Childhood cancer affects thousands of families across the US every year, and progress doesn’t happen by chance. Behind every improvement in survival rates are years of research, testing and funding. You can be part of that progress by helping move childhood cancer research forward through donations and fundraisers.
What is the purpose of a childhood cancer research charity?
A childhood cancer research charity addresses a funding and knowledge gap. Although government agencies provide some support, paediatric cancers account for a small fraction of federal cancer research budgets. This causes many childhood cancer projects to be underfunded, despite the urgent need for safer and more effective treatments for children.
Childhood cancers are still one of the leading causes of disease-related death among children in the US According to American Cancer Society projections, approximately 9,680 children in the country will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026. Thanks to decades of research, clinical trials and collaborative care models (many of which were supported by charitable funding) there has been meaningful progress in treatment. Today, about 85% of children diagnosed with cancer survive five years or more compared to 58% in the 1970s.
But even when long-term survival is achieved, many survivors face lasting physical and emotional effects caused by intensive treatments. Progress against certain types of paediatric cancer has been limited, as well. Therefore, continued research is essential to develop more targeted therapies and improve the quality of life for survivors.
Through charities, you can contribute to fund laboratory research, early-phase clinical trials and innovative studies that may not yet qualify for government funding. You also support the development of safer, more effective treatments for children. In other words, childhood cancer research charities help move science forward where it would otherwise stall.
What are the best childhood cancer research charities in the US?
If you’re looking for an organisation to donate to, here are the top-rated charities in the US doing the heavy lifting for kids and families who need it most.
1. THON
THON™ is among the largest student-run philanthropies in the world and a powerful force in the fight against childhood cancer. Established in 1973 at Penn State University, it works to support Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. Its charity helps ensure children receive world-class medical care at no cost to their families. THON funds critical childhood cancer research and provides emotional support to children and parents facing a cancer diagnosis.
Fundraising takes place throughout the year through student-led events such as THON 5K and THON Athletic Events, community fundraisers, and corporate partnerships. Students, alums, families and supporters can take part by volunteering, donating or hosting independent fundraisers through THON Nation. You can also make a one-time or monthly donation through its website.
These efforts lead up to THON Weekend, a 46-hour dance marathon where students remain on their feet to raise awareness and essential funds. Since 1977, it has raised more than $272 million for Four Diamonds, with 96 cents of every dollar donated directly to its mission. In 2026, the organisation announced a new fundraising record of $18,841,726.
Key features
- Sole fundraiser for Four Diamonds since 1977
- 96% of funds donated directly to its mission
- Multiple ways to donate, fundraise and get involved year-round
2. The V Foundation
Basketball coach Jim Valvano founded The V Foundation in 1993 while he was battling cancer, with a mission to fund research that leads to cures for both adult and paediatric cancers. To date, it has awarded over $458 million in cancer research grants, including more than $107.4 million dedicated to childhood cancer research.
When you donate to The V Foundation, 100% of your direct donation goes to cancer research, as an endowment covers administrative costs. This means your money directly supports scientists studying how cancer begins, how it spreads and how it can be treated more effectively. All grants are reviewed and selected through a competitive process led by the foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee and are awarded to researchers at NCI-accredited institutions.
Childhood cancer research is funded through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. This program supports studies focused on developing therapies for children and on reducing long-term side effects, such as damage to reproductive health. Moreover, the foundation holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Key features
- 100% of direct donations support cancer research
- Research grants awarded through a competitive scientific review
- Over $107.4 million awarded for paediatric cancer research
3. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is one of the most prominent independent organizations dedicated to funding paediatric cancer research and supporting families. Started by Liz and Jay Scott in memory of their daughter Alex, the foundation has raised more than $300 million since 2005 and funded over 1,500 research grants across the US, Canada and Europe. These grants support things like early lab studies and clinical trials for children with no remaining treatment options.
Due to its comprehensive research selection process, ALSF is among the only childhood cancer charities to receive an NCI peer-reviewed funder designation. You can take part by donating monthly, giving stock or crypto, or joining workplace giving and matching schemes. You may also fund research by co-funding grants or partnering as a business.
In addition to supporting childhood cancer research, your donations through ALSF also help families directly through programs like SuperSibs that support brothers and sisters of children with cancer. It allows you to support Travel For Care, which helps families reach hospitals for treatment.
Key features
- Over $300 million raised and 1,500+ research projects funded
- NCI-designated peer-reviewed research funder
- Supports both research and families in practical ways
A quick look at the top-rated childhood cancer research charities
Each childhood cancer research charity on this list supports improving treatments and reducing side effects for paediatric patients.
| Charity | Founded | Primary Focus | How You Can Take Part |
| THON | 1973 | Funding care and research through Four Diamonds | Donate, volunteer, fundraise, join THON events |
| The V Foundation | 1993 | Cancer research with dedicated paediatric funding | Donate and attend events |
| ALSF | 2005 | Pediatric cancer research and family support | Donate, host fundraisers, partner |
How this list was evaluated
This list of top-rated childhood cancer research charities in the US was created using a combination of publicly available data and charity performance indicators. Each foundation was reviewed based on its financial transparency, accountability, research impact and long-term commitment to childhood cancer research. The list only included charities that clearly explain where donations go, support evidence-based research and offer multiple ways for you to contribute or get involved.
Frequently asked questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about childhood cancer research.
- What is the best childhood cancer research charity to donate to? Childhood cancer research charities have the same goal in improving treatment and quality of life for survivors, so the best option depends on your goal. All charities listed here are credible options.
- Who funds childhood cancer research? Funding comes from a combination of federal agencies, private foundations, hospitals and charitable donations.
- How can I verify a charity’s legitimacy? You can verify legitimacy by checking independent evaluators such as the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator and GuideStar. Look for transparency, audited financial statements and transparent reporting of research outcomes.
- Are all childhood cancer charities research-focused? No. Some charities focus primarily on family support, advocacy and awareness. These efforts are essential, but research-focused charities specifically fund scientific studies and clinical treatments aimed at improving treatment and survival.
Help move paediatric cancer research forward
Childhood cancer research charities make it possible for researchers to test new ideas, launch clinical trials, focus on cancers that lack effective options and provide better treatments. The three organisations on this list make it easier for you to make a meaningful contribution that brings children closer to healthier futures.
Julian Carter, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
