Top 10 Things to Know About BCRF

Discover how the foundation is advancing research to save lives around the world

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) has a singular goal: to put an end to breast cancer. For nearly 35 years, we have pursued this principal vision by advancing the most promising research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

Here are 10 essential facts about BCRF, including how we fulfill our mission, the measurable impact of our funding, and our leadership in global breast cancer research.

1. BCRF was founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993

It started simply, with two friends sitting over a cup of coffee at a kitchen table. At the time, the scientific understanding of breast cancer and how it developed was basic. Screening was limited, and there was only one targeted treatment option, tamoxifen. Mrs. Lauder and Dr. Larry Norton, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, recognized that a new approach to research was critical. Leonard Lauder joined his wife and Dr. Norton in the belief that funding was the only obstacle to a cure. Under their leadership, BCRF grew into a global leader in science-first philanthropy.

2. BCRF’s mission is to end breast cancer in our lifetime

BCRF persists in tireless pursuit of a world without breast cancer. Our mission statement is to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research. We pursue progress along the full continuum of breast cancer science, from prevention and early detection to treatment and survivorship.

3. BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the United States

This year, BCRF is funding $74.75 million in grants to 260 scientists at leading institutions across 17 countries. BCRF’s support accelerates discoveries that improve outcomes for people around the world who are facing breast cancer.

4. BCRF-funded researchers have contributed to every major breast cancer science breakthrough

BCRF scientists Dr. Mary-Claire King pinpointed the location of the BRCA1 gene, and Dr. Alan Ashworth discovered the BRCA2 gene soon thereafter. Identifying genetic predispositions to disease revolutionized screening for both breast and ovarian cancer.

BCRF has remained at the forefront of innovation, providing funding for advanced precision medicine, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, AI-driven early detection tools, and intensive research into metastasis, which is responsible for virtually all breast cancer-related deaths. In the 2025–2026 investment year, BCRF is devoting $24.8 million—around one-third of our annual funding—to 96 projects dedicated to stage 4 breast cancer research, making us the world’s largest private funder of metastatic breast cancer.

5. BCRF funds the world’s leading scientists

BCRF seeks out scientists with the most promising ideas and gives them the funds and flexibility to pursue them. Our Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)—comprised of a diverse group of cross-disciplinary experts led by BCRF Founding Scientific Director Dr. Norton and Scientific Director Dr. Judy Garber—steers our grants to people who can gain real ground in the fight against breast cancer. The SAB invites proposals from pioneering investigators around the world and makes recommendations to the BCRF Board of Directors, which determines the final awards. Scientists are encouraged to pursue their ideas, even if they must change course. The flexibility offers the freedom to search for answers in areas that might otherwise go unexplored.

6. Grassroots fundraisers and community events power progress

Few among us are untouched by breast cancer. Every year, thousands of those friends, neighbors, colleagues, loved ones, and survivors organize local and digital fundraisers—races, bake sales, concerts, birthday parties, memorials—in support of BCRF’s mission. Community efforts collectively raise millions of dollars for research each year, and BCRF supports those who contribute their time and energy through grassroots events with toolkits and other resources.

Get involved: Start your own fundraiser and turn your passion into progress.

7. Corporate partners amplify our mission

Our corporate partners harness their reach, customers, and employees to join BCRF in making life-changing progress. We team up with leading global brands such as The Estée Lauder Companies, KnitWell Group, Delta Air Lines, and Ulta Beauty in dynamic campaigns that fund research and raise awareness. Our partnerships combine brand visibility with purpose, empowering BCRF supporters to make an impact.

Did you know? Last year, BCRF’s corporate partners collectively raised over $45 million for research.

8. Transparency and accountability define BCRF

BCRF consistently earns the highest marks from independent philanthropy watchdog groups, including an A rating from CharityWatch, the Candid (formerly GuideStar) Platinum Seal of Transparency, and four stars from Charity Navigator.

Each year, BCRF publishes a detailed annual report outlining fund allocation and research progress so supporters can see the tangible impact of their donations.

Did you know? BCRF has held a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for more than 20 years—an achievement held by less than 1% of all U.S. nonprofits.

9. Every dollar fuels discovery

All donations, no matter the amount, help bring forward new therapies. You can turn your generosity into breakthroughs that have real, measurable results:

• $50 funds one hour of critical research in a BCRF-supported lab
• $500 covers DNA sequencing for one patient
• $2,500 enrolls one patient in a clinical trial

10. We’re creating a future free from breast cancer

BCRF’s work will continue, unflaggingly, until there is an end to breast cancer. With your support, we are translating research into innovations, powering studies to prevent and cure metastatic disease, and improving standards of care. Together, we can fund the next discovery that brings us closer to a cure.

Frequently asked questions about BCRF

Who runs the Breast Cancer Research Foundation?

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is led by President & CEO Donna McKay. The leadership team includes a diverse and specialized executive group across administration, research and grants, marketing and communications, and corporate partnerships. Among the key leaders:

• Dorraya El‑Ashry, PhD, is Chief Scientific Officer.
• Jodi Patkin is Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.
• Katherine E. Minster is Chief Philanthropy Officer.
• Ashley Dehler is Chief Partnerships Officer.
• Gina Goodenow is Chief Financial and Administrative Officer.
• Marla Hassner is Chief Human Resource Officer.

BCRF’s leadership structure ensures that the organization’s mission—to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the most promising research—is guided by scientific expertise, philanthropic strategy, and organizational transparency.

What is BCRF’s history?

BCRF was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, who was Senior Corporate Vice President of The Estée Lauder Companies, in partnership with Dr. Larry Norton of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Their mission was to fund research that could prevent and cure breast cancer. In its first year, BCRF supported eight scientists; it now supports more than 260 researchers in 17 countries—fueling discoveries in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

What is BCRF’s charity rating?

BCRF is one of the highest-rated breast cancer research organizations in the United States, consistently earning top rankings from independent charity evaluators, including an A rating from CharityWatch, Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, and four stars from Charity Navigator. BCRF’s annual financial disclosures demonstrate substantial program investment and a focus on directing funds to research and awareness.

Which charities use 100 percent of their donations?

Very few nonprofits apply 100 percent of the donations received directly to programs, as administrative and fundraising expenses are necessary for responsible operations. BCRF is among the most efficient charities in the United States as identified by third-party charity ratings organizations.