Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
FaithsWork is sponsoring The Washington DC Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Funds raised through the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event series are managed by the Avon Foundation, which is an accredited 501(c)(3) charity. The Avon Foundation is distinguished from most other charities that fund a single institution or scientific investigator, or focus on a particular area of breast cancer, by supporting a virtual national network of research, medical, social service and community-based organizations, each of which is making a unique contribution to helping patients or advancing breast cancer research. The Avon Foundation awards funding in breast cancer education and awareness; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research into the possible cause, prevention, treatment and cure.
Breast cancer beneficiaries range from leading cancer centers to community-based, non-profit breast health programs. Every beneficiary is selected through a rigorous review process. Programs and institutions must satisfy strict criteria that align with the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade's mission of funding access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. The Foundation makes grants only to organizations and institutions having tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For beneficiaries in the areas of research and care, the selection is guided by the Avon Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), which includes experts in public health and biomedical research relevant to the breast cancer and breast health field, and breast cancer survivor-advocates who serve two-year terms. Community-based organizations are identified and supported by the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund, which issues Requests for Proposals, conducts peer review of all submitted applications, and provides ongoing technical assistance and program evaluation to selected grantees.
The Avon Foundation funds programs in all 50 states, but a majority of the net proceeds raised through the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer are granted to breast cancer programs in the geographic areas where the Walk events are held.
A detailed listing of benefiting organizations and details on the Advisory Boards can be found at http://www.avonfoundation.org/, and details of funding announcements at past Avon Walks can be found in the Newsroom section of this website.
How much money actually goes to the cause?
Total Avon Foundation revenue in 2005 was $56 million. Expenditures, including grants, exceeded $41 million. Of total expenditures for the year:
- 76.8%* was directed to mission programs and services, including grants, gifts and awards to beneficiary organizations
- 7.5% covered management and general activities
- 15.7% covered fundraising expenses
These results exceed philanthropic fundraising guidelines.
* before one time expenses
The Avon Foundation’s full 2005 audited results can be found at http://www.avoncompany.com/women/avonfoundation/financials.html.
How much money have the Avon Walks already raised?
From 2003-2005, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event series coast-to-coast has raised more than $100 million.