The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research
The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research is a nonprofit philanthropic organization headquartered in New York City dedicated to accelerating cures for cancer through research funding and venture investments. Founded in 2015 and launched in 2017, the organization was established by Alex Knaster in memory of his father, Mark, who died of cancer in 2014. The foundation actively partners with scientists globally to support groundbreaking research that transforms the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$105.5M
+0.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$19.5M
-20.2% YoY
Grant Count
29
-19.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$672K
-0.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research supports cutting-edge, innovative scientific ideas that answer complex questions about cancer biology and lead to new and better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease. The organization pursues its mission by funding a global portfolio of groundbreaking research carried out by individual investigators, multi-investigator teams, and inter-institutional collaborations.
The foundation maintains a nimble, high-impact approach to funding research that encompasses:
- Basic and translational cancer research grants
- Clinical cancer research grants
- Venture philanthropy investments in early-stage companies that bridge the gap between bench and bedside
The foundation's grants reward innovative thinking that advances understanding of cancer biology and improves oncology treatment paradigms. Grant submissions undergo rigorous peer review by the foundation's scientific advisory committee or recommended subject matter experts and are held to the strictest standards of scientific excellence.
Grantmaking
The Mark Foundation offers multiple grant programs across cancer research:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Mark Foundation funds research globally, supporting scientists and research teams across the United States and internationally.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total revenues: $40,937,632
- Total expenses: $35,209,497
- Total assets: $104,492,388
- Employees: 11
Tax Status:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- EIN: 36-4825921
- IRS ruling year: 2016
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $105,459,714 | $104,492,388 | $110,652,350 |
| Revenue | $44,772,901 | $40,937,632 | $55,345,494 |
| Expenses | $36,066,750 | $35,209,497 | $38,014,606 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $409,872 | $1,030,138 | $363,707 |
| 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
137 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
12 open opportunities from The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research
ASPIRE Award
THE MARK FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
ASPIRE Awards
THE MARK FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Drug Discovery Award
THE MARK FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALEX KNASTER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ROSS LEVINE | DIRECTOR | 1 | $10,000 |
| NICOLA MENDEHLSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PAUL POSPISIL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| OTMAR D WIESTLER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| RAYMOND DUBOIS | EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD | 24 | $560,000 |
| RYAN SCHOENFELD | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | 40 | $506,697 |
| IAN LESSER | DIRECTOR FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION | 40 | $172,733 |
| ANNA TURETSKY TO 724 | PRINCIPAL, VENTURE INVESTMENTS | 40 | $327,122 |
| REBECCA BISH-CORNELISSEN | HEAD DISCOVERY/PRE-CLINICAL RESEARCH | 40 | $310,646 |
| AMY FEHIR | HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT | 40 | $215,995 |
| REBECCA LIU | DIRECTOR, GRANTS ADMINISTRATION | 40 | $197,094 |
| MICHAEL CARLETON | SENIOR SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR | 40 | $175,776 |
| ROBERT MAGIN | ASSOCIATE SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR | 40 | $169,179 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Mark Foundation announced in 2026 a global expansion initiative coupled with increased funding support for its programs. The organization announced $4 million in Drug Discovery Awards for 2026 and a $1 million funding boost for its flagship Emerging Leader Award program, reflecting the foundation's commitment to supporting the next generation of talented investigators and innovative research approaches.
The Mark Foundation for Cancer ResearchSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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