Susan G Komen Financial Overview
Susan G Komen for the Cure is one of the largest breast cancer nonprofits in the United States, with annual revenue exceeding $500 million in recent years. The organization raises funds through races, donations, and corporate partnerships to support breast cancer research and community health programs. Its financial disclosures show a mix of program spending, fundraising costs, and administrative expenses that determine the share of each dollar going to research. The most recent IRS Form 990 filings and annual reports provide the clearest picture of where the money goes each fiscal year. Forbes explains how to read nonprofit financials.
The organization’s total expenses are divided into program services, management and general, and fundraising. Program services include both research grants and community health initiatives such as screening, treatment support, and education. Understanding the exact percentage of donations directed to research requires separating research grants from other program spending in the financial statements. The IRS Form 990 is the primary public document for nonprofit financials.
Research Spending Breakdown
In recent filings, Susan G Komen allocated roughly 20 to 25 percent of its total expenses to breast cancer research grants, with the remainder directed to community health programs, awareness campaigns, and fundraising. The exact percentage varies slightly year to year depending on the size of the research portfolio and the scale of community outreach efforts. Research grants are awarded to universities, hospitals, and laboratories working on early detection, treatment, and metastasis studies. Susan G Komen research page lists current grants.
Compared with other major cancer charities, Susan G Komen’s research spending falls in the middle range, with some organizations directing a higher share of total spending to direct research while others emphasize patient services and advocacy. The organization’s research budget supports both peer-reviewed lab projects and large-scale clinical initiatives. Charity Navigator rates nonprofit research spending efficiency.
Where the Rest of Donations Go
The remaining portion of donations supports community health programs, including mammography screenings, patient navigation, treatment assistance, and educational outreach in underserved areas. Fundraising and marketing costs, including event production and donor acquisition, also consume a notable share of the budget. Administrative expenses cover salaries, technology, and office operations required to run the national and local affiliate network. BBB Wise Giving Alliance evaluates nonprofit spending transparency.
Local affiliates receive a portion of national donations, and their spending priorities can differ from the national research agenda, with some focusing more on direct patient services than laboratory research. Donors concerned about the exact percentage reaching research can review the latest annual report and Form 990 on the organization’s website. The financial data is updated annually and reflects both the national organization and its network of affiliates.