Prostate Cancer Foundation

What Prostate Cancer Foundation does

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit philanthropic organization founded in 1993 by Mike Milken and headquartered in Santa Monica, California. PCF is the world's largest charity dedicated exclusively to prostate cancer research, having raised more than $1 billion cumulatively and funded over 2,250 research projects across 245 cancer centers in 28 countries. The organization is credited with contributing to 14 of the 27 FDA-approved prostate cancer therapies to date.

PCF's core operations are grant-making and awareness-driven fundraising rather than product development. It deploys a multi-program research portfolio: Challenge Awards ($1M+ multi-year grants to 12 multi-institutional teams annually), Young Investigator Awards (early-career seed funding for 31 researchers at $6.3M annually), TACTICAL Awards (targeted therapy resistance research, including a $10M 2026 award on 177Lu-PSMA-617 resistance), and the Annual Scientific Retreat in Carlsbad, CA. Patient-facing assets include a 339+ video educational library, an interactive Somatic and Germline Genetic Testing Guide developed with AstraZeneca, and Spanish-language resources. Awareness and fundraising channels include the MLB Home Run Challenge ($150M cumulative), the "Check the Box!" basketball coalition (Naismith Hall of Fame, Legends of Basketball, BIG3), Hästens-PCF Global Health Award (Nigeria), Pfizer Visiting Professorship (Latin America), and the PCF-VA Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate (POPCaP).

Revenue is generated entirely through donations, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and event-based fundraising — there are no products sold. PCF reports a Charity Navigator 100% score and a Four-Star rating. The organization is led by CEO and President Gina Carithers, with Phillip Koo, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer, following the retirement of long-tenured CSO Howard R. Soule, Ph.D. PCF does not develop proprietary technology; it funds external research spanning PSMA PET imaging, radioligand therapies, PARP inhibitors, AI-powered pathology tools, and immunotherapies.

Name

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Legal name

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Website

https://pcf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world's largest 501(c)(3) philanthropy dedicated solely to funding prostate cancer research, founded in 1993 by Mike Milken. It has raised over $1 billion across 2,250+ research projects at 245 cancer centers in 28 countries, and serves patients, researchers, and at-risk men globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cancer Research Philanthropy

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

akta.pro primary industry

Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA)

Keywords

• Cancer research grants
• Nonprofit health foundation
• Patient education resources
• Scientific research funding
• Cancer awareness campaigns

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Monica

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: PCF receives donations from individuals who support prostate cancer research, including monthly donors, planned giving, and general contributions.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Partnerships with corporations such as Hästens, Pfizer, MLB, and others who contribute funding for research programs and awareness initiatives.
3. Home Run Challenge Fundraising: Annual MLB-linked fundraising campaign where proceeds from home runs during June support PCF's research and early detection programs.
4. Foundation Grants: PCF receives grants from foundations and organizations to fund specific research initiatives such as the Global Health Award.
5. Foundation Donations: Gifts from foundations such as Atlanta Hawks Foundation and Ressler Gertz Family Foundation for awareness and research initiatives.

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Prostate Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit philanthropic organization that funds prostate cancer research through competitive grants and multi-institutional research awards. PCF operates the Home Run Challenge fundraising campaign with MLB and the Check the Box! early detection initiative, while providing free patient education, screening guidance, treatment information, and support resources to prostate cancer patients, caregivers, and at-risk men.

Product overview

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world's leading philanthropic organization dedicated to funding life-saving prostate cancer research, founded in 1993. PCF operates as a nonprofit research funder rather than a technology company, providing its programs and services at no charge to patients and families. The organization's core offerings include: the annual Home Run Challenge fundraising campaign in partnership with MLB; the Check the Box! early detection initiative promoting PSA screening; and research funding through multiple award programs including Young Investigator Awards, Challenge Awards ($1M multi-year grants to research teams), and TACTICAL Awards for targeted therapy research. PCF maintains the Annual Scientific Retreat as its flagship conference, runs international capacity-building through the Visiting Professorship Program in Latin America, and supports Veterans through the PCF-VA Partnership. Patient-facing resources include an interactive Somatic and Germline Genetic Testing Guide, a Video Hub with 339+ educational videos, and comprehensive Patient Support Resources covering screening, treatment, and wellness. The organization has raised over $1 billion for research and helped develop 14 of 27 FDA-approved prostate cancer therapies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Home Run Challenge: Annual MLB-linked fundraising campaign supporting prostate cancer research, awareness, and early detection efforts
• Check the Box! Saving Lives Together
• Challenge Awards
• Young Investigator Awards
• TACTICAL Awards
• Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate (POPCaP)

Products and services

• Challenge Awards Multi-institutional research team grants of $1 million over two to three years supporting breakthroughs in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, including AI-powered pathology tools, novel immunotherapies, and targeted therapeutic strategies for treatment-resistant cancers. Awarded to research teams at leading cancer centers globally.
• Young Investigator Awards Competitive research awards funding early-career researchers pursuing prostate cancer discoveries in precision medicine and life-extending treatments. Provides awards to promising young investigators to advance prostate cancer research across 17 countries.
• TACTICAL Awards Targeted therapy research awards supporting investigations into resistance mechanisms for advanced prostate cancer treatments, including radioligand therapies such as 177Lu-PSMA-617 (Pluvicto). Funds multi-institutional teams addressing critical treatment-resistance challenges.
• Hästens-PCF Global Health Award Global health initiative promoting equitable prostate cancer care in emerging countries, starting with Nigeria. Includes support for STAMPEDE2 clinical trial expansion to improve diagnosis, treatment, and access to healthcare services in underserved regions.
• Annual Scientific Retreat World's foremost scientific meeting on prostate cancer biology and treatment, held annually in Carlsbad, California. Showcases advances from renowned prostate cancer researchers and provides networking and collaboration opportunities.
• Visiting Professorship Program International program placing leading U.S. clinician-researchers in Latin America to advance prostate cancer care and research through intensive training sessions with local clinicians. Implemented across Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.
• Home Run Challenge Annual nationwide fundraising campaign in partnership with Major League Baseball aligned with Father's Day. Every home run hit during June generates proceeds funding PCF's research and early detection programs across over 500 games at all 30 MLB teams.
• Check the Box! Saving Lives Together National prostate cancer awareness and early detection initiative promoting three life-saving actions: talk to your doctor, take a blood test (PSA screening), and learn your score. Particularly targets African American men and other at-risk populations through sports partnerships.
• Somatic and Germline Genetic Testing Guide Interactive educational website and guide educating advanced prostate cancer patients and families on using somatic and germline genetic tests to inform personalized treatment decisions. Developed with AstraZeneca support.
• Shop Blue Merchandise Store Online merchandise store on Shopify selling blue-themed products to support prostate cancer awareness and PCF's research mission. Proceeds support the foundation's programs.

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Major League Baseball (MLB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026PCF partners with MLB for the annual Home Run Challenge, a 31-year nationwide fundraising campaign aligned with Father's Day. Every home run hit during June generates proceeds to fund PCF's research and early detection programs. The initiative features blue bats, special on-field moments, and survivor recognition at over 500 games across all 30 MLB teams.
• BIG3coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026The professional basketball league BIG3 united with PCF for the 'Check the Box!' initiative, joining the growing movement asking men to make three life-saving plays: Talk to your doctor, Take a blood test, Learn your score.
• HästenscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026PCF and Hästens launched the Hästens-PCF Global Health Award to promote equitable prostate cancer care in emerging countries, starting with Nigeria. The initiative includes supporting the expansion of the STAMPEDE2 clinical trial and aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and access to healthcare services.
• Man Cave HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2026Man Cave Health partnered with Pocono Raceway and PCF to offer free prostate cancer PSA screenings at community events. At the Lehigh Valley Auto Show, 10% of 300 men screened had elevated PSA levels requiring follow-up. Aequus Partners Inc. also collaborates to support screening execution.
• Aequus Partners Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2026Aequus Partners Inc. collaborates with the coalition to support execution of PSA screenings at community events.
• Legends of BasketballcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2026PCF and Legends of Basketball partnered under the 'Check the Box! Saving Lives Together' initiative to promote prostate cancer screening, particularly among African American men. The partnership kicked off at NBA All-Star Weekend February 13-15, featuring 140 basketball legends engaging fans through digital storytelling and community-based activations.
• Naismith Basketball Hall of FamecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 January 2026The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and PCF launched the 'Check the Box! Saving Lives Together' initiative to increase awareness about prostate cancer and encourage regular health screenings, particularly among men of color. The five-year partnership debuted January 19, 2026.
• AstraZenecacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 November 2025AstraZeneca supported PCF's launch of an interactive website and guide about genetic testing for patients with advanced prostate cancer. The initiative educates patients and families on using somatic and germline tests to inform personalized treatment.
• Pfizer Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2025PCF and Pfizer launched an innovative Visiting Professorship program placing U.S. clinician-researchers in Latin America to advance prostate cancer care. Seven programs have been held in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Columbia, with hundreds of clinicians and researchers participating. The program advances cutting-edge clinical and scientific research.
• Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025PCF and SNMMI collaborate to advance prostate cancer research, particularly in theranostics and radiopharmaceutical treatments for prostate cancer.
• Nordquist Racing / XCancer MotorsportsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025PCF sponsors Nordquist Racing with XCancer Motorsports at Indy 500, raising awareness about prostate cancer through motorsports partnerships.
• UroToday and PRIMRminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2025UroToday and PRIMR announced a strategic partnership to enhance clinical trial awareness for prostate cancer patients, helping connect patients with relevant clinical trial opportunities.
• Pocono RacewayminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2025Pocono Raceway partners with Man Cave Health and PCF to raise men's health awareness during NASCAR weekends, hosting free PSA screening events at auto shows.
• FOX Broadcasting CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2024FOX partnered with PCF for 'The Real Full Monty' television special where celebrities bare all to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.
• Colorectal Cancer AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2024Partner organization in FOX's 'The Real Full Monty' initiative, focusing on colorectal cancer awareness alongside prostate and testicular cancer.
• Testicular Cancer SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2024Partner organization in FOX's 'The Real Full Monty' initiative, focusing on testicular cancer awareness alongside prostate and colorectal cancer.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2020VA and PCF expanded genetic services to Veterans through a nursing research pilot initiative. The collaboration creates VA's 'New Data Nurse of the Future' program as part of PCF's Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate network. VA treats approximately 40,000 prostate cancer patients annually. A $600,000 grant from Independence Blue Cross and the Katz Foundation established the pilot.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• American Cancer Society: Largest U.S. cancer-focused nonprofit, funding broad-spectrum cancer research, patient support, and advocacy. Comparable to PCF as a large health-focused grantmaking and patient-support organization, though ACS spans all cancer types versus PCF's single-disease focus.

Direct peers

• Susan G. Komen: Premier philanthropic organization funding breast cancer research and patient support, with a similar model of disease-specific research grants, awareness campaigns, and corporate partnerships. Most direct functional analog to PCF in scale, brand presence, and research-grantmaking focus.
• V Foundation for Cancer Research: Founded by Jim Valvano, this cancer research grantmaking organization funds high-impact research grants across cancer types. Directly comparable to PCF's Challenge Awards and Young Investigator Awards models.
• Stand Up To Cancer: Multi-disease cancer research funding collaborative supporting 'Dream Teams' of scientists across institutions — directly comparable to PCF's Challenge Awards structure and consortium-driven research model.
• Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation: Funds early-career cancer scientists through prestigious fellowship programs — closely comparable to PCF's Young Investigator Awards in mission and structure.
• Cancer Research Institute: Charity funding immunology and immunotherapy research across cancers; competes with PCF for donor dollars and research talent in overlapping therapeutic areas PCF supports.
• Movember Foundation: Global men's health foundation funding prostate cancer (and other men's health) research. Most direct international peer, with shared awareness campaigns, men's health focus, and broad donor-base mobilization via annual events.
• Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN): Disease-specific cancer philanthropy funding research grants and patient services for pancreatic cancer. Same single-disease research-grantmaking and patient-support model as PCF.
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Large disease-specific health organization funding blood cancer research and providing patient support. Comparable in scale, mission, and integrated research-plus-services model.

Others

• National Cancer Institute: Largest U.S. government funder of cancer research via grants and cooperative agreements. Adjacent ecosystem participant whose grants often complement PCF's Challenge Awards pipeline at institutions PCF supports.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PCFnews
• YouTubevimeo.com/pcf
• Facebookfacebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.pcf.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/prostate-cancer-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Prostate Cancer Foundation