About
CureSearch for Children's Cancer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 95-4132414), based in Bethesda, Maryland, that funds pediatric cancer research and supports patients and families. The organization has been a driving force behind childhood cancer research for more than 35 years, and it emphasizes research with a clear path to the clinic: its stated goal is to end childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research with measurable results in an accelerated time frame. CureSearch notes that 42 children are diagnosed with cancer each day, and it holds itself accountable to advancing treatments into clinical trials rather than to academic publication alone.
Mission
To end childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research with measurable results in an accelerated time frame.
What they do
- Young Investigator Awards, providing significant financial support to investigators early in their research careers
- Acceleration Initiative Awards, funding projects with a strong probability of clinical application that are ready to reach patients within three years
- Catapult Awards, funding Phase 1 or Phase 2 clinical trials that begin enrolling patients in less than a year
- The CureSearch Pediatric Early Development Symposium (PEDS), convening the pediatric oncology drug development community
- Patient and family resources, including a clinical trial finder and educational content on childhood cancer types
- Community fundraising and engagement events, including the Ultimate Hike and CureSearch Walk programs
History
CureSearch was originally known as the National Childhood Cancer Foundation, and for many years it acted as the fiscal agent for National Cancer Institute grants to members of the Children's Oncology Group. In 2012, CureSearch became a privately funded organization, allowing it to restructure its approach to childhood cancer research outside the government granting system.
Financials
Per its IRS Form 990 as published by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, CureSearch for Children's Cancer reported total revenue of 6,131,955 dollars, total functional expenses of 4,882,330 dollars, and total assets of 8,001,953 dollars for the fiscal year ending December 2023. The organization states that in 2023, 70 percent of its expenses were allocated to programs, primarily research grants across its three research funding arms. CureSearch holds a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, Platinum participant status on GuideStar, meets all 20 BBB Wise Giving Alliance accountability standards, and appeared on the GreatNonprofits 2023 Top Rated List.