Cure Search received 79% of its funding from a government grant, 15% from private grants and only 8% from individual donors.

Nearly all of Children's Cancer Research Fund's funding comes from individuals, and I can attest it takes considerable effort to reach our 160,000 donors. There are some who still write us $2 checks. We are grateful for all who give.

I'd like to clarify on your numbers regarding CCRF. CCRF spent $110,000 on marketing and advertising. I know because I manage that budget. We are fortunate to have some great in-kind advertising assets to help spread our message and inspire individuals to give. $7,140,000 was dedicated to programs including research, quality-of-life patient support and education.

This past fiscal year 2011 we spent 80% on programs, 18% on fundraising (printing and mailing of direct mail being the main expense) and 2% on admin. I am happy to also share that despite the economy, we were able to increased research dollars by 20% and this fiscal year, we've already secured a $5 million donation dedicated to research, so we're off to a great start.

What will never show up on a 990 is that we invest in a research team who is very successful in securing NIH grants. Thus every $1 we give to them to fund their proof-of-principal research, they receive $18 on average in additional funding from other sources.That's how we were able to get three brain tumor vaccines to trial.

Without our direct mail, which we know is not the cheapest way to fundraise, we would give much less to lifesaving research and not have the ability to reach far and wide. We could stick to major gifts, but we would be leaving many out of the process of supporting kids with cancer.

I'd be happy to continue this discussion.

Thank you,

Kris Huson
Children's Cancer Research Fund