American Indian Cancer Foundation

What American Indian Cancer Foundation does

The American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2010 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with staff distributed across Indian Country. Its mission is to eliminate the cancer burden of Indigenous people by addressing disparities across the full cancer continuum — prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship — through culturally tailored programs, research, and policy advocacy for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.

AICAF delivers its work through four core programmatic pillars: Cancer Equity (breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer), Survivorship, Research & Evaluation, and Prevention & Policy. Programmatic infrastructure is anchored by five annual awareness campaigns — Indigenous Pink (breast), Turquoise Thursday (cervical), Blue Beads (colorectal), Sacred Breath (lung), and Celebrate Indigenous Life (survivorship) — plus a research asset in the Tribal Tobacco Use Project (TTUP, 2013 and TTUP II, 2018), which produced the only known AI/AN-specific statewide smoking prevalence data (59% rate). The Screen Our Circle program delivers CDC-funded breast and cervical cancer early detection support to Native-serving clinics. Operationally, AICAF runs an events and convenings portfolio including the 14th annual Powwow for Hope (2026), the Native Cancer Care Conference, the National Tribal Tobacco Conference, and the newly added Healing Together Conference (August 2026), supported by an online resource library and an e-commerce merchandise store.

The business model is donation- and grant-funded, with no fees charged for core services. Revenue streams consist of individual donations, corporate event sponsorships (notably from AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Mayo Clinic, Exact Sciences, Merck, Genentech, Foundation Medicine, Sanford Health, and Molina Healthcare), and federal grant funding routed through CDC's National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) and National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Distribution occurs through direct community engagement with tribal governments, healthcare provider partnerships (e.g., Essentia Health's cultural awareness training), a tribal coalition network spanning 50 states, 8 territories, and 7 tribal organizations, and digital channels including a website resource library and social media presence.

Name

American Indian Cancer Foundation

Legal name

American Indian Cancer Foundation®

Website

https://americanindiancancer.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The American Indian Cancer Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2010 that delivers culturally tailored cancer prevention, screening, research, survivorship, and policy programs to American Indian and Alaska Native communities, funded by donations, CDC grants, and corporate sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Cancer Health Services for Indigenous Communities

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Tribal/Indigenous Public Health Authorities (HLAJAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Minority, Indigenous & Disability Rights (BPADAGAH)

Keywords

• Cancer prevention education
• Community health programs
• Tribal health equity
• Cancer survivor support
• Nonprofit health services

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations and fundraising events including the annual Powwow for Hope community healing event and fundraiser.
2. Grant Funding: Funding from federal agencies including CDC for NCCCP (National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program) and NBCCEDP (National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program). Funding also mentioned from Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

American Indian Cancer Foundation is a Native-governed nonprofit that delivers culturally-tailored cancer prevention, early detection, treatment support, and survivorship programs to American Indian and Alaska Native communities across the United States. Its portfolio includes the Cancer Equity Program, Survivorship Program, Research & Evaluation, and Prevention & Policy programs, supplemented by national awareness campaigns (Indigenous Pink, Turquoise Thursday, Blue Beads, Sacred Breath, Celebrate Indigenous Life) and major annual events such as Powwow for Hope, the Native Cancer Care Conference, and the National Tribal Tobacco Conference.

Product overview

American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) is a Native-governed national non-profit organization established in 2010 to eliminate cancer burdens among Indigenous people. AICAF operates a multi-program portfolio organized around the Cancer Continuum: Prevention, Early Detection, Treatment, and Survivorship. The core programs include Cancer Equity (focusing on breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers), Survivorship support, Research & Evaluation, and Prevention & Policy. AICAF delivers its mission through culturally-tailored awareness campaigns including Indigenous Pink (breast cancer), Turquoise Thursday (cervical cancer), Blue Beads (colorectal cancer), Sacred Breath (lung cancer), and Celebrate Indigenous Life (survivorship). The organization also hosts the annual Powwow for Hope event, Native Cancer Care Conference, and National Tribal Tobacco Conference. Programs are complemented by an online resource library, educational toolkits, and the AICAF Shop selling campaign merchandise.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Indigenous Pink Campaign National breast cancer awareness campaign held annually in October, inviting AI/AN people of all ages to wear pink and share photos on social media using hashtag #IndigenousPink to raise awareness of breast cancer across Indian Country.
• Turquoise Thursday Campaign National cervical cancer awareness campaign held each January during Cervical Health Awareness Month, encouraging people to wear turquoise and share photos using hashtag #TurquoiseThursday to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening.
• Blue Beads Campaign National colorectal cancer awareness campaign held annually in March, inviting Native people to wear blue beads or clothing and share photos using hashtag #BlueBeads to raise awareness of colorectal cancer screening.
• Sacred Breath Campaign Lung cancer awareness campaign held annually in November during National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, focused on raising awareness about lung cancer and traditional tobacco practices.
• Celebrate Indigenous Life Campaign Annual campaign in June during National Cancer Survivors Month that honors, supports, and raises awareness of Native cancer survivors with resources, survivor stories, and mental health information.
• Screen Our Circle Program CDC-funded National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program that supports Native-serving clinics to remove screening barriers through awareness, health system changes, and community education, with the aim of increasing cancer screening and early detection rates in Native communities.
• Cancer Equity Program Core program aimed at reducing cancer burdens on Native people by increasing cancer screening and early detection rates across Indian Country through awareness campaigns, culturally-tailored resources, cancer coalitions, trainings, and media tools.
• Survivorship Program Program providing support, resources, and community for cancer survivors, family members, and caregivers, including survivor stories, survivorship challenges guidance, long-term care information, and community support connections.
• Research & Evaluation Program Program working with communities to identify research questions, methods, and funding opportunities aligned with community needs, supporting collection and use of population-specific data and employing the Indigenous Evaluation Framework.
• Prevention & Policy Program Program dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering AI/AN communities to adopt healthy lifestyle practices that reduce cancer risks, with focus on Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) change, tobacco cessation, healthy eating, and physical activity.
• Powwow for Hope Annual community healing event and fundraiser bringing together Native cancer survivors, caregivers, families, healthcare partners, and Tribal communities to honor loved ones, celebrate survivors, and build community resilience.
• Native Cancer Care Conference Annual conference focusing on cultural prevention, systemic insights, and collaborative networking, featuring expert speakers, interactive workshops, cultural learning, and community connections to address cancer inequities in Indian Country.
• National Tribal Tobacco Conference Biennial conference addressing traditional uses of tobacco and commercial tobacco impact in AI/AN communities, emphasizing returning to healthy relationships with tobacco and creating health equity.
• Traditional Tobacco - Creating Connections Project Project working with advocates across Indian Country to restore traditional tobacco practices, reduce commercial tobacco abuse, and prevent secondhand smoke exposure using comprehensive strategies rooted in cultural traditions.
• AICAF Shop Online store selling merchandise supporting cancer awareness campaigns including Indigenous Pink, Turquoise Thursday, Blue Beads, and other AICAF initiatives.

Quantifiable outcome

• 59% smoking rate identified among AI/AN people in Minnesota through TTUP study
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• AstraZenecacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Resiliency Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference. AstraZeneca is also a Life Sponsor for Powwow for Hope 2026.
• PfizercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Healing Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference. Pfizer is also a Love Sponsor for Powwow for Hope 2026.
• Exact SciencescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Healing Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference, supporting colorectal cancer awareness and screening initiatives.
• GenentechmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Relative Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference.
• Dana-Farber Cancer InstitutemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Relative Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference.
• Mayo CliniccoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Hope Sponsor for Powwow for Hope 2026. Mayo Clinic supports AICAF's community healing events and cancer awareness initiatives.
• Masonic Cancer Center, University of MinnesotamajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Honor Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference.
• Foundation MedicinemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Honor Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference.
• Sanford HealthmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Honor Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference. Sanford Health is a major healthcare system serving Native communities.
• MerckmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Honor Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference.
• Minnesota OncologymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Honor Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference, supporting cancer care equity initiatives.
• Molina HealthcaremajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Honor Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference.
• Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux CommunitymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Honor Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference.
• University of Minnesota Center of American Indian and Minority HealthmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Honor Sponsor for the 2025 Native Cancer Care Conference.
• Essentia HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to pilot a cultural awareness program for patient-facing staff members system-wide. The program consists of education on AI/AN history, political sovereignty, social determinants of health, cultural worldviews, and clinical best practices. Also includes data specific to Essentia Health and the unique histories and cultures of area Tribal communities. This is part of a long-term partnership to develop stronger relationships with area Tribal communities and identify barriers to healthcare in the Northern Plains region.
• Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior ChippewacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAICAF supports the evaluation component of FDL's CDC National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) grant through process and outcome evaluation, documentation, and continuous collection of data on outcome indicators and key performance measures. The Evaluation Specialist works with the Core Evaluation Team of the Wiidookaage Coalition to guide and enhance annual evaluation plans.
• Leech Lake Band of OjibweminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for First Foods Are Prevention webinar collaboration with the SNAP-ED Program, celebrating Native American Heritage Month and promoting traditional foods for cancer prevention.
• Tribal Governments and OrganizationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAICAF works with tribes and AI/AN organizations to support implementation of tribal resolutions and policies for healthy practices. They provide training, technical assistance, and unrestricted funding for community-specific programs and events.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• American Cancer Society: Largest U.S. cancer-focused nonprofit with national reach across research, patient support, screening, and policy. Comparable to AICAF in cancer mission and event-driven fundraising, but vastly larger and not AI/AN-specific — sometimes a partner, sometimes an overlapping funder.
• National Association of Chronic Disease Directors: Member association for state chronic-disease directors, including cancer control programs funded through the same CDC NCCCP mechanism AICAF participates in. Comparable as a network convener around CDC-funded cancer control but not AI/AN-specific.

Regional players

• Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board: Northwest tribal health board operating the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center. Comparable to AICAF in tribal-government-driven health programming and AI/AN data advocacy, but regionally focused on the Pacific Northwest.
• Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board: Region-based tribal health organization serving 18 tribal nations across the Great Plains with health programs, advocacy, and a Tribal Epidemiology Center. Comparable to AICAF in tribal-governance model and cancer/health-equity focus, but geographically concentrated rather than national.

Direct peers

• National Indian Health Board: National tribal health advocacy organization representing 574 federally recognized tribes on health policy and federal funding. Highly comparable to AICAF in mission (AI/AN health equity), tribal governance structure, and federal-grant funding model, though broader in disease scope.
• American Indian Health & Family Services: Urban Indian health center providing direct clinical and community health services to AI/AN people in Detroit. Comparable to AICAF in serving AI/AN communities with culturally-tailored health programming, though primarily a direct-service provider rather than national advocacy/grantmaking entity.
• Urban Indian Health Institute: Tribal Epidemiology Center and one of 12 I/T/U research entities serving AI/AN communities. Comparable to AICAF in research-and-evaluation orientation, AI/AN data focus, and role as a federal-funded intermediary for tribal public health.
• National Council of Urban Indian Health: Advocacy organization for the 41 Urban Indian Organizations delivering health services to AI/AN people in urban settings. Closely comparable to AICAF in AI/AN health focus, advocacy/government-relations orientation, and federal-grant dependence.

Others

• National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition: Indigenous-led nonprofit addressing intergenerational trauma from the federal Indian boarding school system. Comparable to AICAF as a Native-led health-equity organization reliant on philanthropy, but distinct in trauma/healing focus rather than oncology.

Emerging players

• Center for American Indian Health (Johns Hopkins): Academic-based center working with tribal communities on health research, training, and program implementation across multiple disease areas. Comparable to AICAF in AI/AN community-engaged research model and culturally-tailored program design, though anchored to an academic institution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@AmericanindiancancerOrg55413
• Facebookfacebook.com/AmericanIndianCancer
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/americanindiancancerfoundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/americanindiancancer
• Xx.com/AICAF_Org

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about American Indian Cancer Foundation