Head For The Cure

What Head For The Cure does

Head for the Cure Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2003 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Its mission is to build awareness of brain tumors, raise funds for research, and ignite hope for the brain tumor community, with three stated strategic pillars: Building Awareness, Raising Funds, and Igniting Hope. The organization operates a diversified programmatic portfolio centered on signature 5K run/walk events in 20+ US cities, community-driven fundraising initiatives, and direct patient and caregiver support services.

The foundation's product and program surface spans event-driven fundraising (registration, sponsorships, donations), an e-commerce merchandise shop, the Path to Hope educational platform, the Brains for the Cure resources platform, the Path to Relief financial-assistance grant program ($100-$1,000 awards), monthly online support groups, an Ambassador Program, the Nurse Navigator service delivered through the Brain Cancer Support and Solutions Alliance, advocacy initiatives including Head to the Hill and Glioblastoma Awareness Day, the Rare Enough podcast, and the A Beautiful Brain documentary. Technology infrastructure is composed of third-party SaaS tools (Classy.org for fundraising, RunSignUp for race results, Lightspeed and Bonfire for e-commerce, Zoom for support groups, Roon App for content distribution) rather than proprietary technology assets.

The revenue model is a multi-stream nonprofit model combining individual donations, event registration fees (with a $15 tax-deductible component per registration), corporate sponsorships from a roster of national presenting sponsors led by oncology pharmaceutical companies (Novocure, Servier, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Fore Bio), community-driven fundraiser proceeds, restaurant/retail giveback partnerships, and merchandise sales. Since inception, the foundation has raised $30 million cumulatively and engages over 250,000 event participants; it grants more than $1 million annually to over 50 beneficiary partners, including the National Cancer Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Kansas Cancer Center, Henry Ford Health System, Cleveland Clinic, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The operating model is supported by a 12-person staff supplemented by a national volunteer base.

Name

Head For The Cure

Legal name

Head for the Cure Foundation

Website

https://headforthecure.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Head for the Cure Foundation is a Kansas City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2003, that raises funds for brain cancer research and delivers patient and caregiver support through 5K run/walk events in 20+ US cities, educational platforms, and grants to cancer research institutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Health Foundation (Brain Cancer)

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS) (BPAGACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Research & Science Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAI), Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA)

Keywords

• Brain cancer fundraising
• Nonprofit health foundation
• Cancer research grants
• Patient support programs
• Community fundraising events

Headquarters

HQ city

Kansas City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Event Registrations: Registration fees for 5K run/walk events across the country with $15 of each registration being tax-deductible.
2. Merchandise Sales: Online shop selling branded merchandise including sweatshirts, hats, jackets, and beanies.
3. Donations: Individual donations to support brain cancer research and patient programs, including memorial donations and event/team/participant donations.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship revenue from national sponsors and local event sponsors with benefits including tent space, branding on materials, signage, and complimentary entries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Head for the Cure Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises funds and awareness for brain cancer through a national network of 5K run/walk events held in more than 20 US cities, branded merchandise sales, and direct donations. It grants over $1 million annually to brain cancer research institutions and provides patient and caregiver programs including the Path to Hope educational platform, Nurse Navigator support, monthly online support groups, and the Path to Relief Fund financial assistance grants.

Product overview

Head for the Cure Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to defeating brain cancer through three strategic pillars: Building Awareness, Raising Funds, and Igniting Hope. The organization operates primarily as a community-focused nonprofit rather than a technology product company. Its core offerings include signature 5K Run/Walk fundraising events held in cities nationwide, the Path to Hope educational platform for patients and caregivers, the Nurse Navigator personalized support service through the Brain Cancer Support and Solutions Alliance, monthly online Support Groups (Patient Perspectives, Caregiver Conversations, Legacy of Hope Grief & Loss), an Ambassador Program for community outreach, the Path to Relief Fund financial assistance program, Community Recognitions awards (Keeping the Faith, Legacy of Love, Healthcare Heroes, Legacy of Hope memorials), advocacy initiatives, and community-driven fundraising tools. Additional offerings include the 'A Beautiful Brain' documentary, the Rare Enough podcast, and a merchandise shop. The organization grants over $1 million annually to national partners and local beneficiaries supporting clinical research and patient programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Path to Hope: Educational and support platform providing information and stories for patients and caregivers navigating brain tumor diagnosis.
• Brains for the Cure
• Path to Relief Fund
• Rare Enough Podcast
• A Beautiful Brain Documentary

Products and services

• 5K Run/Walk Events Signature in-person fundraising events held in 20+ US cities that bring together brain cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and supporters to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer research through paid registration and on-site donations.
• Path to Hope Educational Platform Educational and support web platform providing information, personal narratives, and guidance for brain tumor patients and caregivers from diagnosis through daily living.
• Nurse Navigator Service One-on-one personalized support service delivered through the Brain Cancer Support and Solutions Alliance that helps brain tumor patients and caregivers navigate care options and access treatments and clinical trials.
• Monthly Online Support Groups Monthly virtual support groups including Patient Perspectives, Caregiver Conversations, and Legacy of Hope: Grief & Loss Support Group for individuals affected by brain tumors, hosted via Zoom.
• Ambassador Program Community advocacy program engaging patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones to share personal experiences, activate participants, cultivate donors and sponsors, and spread brain cancer awareness through social media and community outreach.
• Path to Relief Fund Financial assistance grant program awarding $100 to $1,000 on a first-come, first-served basis to families with household income at or below 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines to help with treatment-related expenses, transportation, and everyday costs following a brain tumor diagnosis.
• Community Recognitions Awards Program Awards program honoring brain tumor patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes at 5K events, including the Keeping the Faith, Legacy of Love, Healthcare Hero, and Legacy of Hope Memorial recognitions.
• A Beautiful Brain Documentary Documentary film highlighting the caregiver journey for loved ones with pediatric and adult brain tumors, showcasing experiences of compassion, determination, and support.
• Rare Enough Podcast Podcast hosted by a GBM survivor and the foundation's Community Outreach Coordinator, providing discussions and resources for the brain cancer community.
• Branded Merchandise Shop Online store selling branded apparel and accessories including sweatshirts, hats, jackets, beanies, and gift cards, with proceeds supporting brain cancer research and patient programs.
• Advocacy & Awareness Programs Initiatives including legislative advocacy for clinical research and patient access, national awareness campaigns, and community storytelling through initiatives such as Head to the Hill and Glioblastoma Awareness Day support.
• Community-Driven Fundraising Program Grassroots fundraising program and resources enabling supporters to host their own events such as golf tournaments, raffles, workplace giving, and Facebook fundraisers to benefit brain cancer research.
• Beneficiaries & Research Grants Program Program directing philanthropic funds to local brain cancer clinics and national partners including the Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative, supporting clinical trials and patient programs across more than 50 beneficiary organizations.

Quantifiable outcome

• $30 million raised and over $1 million granted annually to brain cancer research
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Northwell HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Partnership with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to advance glioblastoma therapies. Head for the Cure Foundation provides funding for MD/PhD student Ethan Ertel to conduct pivotal glioblastoma research under Dr. John Boockvar and Dr. Alea Mills.
• Cold Spring Harbor LaboratorycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Collaborating with Northwell Health on glioblastoma research. Dr. Alea Mills leads research including discovery about BRD8 protein blocking P53 tumor suppressor function.
• Roon AppcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Partnership to offer vital information and resources for glioblastoma patients and caregivers through the Roon App platform.
• Brain Cancer Support and Solutions Alliance (BCSSA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Collaboration between Head for the Cure, the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information, and Cancer Commons to provide support, education, and improved care for brain tumor patients. Provides Nurse Navigator service for patient and caregiver assistance.
• NovocureflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational presenting sponsor. Novocure is an oncology company pioneering Tumor Treating Fields therapy for solid tumors. Has local presence at each 5K event.
• Servier PharmaceuticalsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational presenting sponsor. Global pharmaceutical company committed to advancing innovative therapies including VORANIGO (vorasidenib) for Grade 2 IDH-mutant gliomas.
• Jazz PharmaceuticalsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational presenting sponsor. Develops life-changing medicines for people with rare diseases including MODEYSO for diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27M mutation.
• Telix PharmaceuticalsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational presenting sponsor. Brain cancer program comprises TLX101 therapy and TLX101-CDx PET imaging agent for gliomas.
• Fore BioflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational presenting sponsor.
• Get RealflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational presenting sponsor. Harry Campbell and family walk in honor of Kris Campbell. Donates speaking fees from Get Real Leadership book to Head for the Cure.
• Weather2020flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational presenting sponsor.
• VMLY&RflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational presenting sponsor and long-standing partner since HFTC inception. Designed website, event collateral, and program documents.
• Project MFGflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational presenting sponsor. Travels alongside Head for the Cure to 5K events showcasing mobile manufacturing Go experience.
• Musella FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Brain Cancer Support and Solutions Alliance collaboration for patient support and research.
• Cancer CommonscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Brain Cancer Support and Solutions Alliance providing Nurse Navigator and patient support services.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• American Cancer Society: Large incumbent cancer nonprofit running nationwide fundraising events (Relay For Life, Making Strides). Much broader than brain cancer but competes for donor dollars and event participants in the same 20+ cities.
• Stand Up To Cancer: Large, media-driven cancer research fundraising collaborative. Comparable in funding cancer research through high-profile partnerships and corporate sponsors, but operates at a much larger scale.
• Livestrong Foundation: Established cancer survivor nonprofit with event-driven fundraising and patient resources. Comparable community-driven fundraising model, though broader in scope than HFTC's brain cancer focus.
• V Foundation for Cancer Research: Major cancer research grantmaking foundation funding all cancer types. Comparable grantmaking mission and high-profile sponsor model, though broader in scope than HFTC's brain cancer focus.

Emerging players

• Brain Tumor Network: Smaller brain tumor patient navigation and support nonprofit. Overlapping patient support mission and beneficiary focus with Head for the Cure's Path to Hope and Nurse Navigator programs.
• National Pediatric Cancer Foundation: Disease-specific pediatric cancer nonprofit operating event-driven fundraising and research grants. Comparable 5K-style event revenue model and beneficiary structure with multiple research institutions.

Direct peers

• National Brain Tumor Society: The largest US nonprofit exclusively focused on brain tumors, funding research and advocating for patients. Directly comparable to Head for the Cure in mission, fundraising model, and beneficiary mix.
• Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information: Brain tumor-focused nonprofit and coalition partner of Head for the Cure through the BCSSA alliance. Operates a virtual trials database and direct patient support services, similar to HFTC's Path to Hope.
• Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2): Brain cancer research-focused nonprofit funding translational research and clinical trials. Comparable disease-specific mission and grant-making approach to Head for the Cure.
• Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN): Disease-specific cancer nonprofit using signature events, research grants, and patient support services. Highly analogous to HFTC's three-pillar model of awareness, fundraising, and patient support for a single cancer type.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/headforthecure
• Facebookfacebook.com/headforthecure
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/head-for-the-cure-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/headforthecure

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Head For The Cure