Charity Ratings and Reporting

The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is a top-rated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 13-1837442) that upholds the highest standards of fiscal responsibility, integrity, transparency, and accountability. CRI provides open disclosure of our financial information and governance to donors in charity watchdog ratings, annual reports, audited financial statements, and IRS 990 forms. When you give to CRI, you can trust your charitable investment will be spent wisely and will make the greatest possible impact in cancer immunotherapy research to save more lives.

CRI is proud to have one of the lowest overhead expense ratios among nonprofit organizations. Historically, between 85 and 90 cents of every dollar donated goes to cancer research and medical education programs.

In Fall 2023, Charity Navigator gave CRI a 100% rating – a 4% increase from last year – and continues to call us a Four-Star Charity. These high marks give current and prospective donors additional confidence that their gifts will be used responsibly to support cancer immunotherapy research. 

Charity ratings

Before choosing to donate, it’s wise to research first how your charitable contribution will be spent with the help of watchdog groups, such as Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau. It’s an easy way to check a charity’s financial health and how much an organization spends on its programs versus overhead expenses. CRI consistently receives exemplary marks from watchdog groups, including an A Rating from CharityWatch, Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, and Four Stars from Charity Navigator. CRI is a proud member of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, meeting all 20 standards of charity accountability.

In 2017, 2018, and 2019, Cancer Research Institute was included among the Best Charities for Your Donations by Consumer Reports. In 2019 and 2020, Cancer Research Institute was included in the Great Nonprofits Top-Rated List. In 2019, Cancer Research Institute was included in Parade’s curated list of charities for Giving Tuesday.

Annual reports

The Cancer Research Institute’s annual reports recount our accomplishments in the previous fiscal year, ranging from impressive scientific work by CRI researchers to the impact of our awareness campaigns in building understanding of cancer immunotherapy with the general public. The reports provide clear financial breakdowns of our revenues and how donor money is spent. In addition to the reports below, a copy of CRI’s annual report can be obtained by request from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005 or request a printed copy by mail from the Cancer Research Institute.

Audited financial statements

The Cancer Research Institute is audited annually to ensure proper fiscal responsibility. CRI provides these audited statements publicly to provide accountability and transparency to our supporters. (Fiscal year runs July 1-June 30.)

IRS 990

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Cancer Research Institute submits an annual information notice to the United States Internal Revenue Service each year with the IRS 990 form. CRI is happy to share this information with the government and general public for charitable and other regulatory oversight.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can donate to CRI?

Anyone who has an interest in helping to advance the fight against cancer is encouraged to donate to CRI. Individuals can make cash donations and also include CRI in their estate planning or planned giving. Corporations and foundations also can make donations.

Are there tax benefits for donating to CRI?

CRI is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so your donations are deductible for federal or state tax purposes as allowed by law. Planned giving, which can encompass bequests and gift annuities, may offer other tax or financial planning advantages as well.

In 2020, U.S. taxpayers can take advantage of new charitable giving incentives in the U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Taxpayers who do not itemize their returns may receive a tax deduction of up to $300 for cash donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Taxpayers who itemize returns may now deduct up to 100% of their Adjusted Gross Income on cash donations. Corporations may now deduct up to 25% of taxable income. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

Why is CRI a good choice for my charitable support?

Through our strategic programs, CRI is leading global efforts to bring new immune-based treatments to patients sooner. Our focus on immunotherapy – which is applicable in the treatment of almost all types of cancer – means our donors are making an impact in the lives of more cancer patients. We are proud to have one of the lowest overhead expense ratios among nonprofit organizations. Historically, between 85 and 90 cents of every dollar donated to us goes to our research and medical education programs.

How do “charity watchdog” organizations rate CRI?

We consistently earn high marks from charity watchdog organizations, including an A or higher from the American Institute of Philanthropy. We are also a proud member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, the most rigorous evaluator of charity activity with 20 standards of accountability and ethical practice. We have consistently earned 4 out of 4 stars from Charity Navigator, placing CRI within the top 5% of all evaluated U.S. charities; an A grade from Charity Watch; and a Platinum Participant Seal from GuideStar.

Related Links

Charity Ratings and Reporting

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Awards and Honors

Scientific Advisory Council

Board of Trustees

Associate Board

Our Team

Additional Resources