Golf Fights Cancer

What Golf Fights Cancer does

Golf Fights Cancer (GFC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 and headquartered in Norton, Massachusetts, that mobilizes the golf community to raise funds for cancer-related causes. Since inception, the organization has distributed approximately $16.5M-$17M in grants across more than 90 cancer-related charities spanning pediatric cancer research, adult rare cancers, family financial assistance, respite experiences, and early detection education. Its core programs are event-driven: the signature Golf Marathon (participants play 100 holes of golf in a single day), the Boston Marathon fundraising team, and three invitational tournaments — the Good Guy Invitational (Eastward Ho!, Chatham, MA), the Gator Good Guys Invitational (TPC Sawgrass, FL, in partnership with the University of Florida men's golf team), and Ellie's Good Guys Good Gals Invitational (Jacksonville, FL, hosted by the Kavalieros Family in memory of Ellie Kavalieros). The organization also runs peer-to-peer fundraising programs under Team GFC Heroes and the $100 Grand Club recognition tier.

GFC's operating model depends on event turnout and donor mobilization rather than technology products. Revenue is generated entirely through donations (individual, corporate matching, peer-to-peer, and event registration), accepted via the Qgiv online platform, Classy, Venmo, bank wire, check, and donor-advised funds. The organization employs 7 staff members — Executive Director Cheryl McGuire, Director of Impact & Community Engagement Susan Marshall, and Director of Development Systems Sandy Clinton — and is supported by a Board of Directors including Lisa Kavalieros. It has received a Charity Navigator Four-Star rating and the Candid (GuideStar) Platinum Seal of Transparency, signaling strong governance and financial accountability.

The organization has no proprietary technology stack, APIs, or AI/ML components; its infrastructure is standard nonprofit tooling (donation platforms, email, social media, event registration). Geographically, GFC operates across New England and Florida, with recent vertical expansion into prostate cancer disparities (Boston Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative) and military cancer support (HunterSeven Foundation). Its grant model is diversified across research institutions (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Beat Childhood Cancer), family support nonprofits (Family Reach, Joe Andruzzi Foundation), and experiential programs (Dreams Come True, Vineyard Havens), reducing beneficiary concentration risk.

Name

Golf Fights Cancer

Legal name

Golf Fights Cancer

Website

https://golffightscancer.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Golf Fights Cancer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2004 that mobilizes the golf community through signature fundraising events — including the Golf Marathon, Boston Marathon team, and invitational tournaments — to distribute grants to over 90 cancer-related charities supporting patients, families, and research.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Cancer Fundraising Services

NAICS

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

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cause, Community & CSR-Linked Sports Partnerships (Foundations, Youth Programs) (MPAKALAJ), Sports Community Relations & Grassroots Program Management (MPAKAKAJ)

Keywords

• Cancer fundraising
• Golf charity events
• Peer-to-peer fundraising
• Nonprofit grants
• Marathon fundraising

Headquarters

HQ city

Norton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: GFC raises funds through individual donations, corporate matching gifts, peer-to-peer fundraising by participants in golf marathons and running events, and event registration fees. The organization distributes grants to cancer-related charities and families.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Golf Fights Cancer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that mobilizes the golf community to raise funds for cancer-related causes through signature fundraising events such as the Golf Marathon (100 holes of golf in one day), the Boston Marathon team, and invitational tournaments. The organization channels donations to support research, patient financial assistance, and family support services, and has distributed more than $17 million since 2004 to over 90 cancer-related charities.

Product overview

Golf Fights Cancer is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates a portfolio of fundraising programs centered around the golf community. The core offering consists of multiple event-based fundraising products: the Golf Marathon (where participants play 100 holes in a single day), Boston Marathon team fundraising, the Good Guy Invitational, the Gator Good Guys Invitational (collegiate-focused), and Ellie's Good Guys Good Gals Invitational (pediatric cancer memorial tournament). These events fund a grant program that distributes donations to cancer-related charities. The organization also runs peer-to-peer fundraising through its Team GFC Heroes and $100 Grand Club recognition programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gator Good Guys Invitational: Collegiate golf fundraising event founded by Pete Fox in partnership with the University of Florida men's golf team to inspire philanthropy in the next generation.
• Ellie's Good Guys Good Gals Invitational
• Golf Marathon
• Team GFC
• Boston Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative

Products and services

• Golf Marathon
• Boston Marathon Team
• Good Guy Invitational
• Gator Good Guys Invitational
• Ellie's Good Guys Good Gals Invitational
• Cancer Grant Program
• Team GFC Heroes
• $100 Grand Club

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

56 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Ellie Kavalieros Family / The Kavalieros FamilyflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Since 2011, hosting Ellie's Good Guys Good Gals Invitational golf tournament in memory of Ellie Kavalieros who passed from DIPG at age 11. Proceeds support DIPG research and pediatric cancer causes.
• Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with multiple grant programs including glioblastoma research (Dr. Reardon, Dr. Youssef), DIPG research fund, neuroendocrine tumor research, and pancreatic early detection fund. GFC has invested over $1.1 million in glioblastoma research at DFCI in the past decade.
• Beat Childhood CancerflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor funding for pediatric cancer precision medicine program, Ewing sarcoma research, and clinical trial acceleration. 2025 grant of $320,000 ($220,000 + $100,000) supporting two new clinical trials for Ewing sarcoma.
• Massachusetts General HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding for Joanne Hill Monahan Cancer Fund and palliative care research conducted by the Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program under Dr. Jennifer Temel. Also supports MGH Chelsea cancer patient navigator position.
• Family ReachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood Security Fund providing emergency assistance to highly vulnerable families impacted by cancer; Cancer Equity Initiative breaking down barriers for Black and Hispanic/Latinx patients; disaster relief support.
• University of Florida Health / Gator Golf TeamflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGator Good Guys Invitational partnership with University of Florida men's golf team inspiring philanthropy in collegiate athletes. Over $2 million raised since 2016. Supports DIPG research and dreams for pediatric cancer patients.
• Joe Andruzzi FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial support grants for New England cancer patients and families when needed most, including rent, mortgage, utilities during economic hardship.
• One SummitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgramming helping childhood cancer patients and families build courage, self-confidence, and resilience through experiential learning and mentorship with US Navy SEALs.
• Marisa's MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting families by removing financial barriers and providing emotional support during treatment. Inaugural investment in Oncofertility Grant Program for adolescents and young adults facing cancer.
• Maddie's PromisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding rare childhood cancer research efforts creating tangible, life-saving treatments for pediatric cancer patients.
• Dreams Come TruecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsoring dreams for pediatric cancer patients in Northeast Florida, providing hope and joy through once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 15 dreams sponsored in 2024-2025.
• Runway for RecoveryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLA Emergency Grant Fund for cancer patients impacted by California wildfires; Family Grants Program and Legacy Video Project for women and families facing breast cancer.
• Vineyard HavensminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProviding all-expenses-paid vacations on Martha's Vineyard for families facing cancer, allowing rest, reconnection, and memory creation.
• HunterSeven FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWrap-around support for active and retired military personnel at elevated risk of cancer or currently facing cancer through the Immediate Needs Program.
• DetecTogethercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeaching people how to detect cancer early and be active partners in their healthcare, improving cancer survival rates through early detection education.
• Anna's PalsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting construction of 'first in the nation' beach house in Bourne, MA for families of immunocompromised pediatric cancer patients who recently received bone marrow or stem cell transplants.
• Boston Medical Center / Prostate Health Education NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoston Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative addressing disparities in prostate cancer early detection, treatment access, and survival rates for Black men. Community rallies with free PSA screenings.
• LIVESTRONG at the Hockomock YMCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgramming for cancer survivors and families seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other survivors.
• One MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDoing whatever it takes to give children and families support needed to get through emotional and financial challenges of pediatric cancer.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of JacksonvilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPurchase and customization of handicap-accessible van removing transportation barriers for pediatric cancer families in Jacksonville area.
• The Tom Coughlin Jay FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial Game Plan Program and Emergency Household Assistance Program providing critical financial support to families facing pediatric cancer in Northeast Florida.
• The Donna FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDONNA CareLine serving breast cancer patients across the country at no charge, helping overcome and resolve insurance-related and financial obstacles.
• Red Door CommunityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanding welcoming community of free cancer support, bringing knowledge, hope, and empowerment to anyone impacted by cancer and their families.
• Apryle ShowersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProviding respite getaways for cancer patients in Northeast Florida.
• Mia's MiraclesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily Fund Events Program at Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, FL for pediatric cancer families.
• Fisher House BostonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing cancer-fighting veterans and their families while being treated at Boston hospitals.
• Target Cancer FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvancing development of more effective and personalized treatments for people with rare cancers.
• Cancer Hope NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTACT Program equipping Peer Mentors to guide patients through complex clinical trial decision-making process.
• Inheritance of HopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegacy Video Program providing free professional support for adults facing terminal cancer to create and distribute high-quality videos for loved ones.
• Ellie FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquitable Pathways to Breast Cancer Care Initiative reducing late-stage diagnoses and unnecessary deaths, particularly among women/men of color.
• Rhode Island HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealing Arts and Integrative Therapies Program for Pain Management within Palliative Care Program at RI Hospital Cancer Institute.
• V for VictoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical goods and services at no cost to local families facing pediatric cancer in Northeast Florida.
• Michael Flanagan FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerComforting Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant patients and families to enhance quality of life.
• In The PinkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJacksonville-based nonprofit boutique helping women heal, cope, and survive effects of cancer physically and emotionally.
• Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative CareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity PedsCare providing specialized care and support to children in Northeast and North Central Florida living with cancer.
• Team IMPACTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnecting children with college athletic teams, forming lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes for pediatric cancer patients.
• Let's Win Pancreatic CancerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBreaking down barriers between patients, researchers, and doctors for easy access to current information about latest treatment options for pancreatic cancer. Made in memory of Kevin Giblin.
• Rett's RoostminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeaceful, supportive place for families that have experienced childhood cancer or child loss.
• Mass Eye & EarminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMike Toth Head and Neck Cancer Research Center creating better outcomes for head and neck cancer patients.
• Camp CascominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term support to pediatric cancer survivors and families to help them get back to childhood and thrive after cancer.
• Chad Tough FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne-on-one support for families facing DIPG/DMG in memory of Danny Nickerson.
• Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute (CC-TDI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDIPG research, rhabdomyosarcoma clinical trials, and Ewing sarcoma research. Drug development tools including D300 Drug Printer reducing drug development time.
• Children's Hospital of PittsburghcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPediatric vaccine trial infrastructure for children with newly diagnosed and recurrent brain tumors; DIPG research in memory of Ellie Kavalieros.
• Hole in the Wall Gang CampminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreating fun and friendship for pediatric cancer patients and families; Hospital Outreach Program and Parent's COPE Weekend Program.
• Camp Boggy CreekminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily retreat weekends in Central Florida welcoming families currently facing pediatric cancer diagnosis.
• Camp SunshineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBereavement program providing emotional support for families of children that lost their battle with cancer.
• Angel HairminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-cost wigs to women suffering hair loss due to cancer drugs and/or treatments.
• Lucy's Love BusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegrative treatments alleviating pain and reducing anxiety for children living with cancer; Teen Group Program launch.
• Zero Prostate CancerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZero 360 free comprehensive service helping individuals and families facing prostate cancer navigate insurance, find resources, connect with support.
• Cape Wellness CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWellness Eats program providing six weeks of nutrient-dense, ready-to-eat meals free to cancer patients and caretakers.
• Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquine Encounter Cancer Program increasing access for non-profits serving pediatric and adult cancer patients.
• The Boston HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome away from home for children with cancer and families while receiving care at Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
• NYU Langone HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPalliative Care Program led by Dr. Joseph Lowry maximizing health outcomes, quality of life, and reducing suffering at every stage of treatment.
• Hasbro Children's HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInpatient Pediatric Oncology Renovations Project; pediatric oncology playroom facilitation.
• Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital at MUSCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFull-time child life specialist serving outpatient oncology clinic in memory of Matt Keiser; putting green construction.
• UMASS Memorial HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerImproving early detection, treatment options, and health outcomes for high-risk colorectal cancer individuals through UMMSF Colorectal Cancer Fund.

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• V Foundation for Cancer Research: Sports-driven cancer research funder founded by Jim Valvano. Closely comparable to GFC in leveraging sports community (particularly basketball/coaches) to fund cancer research, with similar peer-to-peer and event fundraising models.
• Pan-Massachusetts Challenge: New England-based athletic fundraising event (cycling) supporting Dana-Farber and other cancer research. Direct comparable to GFC's regional, sport-based fundraising model targeting cancer causes.
• Swim Across America: National open-water and pool swimming charity events funding cancer research. Comparable to GFC in mobilizing amateur athletes across regional events to fund cancer research and patient support.
• Pelotonia: Ohio-based cycling fundraiser for cancer research at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Similar model of an amateur athletic event driving 100% directed funding to cancer research.
• Cycle for Survival: Indoor cycling events funding rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Closely parallels GFC's indoor/community event-driven model targeting specific cancer causes.
• Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research: Pediatric cancer research funder using grassroots events and youth-led fundraising. Overlaps with GFC in pediatric cancer focus and peer-to-peer fundraising tactics.
• Pablove Foundation: Childhood cancer research funder using photography and community events. Shares GFC's model of marrying hobby/passion-based community engagement with cancer fundraising.

Emerging players

• National Pediatric Cancer Foundation: Focused pediatric cancer research nonprofit funding clinical trials and research collaborative. Comparable to GFC's pediatric cancer grant programs (e.g., Beat Childhood Cancer) but operates as a research accelerator rather than sports fundraiser.
• Dick Vitale Gala / Dick Vitale Fund: Annual sports-celebrity gala funding pediatric cancer research (via V Foundation partnership). Comparable to GFC in combining sports culture, golf/basketball community, and cancer research fundraising.

Broad incumbents

• American Cancer Society: Largest U.S. cancer charity operating nationwide with broad program portfolio (research, patient support, prevention). Sets the benchmark for scale and reach that GFC's narrow golf-community model contrasts against.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/golfightscancer
• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLW8mYc6Bii0me6InkR2qRhFlBz8qgeVco
• Facebookfacebook.com/GolfFightsCancer
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/golf-fights-cancer
• Instagraminstagram.com/golffightscancer

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Golf Fights Cancer