There are a wide number of breast cancer foundations around that raise money for breast cancer research, providing free mammograms to underserved communities and maintaining public awareness campaigns. Well-established organizations, such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), offer a number of ways to get involved. From direct involvement in operations to making donations, anyone interested can find ways to help a breast cancer foundation.
Donate
Breast cancer foundations are nonprofit organizations that accept tax-deductible donations. They use the money to fund programs, pay staff and surgical bills, advertise and raise more money. The accounting practices of various breast cancer foundations are open to the public and available though sites such as the Charity Navigator. Some groups, like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, clearly show donors that nearly 91 percent of all donations go directly to funding research. Donations can be made directly through the groups' websites, in response to a marketing campaign or through individuals raising money for the group itself.
Shop
Vendors and retailers participate in raising money for breast cancer foundations by allocating a certain percentage of their sales to the cause. For example, partners of BCRF include Target, Coach and Hard Rock Cafes. They regularly hold sales and special promotions and participate in breast cancer awareness campaigns. Some organizations sell merchandise directly to patrons to raise funds. The Susan G. Komen foundation sells running gear, shirts, pink ribbons and a slew of other products through its online store.
Participate
Participate in an event to help a breast cancer foundation. In addition to the huge presence of the annual runs held all over the world by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, the BCRF hosts triathlons and other social events at which they raise money. Also, the National Breast Cancer Foundation provides consulting services to any group that wants to hold a fundraising event.
Volunteer
The home offices and local chapters of the various foundations are run with assistance from volunteers. While office managers and marketing specialists may be paid employees, the event planners, phone and event workers all serve in volunteer capacities. Each organization has a board of directors as well that is primarily made up of volunteers. The BCRF uses volunteer breast cancer survivors to tell their stories online and through other mediums in order to get the word out about the work of the organization and the need for early detection and additional research.
