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The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is an independent, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, an increasing public awareness about good breast health.

The BCRF was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, vice-chairperson of The Estee Lauder Companies. Lauder's first foray into breast cancer awareness was through an initiative by herself and Aleandra Penney, former editor of SELF magazine, to make the pink ribbon an international symbol of breast cancer awareness.

Since its inception, the BCRF has raised over $237 million to support clinical and translational research at medical institutions across the globe conducting the most advanced and promising breast cancer research that will help lead to prevention and a cure in our lifetime. BCRF currently funds 166 scientists across the United States and in Canada, Latin America, the Middle East, and throughout Europe.

[edit] Funding and spending

BCRF directs at least 85 cents of every dollar raised directly to research and awareness programs.^{[citation needed]} In 2008, the Foundation’s administrative costs were less than 8% of revenues.

BCRF has received exceptional recognition from several organizations that monitor and provide comprehensive, unbiased information on charities. Most notably: in 2009, the Foundation has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, four stars, for the eighth consecutive year, which means BCRF has outperformed 99.8% of more than 5,400 evaluated charities in efficiently managing its finances! In addition, the American Institute of Philanthropy has re-evaluated BCRF's "A" rating since 2002, and awarded BCRF an "A+" rating. This is the highest possible rating by AIP. BCRF is recognized by AIP as one of the "Top Rated" cancer organizations, and is the only breast cancer organization to appear on its "Top Rated Charities".

[edit] External links

• The Breast Cancer Research Foundation official website