Melanoma Research Alliance Foundation
The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) is the world's largest private nonprofit funder of melanoma research. Founded in 2007, the organization is based in Washington, DC and operates as a 501(c)(3) public charity. MRA funds scientific research aimed at preventing, detecting, and treating melanoma while supporting patients and families affected by the disease.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$25.2M
+2.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$11.9M
+93.1% YoY
Grant Count
29
+11.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$411K
+73.1% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To end suffering and death due to melanoma by collaborating with all stakeholders to accelerate powerful research, advance cures for all patients, and prevent more melanomas.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Melanoma research funding through peer-reviewed grant programs
- Prevention and sun safety education
- Early detection and screening awareness
- Patient and family support resources
- Scientific agenda development through convening world-class, cross-disciplinary experts
MRA's research support encompasses investigations into causes, cures, prevention, early detection, treatment, metastasis, and survivorship related to melanoma.
Grantmaking
MRA has directly invested over $175 million toward scientific discoveries and research grants since inception. The organization supports research at domestic and foreign universities, medical schools, and nonprofit medical research organizations.
Ready to take the next step with Melanoma Research Alliance Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
MRA funds melanoma research worldwide, supporting both domestic and international research institutions.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2024 Financial Data:
- Total revenues: $16,482,705
- Total expenses: $17,446,662
- Total assets: $25,192,749
- Staff: 16 employees
Program Allocation:
- 92% Program Spend
- 4% Management Spend
- 4% Fundraising Spend
Funding Model: 100% of all donations are invested directly in melanoma research and patient engagement programs. Operating and administrative expenses are covered by the founders, ensuring donor contributions go entirely to research.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $25,192,749 | $24,538,655 | $27,333,346 |
| Revenue | $16,482,705 | $9,291,698 | $11,614,639 |
| Expenses | $17,446,662 | $10,316,517 | $15,668,313 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $875,240 | $905,624 | $320,977 |
| 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
124 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
7 open opportunities from Melanoma Research Alliance Foundation
Melanoma Research Alliance: Exchange Patient Forum Scholarship Grant
MELANOMA RESEARCH ALLIANCE FOUNDATION
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Melanoma Research Alliance: Pilot Awards Grant
MELANOMA RESEARCH ALLIANCE FOUNDATION
Amount
Up to US $100,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Melanoma Research Alliance: Special Opportunity Team Science Awards Grant
MELANOMA RESEARCH ALLIANCE FOUNDATION
Amount
Up to US $900,000
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
- Marc Hurlbert - CEO
- Stephanie Kauffman - President and COO
- Founders: Debra and Leon Black
The founders generously underwrite 100% of MRA's operating and administrative expenses, ensuring maximum dollars are directed to research.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MICHAEL KLOWDEN | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| DEBRA BLACK | CHAIR/CO-FOUNDER | 10 | — |
| EVAN BAYH | DIRECTOR/SECRETARY | 0.5 | — |
| LEON BLACK | DIRECTOR/CO-FOUNDER | 0.3 | — |
| LEE ALPERT | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| MARIA BELL | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| BEN BLACK | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| BARRY COHEN | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| ELLEN DAVIS | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| AMANDA EILIAN | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| JASON FEDERICI | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| JAMIE GERTZ | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| DAISY HELMAN | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| SUSAN HESS | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| DENISE KELLEN | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| NANCY MARKS | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| MICHAEL MILKEN | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| RICHARD RESSLER | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| MARY JO ROGERS | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| JEFFREY ROWBOTTOM | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| IAN SCHUMAN | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| JONATHAN SIMONS | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| JONATHAN SOKOLOFF | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| ELIZABETH STANTON | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| SUZANNE TOPALIAN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ERIC WEDEL | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| JOHN HUNTER | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| MARC HURLBERT | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | 50 | $378,565 |
| STEPHANIE KAUFFMAN | PRESIDENT & COO | 50 | $319,388 |
| JOAN LEVY | CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER | 40 | $243,113 |
| TANISHA JACKSON | SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM DIRECTO | 40 | $104,074 |
| JANINE RAUSCHER | DIR. OF DEVELOPMENT OPERAT | 40 | $108,300 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
MRA has announced multiple significant research investments in recent periods, including $12.6 million and $9.3 million commitments to cutting-edge melanoma research initiatives.
Fueling Breakthroughs: The Melanoma Research Alliance Announces $9.3M Melanoma**Research Impact:** MRA-funded researchers have been instrumental in major melanoma breakthroughs, with 17 new therapeutic treatments for melanoma earning FDA approval since the organization's inception.
Fueling Breakthroughs: The Melanoma Research Alliance Announces $9.3M MelanomaSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Demand Justice Initiative
WASHINGTON, DC
Assets
$7.6M
Grants
1
Total Given
$225K
American Academic Leadership Institute
WASHINGTON, DC
Assets
$3.6M
Grants
2
Total Given
$50K
Cnfa
WASHINGTON, DC
Assets
$18.3M
Grants
9
Total Given
$4.2M
Partnership for a Healthier America
WASHINGTON, DC
Assets
$10.8M
Grants
12
Total Given
$350K
Association of Schools of Allied Health
WASHINGTON, DC
Assets
$2.3M
Grants
2
Total Given
$60K
Fulcrum Foundation Inc
WASHINGTON, DC
Assets
$53K
Grants
10
Total Given
$13K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Melanoma Research Alliance Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities