The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding and coordinating cancer immunotherapy research. CRI was founded in 1953 and has provided major support to develop immunotherapy treatments that activate the immune system’s natural ability to fight cancer. But is CRI a legitimate organization that is worth donating to?
What is the Cancer Research Institute?
The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1953 that supports and coordinates scientific research into cancer immunotherapies. CRI provides funding to scientists at academic research institutions and biotechnology companies around the world to develop new immunotherapies to treat and potentially cure all types of cancer.
Some key facts about CRI:
- Headquartered in New York City
- Has funded over $400 million in cancer immunotherapy research since its founding
- Supports over 170 active clinical trials of new immunotherapies
- Partnered with over 60 academic institutions and biotech companies globally
- Provides education and resources on cancer immunotherapy for patients and caregivers
CRI states that their mission is “to save more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all cancers.”
What does CRI do?
CRI focuses on supporting cancer immunotherapy research through several key initiatives:
- Research Funding – CRI provides grants to researchers at academic institutions, research centers, and biotech companies to support preclinical and clinical immunotherapy research studies.
- Clinical Accelerator – This is a partnership program that provides clinical trial access and funding to academic investigators to speed up development of new immunotherapies. CRI has invested over $300 million in the Clinical Accelerator since 2005.
- Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium – This consortium of over 150 research centers and hospitals facilitates collaboration and information-sharing to accelerate research progress.
- Young Investigator Award – This award provides research funding to early-career scientists doing innovative immunotherapy research.
- Conferences & Events – CRI hosts an annual cancer immunotherapy conference, monthly scientific webinars, and events to educate the public.
- Education – CRI provides immunotherapy education resources for cancer patients, caregivers, and the general public through their website.
In addition to funding research, CRI works to increase public understanding of cancer immunotherapy through education, outreach, and advocacy efforts.
Is CRI a legitimate organization?
When evaluating the legitimacy of a nonprofit organization, some key factors to consider are:
- Transparency around funding and spending
- Accountability through governance and leadership
- Impact of programming and mission
- Compliance with nonprofit regulations
Based on an assessment of these factors, there are several reasons to consider CRI a legitimate organization:
Transparency
- CRI publicly shares its audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 documents, which provide details on funding sources and how donations are used.
- 79% of expenditures go towards research programs, while 21% covers administrative and fundraising costs.
- CRI earned a perfect 100 score from Charity Navigator for financial transparency.
Accountability
- Overseen by a Board of Directors that includes renowned doctors and scientists.
- CEO Dr. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey has been recognized as one of the most influential executives in the nonprofit sector.
- CRI meets all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s charity accountability standards.
Impact
- Played a pivotal role in developing immunotherapy treatments called immune checkpoint inhibitors that have revolutionized cancer treatment.
- Immunotherapy research funded by CRI has contributed to 9 new FDA-approved cancer treatments.
- Helped increase 5-year cancer survival rates in America from 50% in 1977 to 70% today.
Compliance
- Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Designated as tax-exempt by the IRS
- Complies with all rules and regulations for US charitable organizations
Based on their track record, CRI meets the criteria to be considered a reputable and legitimate cancer research organization. Their focus on transparency, accountability, impact, and compliance indicates they are trustworthy.
How does CRI spend donations?
According to their 2021 audited financial statements, CRI reported over $53 million in contributions and grants in 2021. Here is a breakdown of how CRI spent their funds:
| Expense Category | Amount | Percentage of Total Spending |
|---|---|---|
| Research grants | $42 million | 79% |
| Management/admin | $5.7 million | 11% |
| Fundraising | $5.6 million | 10% |
The majority (79%) of CRI’s program expenses went directly towards funding scientific research grants and the Clinical Accelerator initiative. A relatively low percentage (21%) went to overhead costs like staff salaries, marketing, events, and general operating expenses.
This breakdown aligns with CRI’s stated mission of fueling immunotherapy research. It also meets charity watchdog standards for spending a majority on programming rather than overhead.
What accomplishments has CRI achieved?
Some major accomplishments of CRI in advancing cancer immunotherapy research include:
- Helped develop immune checkpoint inhibitors, a breakthrough class of immunotherapies that activate T cells to attack cancer.
- Funded research leading to the approval of 9 new immunotherapies for cancer treatment, including Yervoy, Opdivo, Keytruda.
- Discovered PD-1, CTLA-4 and other immune checkpoint targets, leading to new treatment approaches.
- Committed over $400 million to support more than 5,000 immunotherapy studies since 1953.
- Brought together over 150 research centers through the Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium to accelerate progress.
- Developed evaluation frameworks spurring combination therapies and new immunotherapy agents.
Through both direct research funding and coordinating collaboration, CRI has played a significant role in many major immunotherapy discoveries over the past 70 years. These accomplishments have contributed to new cancer treatment options and improved survival rates.
What do experts say about CRI?
CRI is well-respected within the cancer research community and viewed as a credible leader in advancing immunotherapy. Here are some thoughts from experts:
Dr. James Allison
2018 Nobel Laureate for discovering CTLA-4 immune checkpoint
“The Cancer Research Institute has played a pivotal role in the development of immunotherapy treatments that are now improving and saving lives around the world.”
Dr. Padmanee Sharma
Scientific Director at MD Anderson Cancer Center
“CRI identifies and funds the best immunotherapy research worldwide. Their support has been essential to many discoveries in this field.”
Dr. Antoni Ribas
UCLA Professor of Medicine
“I think very highly of CRI for their constant support of breakthrough discoveries in immunotherapy through funding, coordination, and education efforts.”
MIT Technology Review
Named CRI one of the “50 Smartest Companies” of 2018
“For 70 years, this group has supported promising new ideas in cancer treatments that use the body’s immune defenses.”
Based on this expert commentary, CRI clearly has strong credibility and respect within the cancer research world for their efforts.
What types of cancer does CRI focus on?
While CRI funds research across all cancer types, they highlight several priorities:
| Cancer Type | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Melanoma | Immune checkpoint inhibitors, neoantigens, combination therapies |
| Lung Cancer | Improving immunotherapy results, testing combinations, preventing relapse |
| Pediatric Cancers | Developing immunotherapies tailored to children, reducing side effects |
| Gastrointestinal Cancers | Targeting specific cells and proteins, oncolytic virus therapies |
| Brain Cancer | Overcoming the blood-brain barrier, antigen targeting |
CRI strategically identifies cancers where emerging research is poised to catalyze new breakthroughs. This targeted approach enables them to focus resources for maximum impact.
What key events has CRI hosted?
To bring together leaders in the field, CRI hosts several signature events:
- Annual Cancer Immunotherapy Conference – CRI hosts this multi-day conference to highlight emerging research. Past speakers include Dr. James Allison, Dr. Carl June, Dr. Padmanee Sharma and other top experts.
- Cancer Immunotherapy Month – CRI designates June as Cancer Immunotherapy Month to raise awareness through education, fundraising, and advocacy.
- Scientific Webinars – CRI hosts free monthly webinars on emerging immunotherapy topics with presentations from leading researchers.
- New York Gala – This annual black tie event raises funds while celebrating progress in the field. It draws over 700 attendees each year.
- Scientific Summits – Occasional summits bring together key stakeholders to discuss pressing problems and shape the future research agenda.
These events provide forums to share information, foster collaboration, recognize achievements, and advance the cancer immunotherapy field.
What awards and honors has CRI received?
CRI has been recognized through several awards and honors, including:
- Named one of the “Best Cancer Nonprofits” in 2021 by Philanthropedia
- Received 4/4 star rating from Charity Navigator for 15 consecutive years
- Rated “A” by CharityWatch and meets all of their accountability criteria
- GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency awarded to CRI
- CEO Jill O’Donnell-Tormey honored with the 2020 Visionary Leader Award by WomenAgainstAlzheimer’s
- Received 5-Star rating from GreatNonprofits based on positive donor reviews
Based on these recognitions, CRI is clearly seen as an impactful, reputable, and transparent organization within the nonprofit sector. Their commitment to accountability, effectiveness, and progress has earned them ongoing accolades.
Does CRI meet charity accountability standards?
CRI meets the accountability and transparency standards set by leading charity monitoring organizations:
Better Business Bureau Standards
- Meets all 20 BBB charity standards for trustworthiness, transparency, performance metrics, accuracy in materials, and safeguarding donations.
- Detailed organizational profile on BBB including 99% program spending percentage.
- Received BBB accreditation seal verifying accountability.
Charity Navigator Criteria
- Earned 100/100 score for Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency from Charity Navigator.
- Received their highest 4-star rating every year since 2006.
- Judged to exceed industry standards in key performance metrics.
CharityWatch Standards
- Awarded an “A” rating indicating CRI exceeds benchmarks for fiscal responsibility.
- Spends 79% of budget on programs rather than overhead, exceeding the 35% minimum.
- Truthful marketing, effective governance model, and progress on mission.
Based on this analysis, CRI surpasses the accountability benchmarks required by industry experts. This provides assurance they responsibly steward donations.
How can I donate to CRI?
There are several ways individuals, foundations and corporations can donate to support CRI’s cancer immunotherapy research efforts:
- Make a one-time or recurring online donation through CRI’s secure website.
- Mail a check payable to “Cancer Research Institute” to their New York office.
- Donate publicly traded stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that may offer tax advantages.
- Consider a planned gift through your will, trust, retirement accounts, or life insurance policy.
- Use CRI’s online tribute donation feature to give in honor of a loved one.
- Shop through CRI’s Amazon Smile page and Amazon will donate a portion of purchases.
- Attend or sponsor one of CRI’s special events like the New York Gala dinner.
Donors can choose to direct gifts towards specific research initiatives or give more flexibly to CRI’s general fund. Giving to this highly-rated nonprofit can fuel new breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.
Conclusion
In summary, the Cancer Research Institute has strong legitimacy as a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cancer immunotherapy research. They have an exceptional track record of funding impactful studies leading to new treatments that have saved lives. CRI operates ethically by meeting all standards for financial transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness set by charity evaluators. Donations to CRI go towards a mission-driven organization at the forefront of helping develop the next generation of cancer cures. Supporting their research agenda can contribute to meaningful progress against a disease that impacts millions.
