Sometimes, we think of cancer research as something happening far away—in big labs we’ll never see. But right here in Colorado, local organizations are pouring heart, soul, and dollars into finding better treatments and, one day, a cure. Whether you’re a donor wondering where your gift goes or simply curious, here’s a friendlier guide to the Colorado-based groups making a real difference in oncology research.
Colorado Cancer Foundation (CCF): Helping Today, Funding Tomorrow
Think of CCF as your neighborhood lifeline and long-term vision rolled into one. On one hand, they help Coloradans pay rent or utilities when treatment bills pile up. On the other, they set aside at least 10 percent of what they raise every year to send directly into research labs—especially at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. By doing this, CCF makes sure that families in crisis today also benefit from the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Cancer League of Colorado: Decades of Dedication
Founded in 1969 by a handful of volunteers who simply refused to sit on the sidelines, Cancer League of Colorado has grown into a statewide force for good. Over the past fifty-plus years, they’ve raised and awarded more than $25 million to Colorado scientists and doctors studying everything from early detection methods to new drug trials. If you’ve ever cheered at a local fundraiser or bought a T-shirt with a cancer ribbon, chances are Cancer League had a hand in bringing that money to life.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation – Denver Chapter: Shave, Support, Save Lives
Imagine a sea of heads buzzing as volunteers shave their hair for childhood cancer research—that’s a “Shave-A-Thon” in Denver. While St. Baldrick’s is a national charity, their Denver community stands out for raising over $500 000 in 2024 alone for pediatric cancer studies at Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado Denver. What makes St. Baldrick’s unique is their laser focus: 100 percent of donations go to research, and local events ensure those dollars stay in Colorado whenever possible.
Morgan Adams Foundation: A Mother’s Mission
A personal story often underlies great giving, and Morgan Adams Foundation is no exception. After watching their child battle cancer, founders Mary and Don Adams decided to funnel every grant they awarded into pediatric cancer research. Today, they’ve put over $30 million into projects at Children’s Hospital Colorado. From new leukemia therapies to brain tumor trials, Morgan Adams picks projects with a clear path from lab to patient—ensuring that every dollar has a shot at saving a child’s life.
Western States Cancer Research NCORP (WSCR-NCORP): Trials Closer to Home
Not everyone can hop on a plane to a big city for a clinical trial. That’s where WSCR-NCORP comes in. As part of a National Cancer Institute network, this group stitches together hospitals and clinics across Colorado so families can join cutting-edge studies without driving for hours. Imagine being able to access a promising immunotherapy trial in Grand Junction or Durango instead of Denver—WSCR-NCORP makes that happen, funneling federal and local funds into community-based research.
Susan G. Komen Colorado: Racing Toward a Cure
When you’ve seen a loved one go through breast cancer, that pink ribbon means more than just a color. Susan G. Komen Colorado takes community events—galas, 5K runs, corporate partnerships—and turns them into grants for breast cancer research right here in Colorado. Thanks to their “Drive to Discover” grants, pilot studies at the CU School of Medicine and Rocky Mountain Cancer Center are testing new ways to catch and treat tough breast cancers like triple-negative subtypes. Every pair of running shoes worn at a Komen 5K can translate to a new hope for Coloradans.
Gates Family Foundation: Big Picture, Big Impact
Sometimes the biggest ripple starts with a single drop. In May 2022, the Gates Family Foundation committed $200 million to create a new medical research institute on the Anschutz Campus. While that funding doesn’t go exclusively to cancer, a hefty chunk is earmarked for oncology infrastructure: new lab spaces, equipment, and seed grants. This kind of support doesn’t just help one project—it lays the groundwork for decades of discoveries, including genomic studies and rapid-response trials for emerging therapies.
Boettcher Foundation: Seeding Tomorrow’s Scientists
If research is a garden, Boettcher Foundation is the sprinkler system that helps young scientists grow. Through its Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Awards, Boettcher gives early-career researchers around $3 million a year to launch projects across biomedical fields—including plenty of cancer biology studies. Past recipients have gone on to lead major oncology labs, studying everything from radiation biology to comparative oncology at Colorado State University’s Flint Animal Cancer Center. It’s like kickstarting a scientist’s career so they can chase the next big breakthrough.
El Pomar Foundation: A Broad Approach with a Focus on Health
Since 1937, El Pomar Foundation has quietly funded causes that “enhance, encourage, and promote the well-being of Coloradans.” Each year, they distribute over $22 million in grants, and a slice of that goes to biomedical research—often projects at Anschutz or smaller community hospitals exploring innovative cancer treatments. Whether it’s a pilot grant testing a new immunologic approach in rare pediatric cancers or funding research collaborations across multiple institutions, El Pomar’s “Colorado first” philosophy ensures even rural communities benefit.
Why Local Support Matters
- Faster Turnaround: Seed grants from local groups help researchers prove a concept quickly—then they can snag bigger federal grants.
- Patient Access: Programs like WSCR-NCORP mean that families in rural Colorado can enroll in trials without uprooting their lives.
- Tailored Focus: Organizations like Morgan Adams and St. Baldrick’s zero in on pediatric cancers, which often get less attention than adult malignancies, ensuring kids aren’t left behind.
- Community Pride: When funding stays local, Coloradans can see—and feel—the impact: new treatments available at nearby hospitals, researchers moving back to Colorado, and shared hope at community fundraisers.
How You Can Help
- Attend or Host Fundraisers: From 5Ks to gala dinners, every ticket sold helps fuel Colorado-based research.
- Donate Directly: Even a small monthly gift to any of these nonprofits translates into tangible lab supplies, trial funding, or equipment upgrades.
- Spread the Word: Share social media posts or stories about these organizations—awareness often attracts new donors and volunteers.
- Volunteer Your Skills: Whether you’re an accountant, event planner, or social media whiz, most foundations need help beyond just cash.
Sources
- Colorado Cancer Foundation: CCF allocates 10 percent of annual funds to research at Anschutz Medical Campus.
- Cancer League of Colorado: Volunteer-run since 1969, $25 million awarded to Colorado research.
- St. Baldrick’s Foundation – Denver: Denver shave-a-thon raised $500 000 in 2024 for pediatric cancer research.
- Morgan Adams Foundation: Over $30 million awarded to pediatric oncology at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
- Western States Cancer Research NCORP: NCI-affiliated, expands access to clinical trials statewide.
- Susan G. Komen Colorado: Funding breast cancer research at CU School of Medicine and Rocky Mountain Cancer Center.
- Gates Family Foundation: $200 million pledge to establish research institute at Anschutz Campus.
- Boettcher Foundation: Webb-Waring awards, $3 million annually for early-career biomedical researchers.
- El Pomar Foundation: Distributes over $22 million yearly, including cancer research grants.