Category: Diseases and Disease Research

American Cancer Society, Inc.

AKA ACS (National Home Office)

Atlanta, GA

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Also Known As:: ACS (National Home Office)
Physical Address:: Atlanta, GA 30303
EIN:: 13-1788491
Web URL:: www.cancer.org
Leadership:: Dr. John Seffrin, PhD

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Financial Data	Annual Revenue and Expense data reported
Forms 990	2011, 2010, and 2009 Forms 990 filed with the IRS
Mission Objectives	Mission Statement is available
Impact Summary	Impact Summary from the nonprofit is not available

Legitimacy Information

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Forms 990 from IRS IRS Form 990 is an annual document used by approximately one-third of all public charities to report information about their finances and operations to the federal government. GuideStar uses data from Form 990 to populate its database with financial information about nonprofit organizations. Posting Form 990 images on the GuideStar Web site is an ongoing process.

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Fiscal Year Starting: Sept 1, 2008
Fiscal Year Ending: Aug 31, 2009

Revenue
Total Revenue	$391,607,893

Expenses
Total Expenses	$379,386,112

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Key Financial SCAN Features

Financial Health Dashboard: Highlights key financial trends and ratios for a selected nonprofit organization over a period of up to five years.
Peer Comparison Dashboard: Compares the organization's financials with up to five peer nonprofits that you select.
Graphical Analysis: Provides multi-year graphs and an interpretive guide in a format ready to present to your clients.
Printable PDF Report: Provides a complete analysis of the organization for your records. The full report tells you what to look for and why it matters.
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Basic Organization Information

American Cancer Society, Inc.

Also Known As:: ACS (National Home Office)
Physical Address:: Atlanta, GA 30303
EIN:: 13-1788491
Web URL:: www.cancer.org
NTEE Category:: P Human Services; P20 Human Service Organizations; G Disease, Disorders, Medical Disciplines; G30 Cancer; S Community Improvement, Capacity Building; S20 Community, Neighborhood Development, Improvement
Year Founded:: 1913
Ruling Year:: 1942
How This Organization Is Funded:: Special events; Contributions; Legacies & bequests

Mission Statement

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

Expert Assessment

Philanthropedia

The American Cancer Society has been commended for its ability to help individuals with cancer and their families through a broad range of programs. Read More »

For more information about this organization's impact, read the Expert Reviews and Comments.

Impact Summary from the Nonprofit

This organization has not provided an impact summary.

Personal Reviews

Key Financial SCAN Features

Financial Health Dashboard: Highlights key financial trends and ratios for a selected nonprofit organization over a period of up to five years.
Peer Comparison Dashboard: Compares the organization's financials with up to five peer nonprofits that you select.
Graphical Analysis: Provides multi-year graphs and an interpretive guide in a format ready to present to your clients.
Printable PDF Report: Provides a complete analysis of the organization for your records. The full report tells you what to look for and why it matters.
Advanced Search: Allows you to search by EIN (Employer Identification Number), organization name, city, state, revenue, expenses, and assets.

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FAQs on Financial Data | Digitizing IRS Form 990 Data

Financial Data

Revenue and Expenses

Revenue and Expense data from Forms 990 for 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 are included in the GuideStar Premium Report. Upgrade Now Report Added To Cart

Balance Sheet

Balance Sheet data from Forms 990 for Year 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 are included in the GuideStar Premium Report. Upgrade Now Report Added To Cart

Key Financial SCAN Features

Financial Health Dashboard: Highlights key financial trends and ratios for a selected nonprofit organization over a period of up to five years.
Peer Comparison Dashboard: Compares the organization's financials with up to five peer nonprofits that you select.
Graphical Analysis: Provides multi-year graphs and an interpretive guide in a format ready to present to your clients.
Printable PDF Report: Provides a complete analysis of the organization for your records. The full report tells you what to look for and why it matters.
Advanced Search: Allows you to search by EIN (Employer Identification Number), organization name, city, state, revenue, expenses, and assets.

View Sample Report

More Information

Forms 990 Received from the IRS IRS Form 990 is an annual document used by approximately one-third of all public charities to report information about their finances and operations to the federal government. GuideStar uses data from Form 990 to populate its database with financial information about nonprofit organizations. Posting Form 990 images on the GuideStar Web site is an ongoing process.

Forms 990 for 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 are included in the GuideStar Premium Report. Upgrade Now Report Added To Cart

Forms 990 Provided by the Nonprofit

Financial Statements

Financial Statements for 2009, 2009 are included in the GuideStar Premium Report. Upgrade Now Report Added To Cart

Annual Reports

Formation Documents A Letter of Determination is a letter from the IRS to a nonprofit organization stating that the organization has successfully applied for tax-exempt status. In this document the IRS indicates under which section of the Internal Revenue Code an organization is qualified.

Letter of Determination is not available for this organization.

Leadership

Dr. John Seffrin, PhD

Term:

Since Mar 1992

Profile:

John R. Seffrin, PhD, is the Chief Executive Officer of the largest voluntary health organization in the world. He is also a Trustee of the American Cancer Society's Foundation. Dr. Seffrin served as Professor of Health Education and Chairman of the Department of Applied Health Science at Indiana University from 1979 to 1992. A 20-year volunteer, John was named the Society's top executive in 1992.

Board Chair

Board of Directors

Officers for Fiscal Year

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Highest Paid Employees & Their Compensation

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Program: Research

Budget:: $149,829,000
Category:: Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines
Population Served:: General Public/Unspecified

Program Description:

Research - support provided to academic institutions and scientists to seek new knowledge about the causes, prevention, and cure of cancer, and to conduct epidemiological and behavioral studies.

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Program: Prevention

Budget:: $177,849,000
Category:: Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines
Population Served:: General Public/Unspecified

Program Description:

Prevention - programs that provide the public and health professionals with information and education to prevent cancer occurrence or to reduce risk of developing cancer.

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Program: Detection/Treatment

Budget:: $129,396,000
Category:: Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines
Population Served:: General Public/Unspecified

Program Description:

Detection/treatment - programs that are directed at finding cancer before it is clinically apparent and that provide information and education about cancer treatments for cure, recurrence, symptom management and pain control.

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Program: Patient Support

Budget:: $275,377,000
Category:: Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines
Population Served:: General Public/Unspecified

Program Description:

Patient support - programs to assist cancer patients and their families and ease the burden of cancer for them.

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Expert Reviews and Comments

This organization is a 2011 Philanthropedia top nonprofit, recommended by experts as having high impact.

These expert reviews were generated through Philanthropedia's research methodology to identify high-impact nonprofits. Learn more

Evidence of Impact

The American Cancer Society has been commended for its ability to help individuals with cancer and their families through a broad range of programs.

Expert Comments

Support for Research

ACS funds cancer research across the spectrum and has funded research which has led to significant findings for patients. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

They provide support for young investigators by giving larger research grants than the more targeted nonprofits. — Researcher and Faculty

This organization focuses on the search for a cure for any and all types of cancers. While it is not specific to a certain sector of the disease, it raises awareness about how cancer can effect everyone in the world whether directly or indirectly. — Foundation Professional

Brand is recognized as a leader with focus being primarily on research. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

This organization supports research grants for young investigators, which is very important. They used to support big "R01" type grants for more experienced investigators, but I do not think they do this anymore. — Researcher and Faculty

High Name Recognition

ACS is the house hold name in cancer and is in every community in America. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

They are the largest cancer non-profit in the world. — Researcher and Faculty

They have the highest name recognition amongst general public. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

This is the first organization most people newly diagnosed with cancer, who have no previous knowledge of the disease, turn to for information. — Other

Strong Coalitions

ACS's impact on cancer cannot be over-estimated on a state or national level. In addition, their willingness to engage and support coalition efforts such as One Voice Against Cancer has been excellent. — Other

Wide Range of Work

Hope Lodge gives free room and board to cancer patients and their caregivers so that they can get treatment and care in NYC. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

It has had an impact because of Hope Lodge and its educational programs. Hope Lodge provides free housing to outpatient cancer patients. — Other

Their research, patient services, and education are quite strong. — Other

They do a good job educating the public and legislators about the importance of early detection and treatment. They have worked toward insuring needed gov't research support and have provided leadership and funding to patients, basic science and clinical research. — Researcher and Faculty

They do anything from research findings to community work to clinical guidelines. They are also effective in raising public awareness, changing clinical policy, and focusing on disparities. — Researcher and Faculty

They have high recognition and quality of services. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Though ACS has priority cancers on which it focuses its major resources to achieve significant the greatest impact, it still addresses the broad spectrum of cancers in research and public education and information. Its large community-based efforts to support national in education, research, advocacy, and service. — Other

Effective Advocacy

It has had an impact on promoting public policy favorable to cancer patients, including but not limited to its participation and contribution to health care reform debate. The breadth of issues it is able to cover and volume of support to cancer patients given its national chapters is impressive — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Evidence of impact - they are a leader in pushing policy on Capitol Hill. Their policy staff is among the best in the field. My organization relies on their annual surveillance of the impact of cancer in the U.S. to do our own work. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Dedication to Science

They have the deepest portfolio of science funding in the business. — Researcher and Faculty

Powerhouse in the Cancer Field

ACS clearly has a long history in the fight on cancer, having focused on treatment & cure, as well as awareness of the disease. They are the "powerhouse" in the cancer field who we all listen to, and benefit from as related to information. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Strong Organization

Very strong organization with wealth of knowledge and abilities. — Researcher and Faculty

Organizational Strengths

According to experts, the ACS has been influential because of its strong marketing strategies, its dedicated force of volunteers, and its effective leadership and staff.

Expert Comments

Great Marketing

ACS has great brand image and recognition, and it funds important adult research. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

ACS has an incredible fundraising operation and links it successfully with its call center and other channels for patient participation. It also is large enough and well known enough that it can influence a national agenda about cancer detection and treatment as well as political decisions. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Their marketing department is truly awesome, and their ability to create patient information is excellent. — Other

Their marketing and review methods are best in their class. — Researcher and Faculty

This organization has very strong marketing and programming skills. Events, such as Relay for Life that has become a national phenomena, are very symbolic to the importance of these types of organizations. — Foundation Professional

Effective Programs

Hope Lodge provides a home away from home at no charge for people who would otherwise have to travel too far for their cancer treatment. It is a safe place where they can find companionship with other guests going through the same treatments and a caring staff. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Hope Lodge provides free housing to outpatient cancer patients. — Other

Skilled in Internal Operations

ACS has a strong leadership and broad and varied emphases (ie research, policy, support for patients, education). — Nonprofit Senior Staff

They have excelled in marketing, operations, and finances for a very long time and have adapted quickly to do so. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Great Leadership and Strength

Their national leadership and staff excellence top the list of strengths. — Other

They have a powerful and intelligent leadership. The organization both directly and indirectly supports essential research and improved care for all cancer patients. — Researcher and Faculty

Constant Improvement

This agency is progressive, thinking, and forward acting. They constantly try to improve their actions and put a focus on making a difference in outcomes. — Researcher and Faculty

Wide Range of Work

They have a strong and effective marketing campaign, and they use well known fundraising initiatives. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Low Overhead Costs

They have low overhead costs and a fair peer review of grants. — Researcher and Faculty

Strong Volunteer Base

This organization has a large national network of volunteers and access to virtually any office in government or business it may wish to address. — Other

The major strength of the American Cancer Society is its volunteer force and community presence. Staff are hired to complement the effectiveness and dedication of volunteers who represent the health professions and the laity. The ACS, High Plains Division, effectively serves the following states: Hawaii, Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Reports have validated their high impact in reaching cancer patients through navigation programs, and effective advocacy efforts to enact laws promoting cancer prevention and early detection. — Other

Areas for Improvement

Experts have criticised the American Cancer Society's choice of which issues to focus on and have called on it to take on controversial issues and be more transparent.

Expert Comments

More Fundraising

They should do more to fund research in children's cancers. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

They need to raise more money, fund more grants, and expand grant categories. — Researcher and Faculty

Less Bureaucracy

It is very bureaucratic because of its size and structure and can often be slow to make a decision. ACS has been more collaborative in recent years, but it is still often weak on collaboration unless it is the dominant partner. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Take on Controversial Issues

ACS is a large organization, and I suspect that it includes deadwood which could be pared away. In addition, they are sometimes unwilling to take controversial positions on regulatory issues which is disappointing. — Other

More Staff

They should have fewer volunteers perhaps and more paid staff to keep the Lodge running efficiently. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Give Back More to Patients

They should get more money back in patients hands. — Other

Better Marketing

They could improve their marketing and be more nimble to respond to the marketplace. — Other

More Focus on Prevention

It needs to focus as much on prevention as on treatment. — Researcher and Faculty

Consistency Across the US

ACS units in some areas of the country appear to lag behind the others in strength and ability. — Researcher and Faculty

They have regional imbalances. — Researcher and Faculty

More Focus on Public Health

They lack a focus on public health. — Researcher and Faculty

Greater Focus on Lung Cancer.

They need a greater focus on lung cancer, the number one cancer killer in the U.S. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Large Size

It's a bit of a monolith. — Nonprofit Senior Staff

Take on Strong Public Position

I would not recommend this organization if they had not appointed Otis Brawley, M.D. to the position of Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Brawley is a much need breath of fresh air for an organization that is generally bloated, bureaucratic, and prior to Dr. Brawley’s arrival, afraid to take a strong public position on any issue of significance for fear of alienating someone in power. This is a rich organization that needs to further justify its riches before donations are funneled toward it. Had the American Cancer Society done its “job” well over the last few decades, there would not be so many independent cancer advocacy organization in existence, doing the difficult tasks the American Cancer Society has been either too afraid of or too conflicted to take on. — Other

Greater Transparency

It would be beneficial to learn more about where the money that is fundraised is allocated to help show the impact of ACS in action. — Foundation Professional

I was an employee for ACS from 2000 - 2003. I totally believed in the mission and loved what I did but found management was poor and the good employees left when the worst managers were promoted. I gave money while I worked there but afterward decided not a penny more of mine was going to them because they supposedly raised and spent money in the communities which was NOT true. There was a lot of fishy business with money and how it was spent. They absolutely did not want restricted funds (ie to go to local communities and/or projects) because the division had that money earmarked for elsewhere. Also, in the years since then I know (in OK at least) that the society has gotten a very poor reputation because of lack of involvement and assistance (even with brochures, etc.) even when seated on a coalition or committee. Management shows up for the meetings but in no way actually contributes to the greater goal. ACS staff requires any assistance they provide to directly benefit them (at least in OK). — Other

More Training Programs

They should provide more professional health conferences and better leadership training for the volunteers. They should also have more involvement of volunteers in decision making and more opportunities for professional conferences and volunteer leadership development outside of fundraising training. — Other

High Overhead

ACS has a reputation for high overhead for a non-profit. — Researcher and Faculty

ACS is big and old. It is more about the money than the research. Unfortunately for lung cancer, they focus what little money they do on lung cancer research towards prevention and nothing at all on early detection or treatment. Because they have such a large national presence, people automatically contribute to them assuming the money will go towards research for the early detection and treatment of lung cancer, which it does not. — Foundation Professional

From the Nonprofit

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