Children's Cancer Research Fund
Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1981 following the death of 13-year-old Katie Hageboeck from leukemia, the organization is dedicated to ending childhood cancer through research funding, family support programs, and education and awareness initiatives. The organization officially registered as a charitable nonprofit in February 1998.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$17.5M
+6.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.4M
-27.1% YoY
Grant Count
42
-40.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$152K
+23.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Children's Cancer Research Fund is a national nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood cancer. The organization supports the research of scientists across the country whose ideas can make the greatest impact for children fighting cancer, while also funding resources and programs that help kids and families navigate cancer treatment and survivorship.
Research Funding Priorities:
The organization focuses on three main areas:
Hard-to-Treat Diseases: Supporting researchers in developing safer, more effective treatment options for cancers with persistently low survival rates, including brain tumors, sarcomas, certain leukemias, rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatoblastoma.
Survivorship: Addressing the needs of children and families beyond initial treatment.
Reducing Health Disparities: Eliminating disparities in childhood cancer outcomes.
Grantmaking
CCRF offers four primary research grant programs:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
National (United States). The organization has funded over 190 researchers at 36 different research institutions across the country.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Fiscal Year 2024-2025:
- Total revenues: $18,903,896
- Total expenses: $17,912,585
- Total assets: $17,538,090
- Staff: 52 employees
Program Allocation:
In fiscal year 2024, 81 percent of donations went directly to program services (research, education and awareness, and quality-of-life programs for childhood cancer patients).
Historical Giving:
Since 1981, CCRF has contributed over $235 million to research, support programs for children and families, and awareness and education outreach.
Charity Rating:
The organization holds a Three-Star rating with an 84% score, reflecting strong performance in accountability, finance, impact measurement, leadership, and community engagement.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $17,538,090 | $16,414,111 | $18,165,627 |
| Revenue | $18,903,896 | $18,385,764 | $19,368,371 |
| Expenses | $17,912,585 | $18,303,331 | $18,631,466 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $865,489 | $324,486 | $247,617 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
174 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Children's Cancer Research Fund
COG Phase I & Pilot Consortium Research Grants
CHILDREN'S CANCER RESEARCH FUND
Amount
$20,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Emerging Scientist Awards
CHILDREN'S CANCER RESEARCH FUND
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Momcology Community Support Grant
CHILDREN'S CANCER RESEARCH FUND
Amount
$10,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Elizabeth Crippen Allen: Chief Executive Officer (hired in 2023)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEAN MACHART | COO THROUGH SEPTEMBER | 40 | $260,067 |
| ELIZABETH ALLEN | CEO | 40 | $244,491 |
| KENNA DOOLEY | CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER | 40 | $202,605 |
| ERSKINE BEVEL | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | 40 | $150,270 |
| RYAN DURRY | DIRECTOR, BRAND & COMMUNICATIONS | 40 | $121,289 |
| MARY MAIDEN MUELLER | ASSOC DIRECTOR, TECHNOLOGY/ANALYTICS | 40 | $118,458 |
| MICHELLE TUMA | SENIOR ACCOUNTING MANAGER | 40 | $113,881 |
| JOHN GOLDEN | CHAIRPERSON | 1 | — |
| ABBIE MILLER MD | VICE CHAIRPERSON | 1 | — |
| SUSAN DOHERTY | IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR | 1 | — |
| JEN WILSON | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| MEGHAN HARRIS | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| CHRIS ZUPFER | VICE CHAIR ELECT | 1 | — |
| ADAM CHOE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| HEIKE DRAKE-CAVALLETTI | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| BARB FARRELL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MEGAN GOODRICH | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MICHAEL HARRIS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MICHELLE JOHNSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MOLLY KINSELLA | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DAWN LAMM | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| GREG SOUKUP | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ASHLEY THRONSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHRIS TOPPIN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
CCRF announced $10.5 million in new grants to accelerate childhood cancer research
Clinical Trials for Hard-to-Treat Cancers Award - research: UGAThe organization continues to administer the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund, established in 2013 to designate funding specifically for osteosarcoma research at the University of Minnesota
The "Dawn of a Dream" fundraiser, held annually since 1981 to honor Katie Hageboeck, has raised over $22 million for the organization
The "Clouds Choir" annual event, established in December 2013, raises funds for the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Research Fund
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Similar funders by location and focus area
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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