When your corporation gives, it gets. That's why corporate philanthropy is so essential. Giving to nonprofits allows those entities to thrive while simultaneously motivating and engaging your employees. And one of the most popular philanthropic targets is charities that support cancer patients.

According to American Cancer Society figures from 2022, nearly two million people are diagnosed with cancer nationally each year. That makes cancer one of the more widespread of all potentially life-threatening conditions. With so many new diagnoses annually, it's likely that some of your workers have had personal experience with the disease.

While there are plenty of cancer-focused nonprofits on the market, you may want to get creative in which you support. Though it's fine to give to cancer treatment centers, do a little investigation into other cancer charities. A few are emerging that offer unique services for and assistance to cancer patients, caregivers, and families. In most cases, they're designed to help plug gaps and meet the underserved areas noted below.

1. They can help tackle patients' and families' financial insecurities.

Apart from hearing that someone has cancer, one of the biggest stressors related to cancer is paying for bills. To be sure, many charities and hospitals have funding streams to help underinsured and uninsured patients. Nevertheless, most charities have neglected the other out-of-pocket financial obligations that can burden families and individuals.

What other obligations add anxiety? Mortgage payments. Utility costs. Grocery bills. It's not uncommon for cancer patients and caregivers to work less - or quit their jobs. This leaves them in vulnerable positions, even if their medical bills are being covered by insurance or outside contributions.

An innovative nonprofit called  Pink Fund accepts corporate donations for its distinctive one-time grant program to fill this gap. Breast cancer patients who meet eligibility guidelines can apply to  Pink Fund for a 90-day grant of up to $3,000. The money is paid directly to cost-of-living providers like electric companies, water suppliers, and property managers. This alleviates the need for breast cancer patients to choose between putting money toward care or everyday bills.

2. They can help pediatric cancer patients deal with lowered self-esteem

Cancer doesn't just affect a person's health. It can affect a person's appearance and lead to waning confidence. The drugs and therapies used during cancer treatment can be hard on the body. Among the most frustrating and devastating, especially to young children diagnosed with cancer is hair loss.

Although being bald has never been more accepted than in today's inclusive society, it can still sting. To take some of the sting out, Glimmer of Hope Foundation donates special personalized, hair-free dolls to kids. Each doll is customized and free to families whose applications are accepted. Glimmer of Hope offers other uplifting products and services geared toward the younger cancer patient set, too.

The good news for pediatric cancer patients who undergo hair loss is that in most cases, their hair will return. In the meantime, having a buddy who looks like they do can help them feel more empowered throughout their journey. It can also raise the spirits of their wider support system of parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends.

3. They can take the "question mark" out of what the future holds.

Many cancers can be either cured or enter into a period of remission. Just the same, others are resistant to conventional treatments like radiation. And many cancers will come back, forcing patients to deal with struggles associated with a life-changing relapse. 

This is why clinical research and trials are so important to the field of oncology. Without constant money aimed squarely at developing new techniques and drugs, more cancer patients may die. Fortunately, there are countless organizations and hospitals that operate donation systems to drive research funding. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a different "stream" to fund with your corporate dollars, consider Swim Across America. 

This charity puts an aquatic spin on the typical cancer fundraiser. Rather than focusing on 5K run/walk events or online marathons, Swim Across America sets up charity swimming races. These races give swimmers the chance to raise money while participating in their preferred sport. If you have recreational swimmers on your team, they might even want to compete on behalf of your business.

Wrap-Up Ideas for Your Cancer-Focused Corporate Donations

The fight against cancer is going strong and the good side is winning slowly but surely. Your business can make a huge dent in the impact cancer has by carefully selecting charities. If you're not sure which unique way and nonprofit you should fund, take a few steps.

First, investigate all the 501(c)3 entities on the market, starting with the three mentioned above. Pick a handful that seem to dovetail well with your corporation's mission and vision. Next, send out a survey to all your employees. Describe each organization you're considering supporting and take a poll. Which charity would your workers most like to see their employer's money go to?

After you receive your feedback, tabulate the answers and put your money to work. Be sure to share everything you do philanthropically with both your internal and external stakeholders. Your blog, social media pages, and outbound marketing content are great places to showcase your charitable giving.

Cancer is tough but cancer patients are tougher - and they're especially tough when they're buoyed by companies' donations. Do your part to minimize cancer's stronghold by partnering with innovative nonprofits.