Damon Runyon identifies today’s most brilliant early career scientists and funds their innovative cancer research.
- Today’s Promising Areas of Cancer Research
- What is Cancer?
- A Broken Pipeline?
A Generation of Science at Risk
- ARISE Report
Early Career Scientists and High-Risk, High Reward Research - American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Why We’re Losing the War on Cancer (And How To Win It)
Clifton Leaf - Fortune Magazine

Why Support Cancer Research Funded by Damon Runyon?
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation funds early career cancer researchers who have the energy, drive and creativity to become leading innovators in their fields. We identify the best young scientists in the nation and support them through three award programs: our Fellowship, Clinical Investigator and Innovation Awards.
Damon Runyon awards give young scientists:
- Freedom to follow their own ideas, explore new paths and take risks
- A prestigious endorsement that attracts further funding, advances their careers and accelerates their research
- Guaranteed financial support, sparing them hours applying for grants
100% of Donations Fund Cancer Research
Every penny donated goes to our young scientists and supports their research. We pay our administrative and fundraising costs from our Damon Runyon Broadway Tickets service and our endowment.
Below, you will find our mission statement, history, introductions from our Executive Director and Board Chair, and more details on our financial efficiency.
We are fully accredited by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and have received an impressive 3 stars from Charity Navigator, indicating that Damon Runyon "exceeds or meets industry standards and performs as well as or better than most charities in its Cause." The Foundation is also a proud member of the GuideStar Exchange program.
The Mission of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation selects the most brilliant early career scientists and provides them with funding to pursue innovative cancer research. We support the rising stars of science, emerging leaders who have great potential to achieve breakthroughs in how we diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.
> See more about the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation’s purpose.
History of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
From a simple call over the radio that ignited a nation, to the host of sporting and Hollywood celebrities who were intrinsically involved in bringing its message to the world, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation’s extraordinary begginings are second only to its even more promising future.
> Learn more about one of America’s first cancer research foundations.
Financial Information
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation is a highly efficient and effective organization with low administrative and fundraising costs.
> See details on how Damon Runyon performs as a cancer research foundation.
Leadership
Damon Runyon Board of Directors
Meet the business leaders, scientists and other prominent citizens from all corners of the country who make up our Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation’s Board of Directors.
> See a list of Damon Runyon Board Members and a message from our Chairman.
Damon Runyon
Cancer Research Foundation Staff
Meet the people who work at the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation – and contact them if you’d like to know more about what they do.
> See a list of Damon Runyon staff and their contact information.



