9 Best Charities for Lung Cancer Research (Complete 2024 List)

9 Best Charities for Lung Cancer Research (Complete 2024 List)

By
Carla Shaik

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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, killing around 130,180 men and women every year in America. Yet, it receives substantially less research funding than any other cancer. Charities around the world are working tirelessly to support scientists in finding a cure for this deadly disease. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for lung cancer research?

The best charities for lung cancer research are the Lung Cancer Research Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Charities such as Stand Up To Cancer and the Go2 Foundation For Lung Cancer do amazing work fighting for the rights of lung cancer patients and their healthcare workers. 

Whether you want to fund researchers to finally find a cure for lung cancer, make sure every lung cancer patient receives the very best care, or invest in new diagnostic tools that will ensure lung cancer can be detected earlier, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for lung cancer research are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities for Lung Cancer Research Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact and transparency ratings, and achievements.

They operate all over the world, from North America to the UK, funding and conducting new studies in the field of lung cancer research.

Many of the charities on this list focus their efforts on finding new, innovative treatments for lung cancer. Others focus their attention on raising awareness of the issues faced by lung cancer patients.

Yet, they all share the same goal; to improve the lives of the people touched by this crippling cancer.

These Are the 9 Best Charities for Lung Cancer Research in 2024

Below are our favorite charities for lung cancer research (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

1

Lung Cancer Research Foundation: Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes

Logo for Lung Cancer Research Foundation
Discoveries & Impact: Lung Cancer Research

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator

“A world free of lung cancer.”

Lung Cancer Research Foundation

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What they do:

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation provides critical seed funding grants to the most innovative scientific investigators working in the field of lung cancer research. The charity also partners with several advocacy groups to fund research into less well-known types of lung cancer, such as small cell (SCLC). In addition, they provide free educational resources to lung cancer patients, carers, and lung cancer advocates.  

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation has funded 394 lung cancer research grants, totaling $39 million. This is the largest amount invested by any non-profit dedicated to funding lung cancer research. Their grants have given over 100 institutions across 5 countries the support they need to beat lung cancer. Breakthroughs include the identification of stem-like cells in tumors that are closely correlated to the severity of cancer in patients. 

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by joining one of their Free to Breath fundraising events.

2

American Cancer Society: Research That Saves Lives

Logo for American Cancer Society
To Stop Lung Cancer From Spreading, Researchers Target A Specific Gene

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Their transparency & ratings:

The American Cancer Society holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator

“We’re on a mission to free the world from cancer.”

American Cancer Society

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What they do:

The American Cancer Society conducts groundbreaking research into all types of cancer as well as funding scientists that study the causes and potential treatments of lung cancer. Through their Cancer Action Network, the charity engages with policymakers and elected officials to ensure that cancer remains a top state and national priority. They also serve as an online information resource that includes support on how to quit smoking

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $4 billion in cancer research. Since the early 1990s, the charity has invested over $134 million in lung cancer research including over $29 million for research specific to lung cancer not associated with smoking. Since 1991, the charity has significantly contributed to the 29% drop in the overall cancer death rate in America, which equates to 2.9 million lives. 

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the American Cancer Society through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online shop or by fundraising

3

Stand Up To Cancer: Making the Impossible Possible

Logo for Stand Up To Cancer
Making the Impossible Possible | Stand Up To Cancer 2021 Telecast

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Entertainment Industry Foundation/Stand Up To Cancer holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The charity also has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator

“To raise funds to accelerate the pace of groundbreaking translational research that benefits the cancer community.”

Stand Up To Cancer

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What they do:

Stand Up To Cancer fund grants for cancer research projects that address the most critical problems in patient care, including lung cancer patients. They mainly focus their efforts on supporting research that develops strategies to tackle racial discrimination, which is particularly prevalent in lung cancer diagnoses. They also use the strength and reach of the entertainment industry to raise awareness of all cancers and the issues faced by sufferers. 

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, Stand Up To Cancer has raised over $746 million for cancer research studies conducted by 2000 scientists. They have also funded 258 clinical trials for various cancers, including lung cancer. In 2015, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the charity announced the formation of a $20 million Dream Team project to target KRAS Mutant Lung Cancer which is found in 25% of all lung cancer patients and is notoriously hard to treat.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to Stand Up To Cancer through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online shop or by fundraising.

4

Lung Cancer Foundation of America: Let’s Cure it

Logo for Lung Cancer Foundation of America
New advances in lung cancer detection

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Lung Cancer Foundation of America holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The charity also has a 91% Encompass rating for finance & accountability from Charity Navigator

“The improvement in survivorship of lung cancer patients through the funding of transformative science.”

Lung Cancer Foundation of America

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What they do:

Through their various media campaigns, the Lung Cancer Foundation of America raises funds to support the latest innovative lung cancer research. In conjunction with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), the charity offers lung cancer research grants to young investors to cover the first two years of their work. They also run a Hope With Answers podcast which informs lung cancer patients of the latest developments in lung cancer research. 

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, the Lung Cancer Foundation of America has raised over $4 million for lung cancer research programs. Their achievements have included the development and approval of the first drug to stop the growth of advanced (non-small) cell lung cancer in patients with the ROS1+ mutation. They have also funded 17 young investigators that are focused on improving the detection, care, and treatment of people with lung cancer. 

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America through their website. You can also support the charity by joining one of their awareness events or by getting involved in Cancer Awareness Month (November). 

5

LUNGevity Foundation: Supporting Lung Cancer Patients

Logo for LUNGevity Foundation
Inhale for Life: Emily Daniels

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Their transparency & ratings:

The LUNGevity Foundation holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, as well as a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator

“A world where no one dies of lung cancer.”

LUNGevity Foundation

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What they do:

The LUNGevity Foundation works to improve the lives of people living with lung cancer through education, research, and support. Their Translational Science Research Program aims to take knowledge from basic research and apply it to the treatment of lung cancer in clinical settings more quickly. Through their Patient-focused Research Center, the LUNGevity Foundation connects healthcare professionals and policymakers with lung cancer patients to address misinterpretations about patient attitudes and areas of unmet needs.  

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their inception, the LUNGevity Foundation has remained committed to relieving the suffering of all lung cancer patients. In 2020, the charity invested over $27.1 million in Career Development grants, and their Breath Deep Together awareness campaign had 1611 participants. In the same year, they answered 2875 calls to their lung cancer helpline and surveyed 252 healthcare professionals to identify unmet needs in the lung cancer healthcare industry. 

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the LUNGevity Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by joining one of their upcoming awareness events or by offering a tribute fund in memory of a loved one. 

6

American Lung Association: Creating a World Free of Lung Disease

Logo for American Lung Association
Research: Over 100 Years of Progress

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Their transparency & ratings:

The American Lung Association holds the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar as well as a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator

“A world free of lung disease.”

American Lung Association

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What they do:

The American Lung Association collaborates with other like-minded organizations to run several research grants and awards that recognize the vital work of lung cancer research scientists. Through their Airways Clinical Research Centers and Patient Advisory Groups, they work with patients to guide the progress of future studies based on their needs and priorities. Through their Healthy Air Campaign, they are advocating for federal laws that will reduce air pollution to improve the air we breathe. 

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, the American Lung Association has funded 98 research grants to improve the lives of those affected by lung disease, including lung cancer. Through their Lung Force initiative, the charity has helped to raise lung cancer survival rates from 13% to 22.6% thanks to early detection methods. Their campaigning activities have increased lung cancer funding at the NIH by 101.4% since 2014. 

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the American Lung Association through their website. You can also support the charity by joining one of their fundraising and awareness events. 

7

Go2 Foundation For Lung Cancer: Transforming Survivorship of Lung Cancer Patients

Logo for Go2 Foundation For Lung Cancer
Francis and Roslyn Spruit for GO2 Foundation

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Go2 Foundation For Lung Cancer holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator

“Working to change the reality of living with lung cancer by ending stigma, increasing public and private research funding, and ensuring access to care.”

Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer

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What they do:

The Go2 Foundation For Lung Cancer offers research grants to young investigators in the field of lung cancer research. They also provide various tools for researchers and healthcare workers through their network of lung cancer screening centers, as well as via their educational webinars. In addition, the charity helps healthcare teams to launch comprehensive early lung cancer detection programs through their innovative Thoracic Oncology Business Model Tool

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of lung cancer patients. In 2022, the charity launched the first Global Lung Cancer Registry to connect over 16,000 patients with the research community in order to create more effective tools and treatments for the disease. Thanks to the advocacy activities of the charity, annual federal research funding for lung cancer research programs increased to $141.5 million in 2020. 

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer through their website. You can also support the charity by setting up a National walk/run awareness event or by signing up to igive.com so you can automatically help the charity every time you shop online. 

8

Lung Cancer Initiative: A Network of Hope and Action

Logo for Lung Cancer Initiative
A Network of Hope & Action:  Lung Cancer Initiative

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Lung Cancer Initiative holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The charity also has a 100% Encompass rating for finance & accountability from Charity Navigator.  

“Providing support to the lung cancer community by connecting patients, survivors, and loved ones with the medical and research community.”

Lung Cancer Initiative

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What they do:

The Lung Cancer Initiative provides research fellowship grants to improve the lives of people living with lung cancer. They also provide free online educational resources for healthcare workers, as well as informative materials to assist lung cancer patients in their diagnosis. Through their REACH Community Grant Program, the charity awards funds of up to $10,000 to community-based organizations that promote lung cancer awareness and improve access to care. 

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, the Lung Cancer Initiative has funded almost $2.8 million in lung cancer research to 51 scientists. In 2014, the charity awarded a Young Investigator Research Grant to Kavitha Yaddanapudi who discovered a stem cell-based vaccine that prevented the development of lung cancer in mice. The grant is now being used to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine to prevent lung cancer relapse. 

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the Lung Cancer Initiative through their website. You can also support the charity by attending one of their awareness events. 

9

A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation: Defeating Lung Cancer

Logo for A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation
Faces of Lung Cancer: Michelle Gydesen

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Their transparency & ratings:

A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation holds the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The charity also has a 100% Encompass rating for finance & accountability from Charity Navigator

“Fighting lung cancer by funding innovative U.S. lung cancer research, raising awareness, and supporting lung cancer patients and families.”

A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation

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What they do:

A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation provides support services for people living with lung cancer and invests funds into lung cancer research through their Fellowship and award schemes. Through their ABOH Research Program, they inspire young scientists in the field of lung cancer research by offering competitive $150,000 awards. Through their awareness campaigns, they are also advocating for the expansion of lung cancer screening criteria so more people can be eligible. 

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, a Breath of Hope Lung Foundation has invested over $2.5 million in their lung cancer research program and U.S. Research Awards. This includes a $150,000 grant to Dr. Laura Stabile who is investigating the role that estrogen plays in the development of lung cancer in women. The results of this study will help scientists to develop anti-estrogens that can be used in cases of advanced lung cancer in women. 

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to a Breath of Hope Lung Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by becoming a support volunteer or by hosting an ABOH house party to raise money. 

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for lung cancer research. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

  • Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
  • Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
  • Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
  • Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
  • Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
  • Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

  • Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
  • Buy their official merchandise. The charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
  • Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
  • Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
  • Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to lung cancer research – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

The way we think about charity is dead wrong | Dan Pallotta

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