump. “I had it on both sides of my family, my sister but coming to an event like this where you are surrounded by the sisterhood of other breast cancer survivors of all different years, all different types of breast cancer. You can find somebody that has gone through the same journey that you have and just hug each other.”
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How Did Susan G Komen Get So Popular
In 1983, Brinker had the idea to capitalize on the jogging fad and hold a 5K race in Dallas as a fundraising event. The result was the first ever Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The idea ballooned from there, becoming a multi-city event within years. This level of marketing savvy was one of the reasons the foundation got so popular so quickly. The pageantry of the races, with survivors and supporters decked out in pink, carrying signs and cheering each other on along the way, became an iconic part of the breast cancer awareness movement.
Brinkers charity efforts were also buoyed by a rising tide of breast cancer awareness in the 1980s. First lady Betty Ford, wife of President Gerald Ford, prompted an increase in mammograms back in 1974 after she announced she had breast cancer. Brinker herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984.
Susan G. Komen continued to harness the momentum of breast cancer awareness into the 1990s, as the popularity of the ubiquitous pink ribbon also rose and more companies began creating breast cancer awareness tie-ins. By its 20th anniversary in 2002, the foundation had raised more than $400 million and amassed powerful corporate partners.
Since these events, the organization has struggled with wavering levels of public trust, even seeing a in recent years.
Legal Battles Over Trademarking
In 2007, the organization changed its name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and trademarked the running ribbon as part of its branding strategy. Komen has come under fire for legal action against other organizations using the phrase “for the cure” in their names. An August 2010 Wall Street Journal article detailed a case in which Komen told the organization Uniting Against Lung Cancer no longer to use the name “Kites for the Cure” for its annual fund-raising event. Komen also wrote to the organization to warn it “against any use of pink in conjunction with ‘cure.'” More than 100 small charities have received legal opposition from Komen for use of the words “for the cure” in their names. Among the offending organizations and events were “Par for the Cure”, “Surfing for a Cure”, “Cupcakes for a Cure” and “Mush for the Cure”.
Komen says that the organization protects its trademarks as a matter of financial stewardship to prevent confusion among donors others suggest that the trademark issue is more about dominating the pink ribbon market.
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Who Was Susan G Komen
Susan G. Komen was born Susan Goodman, and grew up in Peoria, Illinois. According to her sister, Nancy Goodman Brinker, she was well-liked a homecoming queen and caring older sister. When Komen was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33, she and her family went through all of the terror and uncertainty one does when faced with a life-threatening disease. Despite undergoing various treatment strategies, Komen died three years later.
It was Nancy Brinker who founded the organization in Komens honor. Brinker, who was married to restaurant magnate Norman Brinker until 2000, would go on to become the World Health Organizations Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009.
Early Detection And Optimal Treatment Improve Survival
With knowledge and support, the initial fear of diagnosis can be channeled into action, and action can lead to hope. If caught early when cancer cells are confined to the breast, breast cancer has a 5-year survival rate of over 95%and the number of long-term breast cancer survivors continues to grow. Mortality rates could decrease by 30% if all women age 50 and older who need a mammogram are screened.
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Take Your First Steps In The Race Against Breast Cancer
The Komen Foundation recommends the following steps:
- Annual screening mammography beginning at age 40 and continuing throughout your life.
- Clinical breast examination at least every 3 years beginning at age 20 and annually after age 40.
- Monthly breast self-examination beginning by age 20.
Women under age 40 with either a family history of breast cancer or other risk concerns should consult with a trained medical professional about when to begin mammography.
Relationship With Planned Parenthood
Beginning in 2007, Komen granted money to pay for 170,000 clinical breast exams and 6,400 mammogram referrals at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and affiliates. Komen had said its affiliates provide funds for screening, education and treatment programs in dozens of communities where Planned Parenthood is the only place poor, uninsured or under-insured women can receive these services.
On January 31, 2012, Komen stopped funding exams provided by Planned Parenthood, citing a congressional investigation by Representative Cliff Stearns and a newly created internal rule about not funding organizations under federal, state or local investigation. While conservative religious and anti-abortion groups applauded the move, it was denounced by several editorials, women’s health advocacy groups, and politicians.
In the 24 hours after the news broke, Planned Parenthood received more than $400,000 from 6,000 donors, followed by pledges of a $250,000 matching grant from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a $250,000 gift from a foundation run by the CEO of Bonanza Oil Co. in Dallas to replace the lost funding.
Karen Handel, the Brinker protégée whose opposition to abortion was at the center of the Planned Parenthood controversy, resigned and has published a book on the controversy titled Planned Bullyhood.
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