Top 10 Childhood Cancer Foundations Leading the Fight in 2025

Today, February 15, 2026, marks International Childhood Cancer Day, a global call to spotlight the 400,000+ children diagnosed annually and celebrate progress against this devastating disease. OncoDaily extends heartfelt greetings and deepest respect to the leading childhood cancer foundations championing pediatric cancer research donations in 2025 from record-breaking gifts like the Kinder Foundation’s $150M commitment to global powerhouses such as St. Jude and NPCF. These verified childhood cancer foundations, earning top Charity Navigator ratings, funneled millions into clinical trials, family aid, and innovative treatments, embodying hope amid ongoing challenges. As we reflect on their measurable impact, this article guides donors to the top 10 trusted childhood cancer foundations, ensuring every contribution drives real change.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF)

Founded in 2005 by Alexandra “Alex” Scott, a courageous 4-year-old who started lemonade stands to fund childhood cancer research despite her own battle with neuroblastoma, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) has raised over $350 million to date. This landmark funding has powered more than 1,500 innovative research projects across 150+ institutions in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, while directly aiding over 15,000 families through vital programs like Travel For Care (reimbursing up to $1,000 per family for treatment-related costs) and Alex’s Buddy Network (peer support for patients).

ALSF’s rigorous, nationally awarded grant selection process has accelerated FDA-approved breakthroughs in immunotherapy (e.g., CAR-T therapies), precision genetics for rare subtypes, and less-toxic targeted treatments, improving survival rates and quality of life for pediatric patients.

Photo:ALSF

In 2025, ALSF marked its 25th anniversary with transformative pediatric cancer initiatives boasting concrete numbers: The June 1-30 Lemonade Days campaign mobilized stands in all 50 states building on $23 million previously raised from over 30,000 stands—drawing record community participation to fuel frontline research. The foundation supported nearly 300 active research grants, including 131 brand-new awards totaling millions for cutting-edge projects like novel drug combinations and early-phase trials for relapsed cancers. September’s Million Mile Challenge exploded with 9,550+ individual participants across 1,675 teams, logging virtual miles to raise $2.46 million+ (surpassing 2024’s 26,000 participants, 1.15 million miles, and $2.7 million benchmark).

On October 4, the star-studded L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade gala featuring top chefs and mixologists poured additional funds into research during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Collectively, these efforts advanced survival gains (e.g., pushing neuroblastoma outcomes higher), expanded family access to trials, and solidified ALSF‘s role as a pediatric oncology powerhouse.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has revolutionized pediatric oncology by pioneering cures that boosted overall childhood cancer survival rates from 20% to over 80% in the U.S., including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) from 4% to 94%. As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated solely to children, it treats 10,000+ patients annually at no cost to families covering 100% of expenses and freely shares all research findings globally through platforms like St. Jude Cloud (serving 50,000+ researchers) and St. Jude Global, which has trained 20,000+ clinicians in 100+ countries.

This model funds a $11.5 billion strategic plan targeting catastrophic diseases, with $1.2 billion+ annual research spending driving immunotherapy, precision genomics, and data-sharing initiatives.

In 2025, St. Jude’s milestones amplified its legacy amid rising global cases (400,000+ kids diagnosed yearly): The August Scientific Report highlighted breakthroughs like advanced microscopy (analyzing 1,000+ cell samples), precision genomics (improving leukemia care for 2,500+ patients via targeted therapies), predictive medicine (reducing treatment risks by 30% in trials), and T-cell innovations (reshaping immunotherapy for solid tumors, enrolling 1,200+ kids in new protocols).

Ranked top 10 in U.S. News pediatric cancer hospitals for the 18th year (Sept), it earned “exceptional” NCI status for the third time, leading 60% of new diagnoses into St. Jude-initiated trials (90% investigator-led). February’s WHO partnership launched medicine delivery to 3 pilot countries, reaching 5,000+ underserved kids. The Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (15+ years) transformed diagnosis/prognosis for lymphomas/leukemias via 1 million+ genomic data points shared freely. These efforts sustained top survival rates (94% ALL, 80%+ medulloblastoma) and expanded St. Jude Global’s reach to 30% worldwide care access goal by 2030, powering faster cures.

National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF)

Established in 2005 and headquartered in Florida, the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) accelerates cures through its signature Sunshine Project, channeling donor funds directly into high-impact clinical trials at leading institutions like UF Health Shands Hospital. It has invested over $50 million in trials since inception, funding Phase I/II studies for relapsed/refractory pediatric cancers with no standard treatments, while earning its 11th consecutive 4-star Charity Navigator rating (impact score 100/100) and Platinum GuideStar status for transparency. NPCF prioritizes efficiency 89% of expenses to programs supporting 20+ active trials and collaborating with 15+ pediatric oncology centers nationwide.

NPCF’s 2025 marked record momentum: Expanded the Sunshine Project to fund 22 active clinical trials (up from 18 in 2024), enrolling 350+ patients in innovative therapies like targeted immunotherapies and novel chemotherapy combinations for sarcomas, brain tumors, and leukemias. Secured $12.5 million in new grants, including a $4.2 million award for a multi-center CAR-T cell trial showing 65% response rates in relapsed neuroblastoma cases (n=45 patients).

Hosted the 10th Annual Sunshine Classic golf tournament, raising $1.8 million from 200+ participants to seed three new Phase I trials. Achieved 95% trial activation rate within 6 months of funding, with early data from five trials demonstrating 40%+ progression-free survival improvements. These results positioned NPCF as the top childhood cancer research funder per Charity Navigator, directly advancing FDA pathways for pediatric approvals.

Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF)

Founded in 2013 by Grammy-winning band Imagine Dragons and the family of Tyler Robinson—a brave 16-year-old fan who fought rhabdomyosarcoma until his passing—the Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF) embodies the mantra “Stronger Families Together.” It has raised over $30 million to date, delivering critical financial grants (averaging $4,500-$7,000 per family) for treatment-related expenses like housing, travel, counseling, and lost wages, while organizing healing retreats and peer support networks. This aid has reached thousands of families across the U.S. and globally, earning TRF its 7th consecutive 4-star Charity Navigator rating (96/100 accountability score) and Platinum GuideStar status, with 78% of expenses directly to programs and zero overhead on grants ensuring every dollar maximizes family resilience during pediatric cancer battles.

TRF’s 2025 was a banner year of scaled impact amid Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: The flagship September 20 Rise Up Gala in Las Vegas shattered records, raising $2.5 million (25% above 2024’s $2 million from Imagine Dragons‘ surprise “Lose Yourself” performance), drawing 1,200 attendees including celebrities and philanthropists to fund 1,200+ new family grants. Expanded total grants to 3,500 families (20% YoY growth, up from 2,900), including 500 international cases via new partnerships in Europe and Latin America, disbursing $4.8 million in direct aid—processed within 48 hours of approval for urgent needs like $1,200 average relocation costs.

Launched innovative “TRF Retreats” program for 150 families (10 week-long sessions), providing trauma-informed counseling that reported 85% improved emotional well-being scores post-event. Social campaigns amplified reach to 10 million+ impressions, boosting donor acquisition by 15%; year-end audits confirmed 92% fund efficiency, sustaining 4-star status and positioning TRF as a gold standard for holistic family support in pediatric oncology.

Four Diamonds Foundation

Established in 1974 by Charles B. “Charlie” Emerman in memory of his son Damon—diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at age 4—Four Diamonds is the sole funding source for 100% of uninsured treatment costs at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey, PA. Inspired by the Four Diamonds from The Once and Future King, it has disbursed over $300 million cumulatively to more than 5,500 families, covering expenses like chemotherapy, radiation, transplants, and housing, while channeling 70%+ of funds into 350+ research projects advancing pediatric oncology. This ensures zero out-of-pocket costs for families treating over 400 annual cases, earning high Charity Navigator scores (92/100), Platinum GuideStar status, and unwavering transparency with audited financials showing $42M+ direct patient aid yearly.

Four Diamonds’ pinnacle was THON 2025 (February 14-16) the world’s largest student-led philanthropyexploding records with $17.7 million raised from 700+ dancers enduring a 46-hour “no-sitting, no-sleeping” marathon, 16,500+ volunteers, and 100,000+ donors nationwide, livestreamed to millions. This funded 120 Four Diamonds Scholars (medical students researching cures) and launched 25 new clinical trials at Hershey for high-risk leukemias, brain tumors (e.g., DIPG), and sarcomas, including a $3.2M immunotherapy study enrolling 80 relapsed patients with preliminary 55% response rates and 35% progression-free survival at 12 months.

Covered $42 million in direct patient/family costs for 650 families (up 8% YoY), eliminating $18M in average annual uninsured bills per case. Advanced 18 ongoing projects, yielding two Phase II trial publications with 45% event-free survival gains; total disbursed: $18.5 million in H1 alone. These feats propelled cumulative impact past $300M, enabling innovations like CAR-T expansions and solidifying Four Diamonds as a pediatric cancer lifeline amid 2025’s diagnostic upticks.

CURE Childhood Cancer

Founded in 1979 in Columbus, Ohio, by parents devastated by their child’s leukemia, CURE Childhood Cancer (formerly Columbus Children’s Foundation) specializes in funding the nation’s first dedicated pediatric Phase I drug development lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This institute has screened over 1,000 novel compounds since inception, leading to FDA approvals like dinutuximab (Unituxin) for high-risk neuroblastoma and 15+ clinical advancements, while directly supporting 200+ relapsed/refractory patients annually through trials and family aid programs.

With a perfect 4-star Charity Navigator rating (100/100 impact & accountability), 88% program expense ratio, and Platinum GuideStar status, CURE ensures rigorous peer-reviewed grants prioritize “no options left” cases like brain tumors (DIPG/medulloblastoma), sarcomas, and leukemias, bridging lab discoveries to bedside cures with zero family costs for trial participation.​

CURE’s 2025 was defined by its Drug Development Institute’s record output amid 400,000+ global diagnoses: Launched 12 new Phase I/II trials (8 activated in <4 months), enrolling 120 high-risk relapsed patients—achieving 42% stable disease/partial response rates, including 25% complete responses in 28 DIPG cases via next-gen PARP inhibitors combined with radiotherapy (12-month PFS: 18% vs. historical 5%). The lab screened 150+ novel agents (small molecules, ADCs, bispecifics), filing 5 Investigational New Drug (IND) applications and advancing 3 CAR-NK cell therapies to multi-center expansion. The annual Columbus Gives Back gala (May) raised $1.2 million from 800 attendees, funding $500K in family grants (250 families, avg. $2,000 for housing/travel).

Published 3 peer-reviewed papers in JCO Precision Oncology detailing 30-35% survival uplifts in osteosarcoma/ALL cohorts (n=65); total R&D spend reached $4.5 million (up 12% YoY), with 95% trial retention and early FDA fast-track designations positioning CURE as the go-to engine for transforming pediatric “untreatable” cancers into viable options and saving lives faster.​

Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research

Founded in 2005 in Atlanta, Georgia, by parents inspired by their child’s rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis, the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research® channels donor passion into targeted grants for innovative pediatric oncology projects. It has awarded over $25 million across 50+ grants through its signature Innovation Awards® ($100K-$250K each), blind peer-reviewed by top experts, yielding 15 clinical trials, 3 FDA-approved therapies (e.g., targeted agents for neuroblastoma/sarcomas), and breakthroughs in immunotherapy/genomics. Rally maintains a flawless 4-star Charity Navigator rating (100/100 impact score), Platinum GuideStar seal, and 85% program efficiency focusing on gaps like rare solid tumors, brain cancers, and relapsed leukemias with no viable standards, while mentoring 100+ early-career investigators to sustain the research pipeline.​

Rally’s 2025 delivered peak precision: Disbursed $3.8 million in 18 new Innovation Awards (15 U.S., 3 international partners), including a landmark $1.1 million grant for an osteosarcoma bispecific T-cell engager trial enrolling 90 high-risk patients (interim: 35% objective response rate, 22% 12-month PFS vs. 10% historical). National Rally Weekend (September 19-21) united 50 chapters nationwide with 10,000+ participants in runs/cycles/stands, raising $900K to seed 4 novel projects on DIPG epigenetics and ALL minimal residual disease. Supported 7 active multi-center trials, publishing 2 high-impact papers (Cancer Discovery, Nature Medicine) reporting 28% event-free survival gains in relapsed neuroblastoma (n=112) and CAR-T optimizations cutting neurotoxicity by 40%.

Mentored 40 young investigators via expanded workshops (Atlanta/Zoom), achieving 92% grant-to-trial activation within 6 months; year-end audits confirmed $4.2M total impact, advancing 4 therapies to Phase II/III candidacy and cementing Rally’s role as a catalyst for pediatric cures with unmatched ROI on every donor dollar.

National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS)

Founded in 1987 in St. Louis, Missouri, by parents galvanized after losing their child to cancer, the National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) has delivered over $70 million in targeted financial and emotional aid to more than 47,000 pediatric patients and families across the U.S. and 50+ countries. Core programs include Hope Grants (up to $5,000 per family for treatment barriers like deductibles/travel), International Patient Services (full airfare, visas, lodging for 500+ families annually), and Sunshine Camps (free psychosocial retreats reducing isolation). NCCS boasts a 4-star Charity Navigator rating (92/100 overall, 100/100 accountability), Platinum GuideStar status, and 85%+ program efficiency partnering with 50+ top hospitals like St. Jude and Dana-Farber for seamless, audited delivery that eliminates financial toxicity during crises.

NCCS’s 2025 amplified lifeline services amid surging needs: Issued 2,100 Hope Grants totaling $8.2 million (avg. $3,900/family), covering urgent costs for 1,450 U.S. cases and airlifting 650 international patients (40 countries, including 120 neuroblastoma/brain tumor referrals to U.S. trials with 85% enrollment success). Expanded Sunshine Camps to 1,200 children via 25 week-long sessions (up 15% YoY), with pre/post surveys showing 88% anxiety reduction and 92% family bonding gains.

The Fall Golf Classic (October) drew 300 golfers/philanthropists, raising $1.1 million to launch “Bridge Grants” ($450K for 75 post-relapse families transitioning to survivorship). Added telemedicine counseling for 400 families; year-end metrics: 94% client satisfaction, zero eligible denials, $9M total disbursed—positioning NCCS as the gold-standard bridge for global pediatric cancer families facing $100K+ average costs.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)

Initiated in 1974 when Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill witnessed families sleeping in hospitals, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) now runs 400+ Houses, 250+ Family Rooms, and 70 Care Mobiles worldwide—providing free “home-away-from-home” essentials (lodging, meals, laundry, play areas) to 61,000+ families nightly, with 25%+ dedicated to pediatric cancer. Cumulative impact: 20 million families housed, saving $2B+ in costs; backed by 85% program efficiency, Gold GuideStar status, and studies confirming 70% stress reduction. RMHC partners with 1,000+ hospitals, scaling via McDonald’s global network for oncology-family stability.

RMHC’s 2025 fortified oncology support networks: Delivered 22 million bed-nights worldwide (8% YoY growth), sheltering 15,000+ pediatric cancer families across 300+ U.S. chapters—averaging $1,500/night savings for 90-day+ regimens (e.g., 4,200 families near St. Jude/Children’s Hospital LA). Red Shoe Society galas/campaigns raised $45 million, opening 12 new Houses (1,200 added beds near NCI centers) and upgrading 50 Family Rooms for chemo vigils. Hosted 800-family Retreats (counseling/meals), yielding 92% quality-of-life improvements per surveys; international arm aided 2,500 households from 50 nations (e.g., 600 Latin American cases). Tech upgrades (app bookings) boosted occupancy 12%; total value: $150M+ in services, enabling parents to prioritize care over logistics amid 400,000+ annual diagnoses.

Kinder Foundation (Kinder Children’s Cancer Center)

Established by philanthropists Rich and Nancy Kinder, the Kinder Foundation made headlines in 2025 with a transformative $150 million gift—the largest ever to a U.S. pediatric hospital—to create the Kinder Children’s Cancer Center, a joint venture between Texas Children’s Hospital and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston’s Texas Medical Center. This state-of-the-art facility pioneers comprehensive pediatric oncology, integrating advanced research labs, 100+ inpatient beds, clinical trials, and family support for all childhood cancers, building on the foundation’s prior education/health giving. Unlike traditional grant-making charities, Kinder’s model funds infrastructure for long-term cures, earning acclaim for scale while aligning with top transparency standards via partner institutions’ NCI designations.

The Kinder Foundation’s landmark 2025 announcement (May) unlocked immediate momentum: $150M commitment broke ground on a 200,000 sq ft center (early 2026 opening), enabling 500+ new patient slots yearly, 20 dedicated Phase I/II trial bays, and genomic sequencing for 1,000 relapsed cases annually. Accelerated MD Anderson/Texas Children’s collaboration enrolled 300 kids in bridge trials (pre-center), yielding 40% targeted therapy matches and 25% survival gains in sarcomas/leukemias per interim data. Recruited 50 top pediatric oncologists/researchers; community events raised $5M supplemental funds. Positioned as the nation’s largest pediatric-only cancer hub, it targets ending childhood cancer via AI-driven precision medicine, immunotherapy suites, and family-centric care—delivering ROI on every dollar through 10-year projections of 5,000+ lives impacted.

Written by Aharon Tsaturyan, MD, Editor at OncoDaily Intelligence Unit.