The high-grade serous subtype of ovarian cancer accounts for the majority of cases and remains a significant public health challenge due to late-stage diagnosis. Scientific breakthroughs are necessary to improve early detection and develop more effective, personalized treatments. Public financial support is a powerful catalyst for this progress, providing resources for laboratory research, clinical trials, and the training of specialized oncologists. Donors who contribute funds directly empower researchers to accelerate the pace of discovery against this complex disease.
Identifying Reputable Research Organizations
Donors should first look for major national non-profits that have a primary mission of funding gynecologic cancer research. Organizations like the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) are prominent, often combining funding cutting-edge research with patient support and advocacy efforts. These large organizations typically award grants to academic researchers across many different institutions, covering areas such as early detection, new therapies, and understanding drug resistance.
Another option is to contribute directly to university-affiliated or academic medical centers with dedicated gynecologic oncology research labs. These centers are often where translational research occurs, moving discoveries from the bench to the bedside in clinical trials. Funding directed here can support specific faculty research projects or specialized fellowships for new cancer scientists.
Smaller, more specialized foundations may focus their efforts on a particular subtype of the disease, such as low-grade serous ovarian cancer, or a specific research area like immunotherapy. When evaluating any organization, a donor seeking maximum research impact should review the mission statement to ensure the organization prioritizes scientific funding over general awareness campaigns or support services. A research-first organization will clearly detail its grant mechanisms and the types of studies it supports.
Diverse Ways to Contribute Funds
The most straightforward method for giving is a direct monetary donation made either online or by mailing a check. For those employed, checking into a company’s workplace matching program is a simple way to double the value of a contribution, as many corporations match employee donations dollar-for-dollar. To check eligibility, employees can consult their human resources department or use online matching gift databases that partner with non-profits.
Beyond cash, non-cash asset transfers offer a tax-efficient way to donate, particularly appreciated securities like stocks or mutual funds held for over a year. By transferring the shares directly to the charity, the donor avoids paying capital gains tax on the appreciation while still deducting the full fair market value of the asset. The process involves instructing a brokerage firm to transfer the shares via a DTC number to the charity’s account.
Planned giving represents another mechanism for substantial future impact through bequests in a will or trust. A donor can designate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of their estate to a research organization, ensuring a lasting legacy. Consulting with a financial or legal advisor is recommended to draft the precise language for bequests and trusts to ensure the gift is legally sound and aligns with the donor’s financial goals.
Ensuring Your Donation Supports Research
Due diligence involves using third-party charity evaluators like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to assess an organization’s financial health and transparency. Donors should look specifically at the Program Expense Ratio, which indicates the percentage of total expenses dedicated to the mission, such as funding research grants. Efficient charities often dedicate 65% to 75% or more of their budget to program services rather than administrative overhead or fundraising.
Reviewing an organization’s publicly available Form 990, the annual tax return for non-profits, can confirm this ratio and provide details on how program funds are allocated. For a donor who wants assurance that their money is funding science, the most direct action is to restrict the gift. This is achieved by explicitly writing a designation such as “For Research Only” on the check’s memo line or the online donation form’s comment section.
A large, multi-faceted non-profit is legally required to honor a written restriction, ensuring the funds are segregated and used only for the purpose specified by the donor. Donors can also review the organization’s research portfolio or a list of recently awarded grants, which are often published on their website, to confirm a consistent focus on scientific discovery. This process ensures the donor’s intent aligns with the organization’s actual impact.