Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research

What Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research does

The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1997 by Agi Hirshberg in memory of her husband Ronald Hirshberg, who died of pancreatic cancer six weeks prior to the foundation's founding. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California with a 14-employee operating team, it is the first U.S. nonprofit dedicated exclusively to pancreatic cancer and operates five mission pillars covering research, patient aid, awareness, and education. Its core products are organized around three grant programs (Seed Grant, Catalyst Grant, and the newly launched PNET Pathway Grant) and a portfolio of patient-facing services including financial aid delivered via CancerCare, support groups, webinars, the annual Symposium on Pancreatic Cancer, and sponsorship of the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Pancreatic Cancer. The foundation's research outputs are concentrated through a deep partnership with UCLA's Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases, which now houses three dedicated laboratories (Translational, Basic Research, Sahin-Toth Laboratory) and 52 active clinical trials.

Underlying infrastructure is institutional rather than technology-based: the foundation funds and coordinates a translational research pipeline that has produced 120+ Seed Grant projects, catalyzed over $4 million in follow-on NCI funding at UCLA, and contributed to research advances in immunotherapy, KRAS-targeted cancer vaccines, adenosine-based treatments, and AI-assisted early diagnostics. Its distribution architecture is multi-modal — combining signature events (LA Cancer Challenge 5K, Tour de Pier stationary cycling), event-day fundraising pages, an online awareness merchandise store, vehicle donations, donor-advised funds, planned giving/bequests, corporate matching gift programs, and Kroger/Ralphs Community Rewards. Patient services are delivered via partnerships (CancerCare, Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, American Cancer Society, Cancer Support Community, WeSPARK, Pancreatic Cancer Connections, Triage Cancer), and digital channels (pancreatic.org, e-newsletter, YouTube, Facebook) handle awareness, education, and donor acquisition.

The revenue model is donation- and philanthropy-driven: the foundation receives individual one-time and recurring monthly donations, tribute gifts, event registration and sponsorship fees, planned-giving bequests, vehicle donation proceeds, corporate matching gifts, and minor e-commerce sales from purple awareness merchandise. Donations are accepted via website, mail, phone, and in-person events. As a non-taxable entity (Federal Tax ID 95-4640311), the foundation reports impact through program outcomes rather than revenue — key reported indicators include $32M+ cumulative funds raised, 120+ Seed Grant projects supported, a 13% five-year patient survival rate (up from prior years), 61 low-income patients financially supported in H2 2025, and a Charity Navigator 4-star rating. Customer concentration is by definition distributed, with primary served populations being pancreatic cancer patients, family/caregivers, early-career researchers, and the broader donor community across all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.

Name

Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Legal name

Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Website

https://pancreatic.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1997 in Los Angeles that funds pancreatic cancer research grants (Seed, Catalyst, PNET Pathway) and delivers patient support services, financial aid, and education to patients, caregivers, and researchers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Cancer Research Foundation

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

akta.pro primary industry

Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)

Keywords

• Pancreatic cancer research
• Cancer research grants
• Patient support services
• Nonprofit fundraising events
• Cancer financial assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting pancreatic cancer research and patient programs. Donations can be made online, by mail, or by phone.
2. Event Fundraising: Revenue from signature events including the LA Cancer Challenge and Tour de Pier. These events combine awareness raising with fundraising from participants and sponsors.
3. Monthly Giving Program: Recurring monthly donations from committed supporters who contribute a set amount each month.
4. Planned Giving: Bequests, trusts, and other planned giving arrangements that provide long-term financial support.
5. Online Store: Sale of purple awareness merchandise including apparel, gifts, and accessories through the shop.pancreatic.org online store.
6. Vehicle Donations: Car donation program where supporters can donate vehicles, which are then sold with proceeds going to the foundation.
7. Corporate Matching Gifts: Corporate matching gift programs where employers match employee donations to amplify individual contributions.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds pancreatic cancer research through Seed Grant, Catalyst Grant, and PNET Pathway Grant programs while delivering direct patient support services, including financial aid delivered through a partnership with CancerCare, educational resources, and community programs for patients, families, and caregivers.

Product overview

The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a nonprofit organization established in 1997 that operates as a unified platform combining research funding, patient support, and awareness programs. The foundation's core offerings include three grant programs (Seed Grant, Catalyst Grant, and PNET Pathway Grant) funding pancreatic cancer research at UCLA and institutions worldwide, paired with direct patient services including financial aid, webinars, support groups, and educational resources. Signature fundraising events (LA Cancer Challenge and Tour de Pier) drive community engagement while the annual Symposium provides patient education. The foundation also sponsors the NCCN Guidelines for Patients as a key patient education resource.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Seed Grant Program A foundation research grant program providing funding to support early-stage and pilot pancreatic cancer research projects. Targeted at academic and clinical researchers pursuing innovative pancreatic cancer studies.
• Catalyst Grant Program A foundation research grant program that provides funding to advance pancreatic cancer research, supporting projects that aim to accelerate progress in understanding and treating the disease. Intended for qualifying pancreatic cancer researchers and institutions.
• PNET Pathway Grant Program A specialized foundation research grant program focused on pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET), funding research specific to this pancreatic cancer subtype. Targeted at researchers studying PNET biology and treatments.
• Patient Support Services A set of foundation services that provide educational information, resources, and support to pancreatic cancer patients, families, and caregivers throughout diagnosis and treatment.
• Financial Aid Program A foundation financial assistance offering that provides treatment-related financial aid to pancreatic cancer patients, delivered in partnership with CancerCare. Targeted at patients experiencing financial hardship during treatment.
• LA Cancer Challenge An annual foundation fundraising event supporting the Hirshberg Foundation's pancreatic cancer research and patient support programs. Open to individual participants, teams, and corporate sponsors in the Los Angeles area and broader community.
• Tour de Pier A foundation fundraising event, structured as a charity cycling event, that raises funds for the Hirshberg Foundation's pancreatic cancer programs. Open to individual cyclists, teams, and sponsors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer has reached 13%, with consecutive annual increases since 2021
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered secondary, minor and core.

• Triage CancersecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partnership to provide free caregiver support programs in California, including educational webinars, legal and financial navigation, and practical guides addressing insurance, employment rights, and estate planning for cancer caregivers.
• California Dialogue on CancerminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Partner in California's comprehensive cancer control coalition, collaborating on the free caregiver support program launched with Triage Cancer.
• CancerCare, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1998Since 1998, the foundation has funded a grant through CancerCare to provide financial support for pancreatic cancer patients. The partnership offers limited financial assistance for transportation, treatment costs, home care, pain medication, and childcare. Patients apply through CancerCare's Hirshberg Pancreatic Program by calling (800) 813-4673. CancerCare also provides counseling, case management, support groups, and educational workshops.
• UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation maintains a deep partnership with UCLA Health, hosting the Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases. The center houses 52 active clinical trials and is led by researchers including Dr. Timothy Donahue, Dr. Zev Wainberg, and Dr. Caius Radu. UCLA researchers have received $4 million from NCI as a result of foundation-funded work.
• Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative OncologysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing psychosocial and integrative oncology support services to pancreatic cancer patients. Dr. Timothy Donahue noted UCLA 'does a really good job of understanding all the elements of a cancer diagnosis, integrating psycho-social and even spiritual support.'
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation sponsors the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Pancreatic Cancer, providing free access to clinical trials, care options, treatment protocols, and advice for discussing treatment with doctors. Available digitally or through Amazon.
• American Pancreatic Association (APA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership supporting the APA's annual meetings and research community. The foundation sponsors symposiums on emerging topics like AI in pancreatic cancer diagnostics and awards the Best Abstract in Pancreatic Cancer Award.
• American Cancer SocietyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReferral partnership for patient support services. The foundation lists American Cancer Society as a resource for free support programs and services for cancer patients and their loved ones.
• Cancer Support CommunityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReferral partnership offering toll-free helpline, live web chat with licensed counselors, and MyLifeLine private support webpages for cancer patients and families.
• WeSPARKminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReferral partnership for free support groups including caregiver groups, singles support, in-treatment and post-treatment groups, plus supplemental programs like acupuncture and tai chi.
• Pancreatic Cancer Connections (Inspire)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline social community providing a safe space for pancreatic cancer patients and loved ones to share experiences and support one another.
• Kroger CompanysecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Rewards Program partnership allowing shoppers at Kroger-affiliated stores (including Ralphs, Food4Less, Fred Meyer, King Soopers) to designate the Hirshberg Foundation as their charity of choice. A portion of eligible purchases is donated at no cost to shoppers.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• American Cancer Society: Largest US cancer nonprofit funding research, patient support, and advocacy across all cancer types. Comparable in patient-support services and broad fundraising infrastructure, but operates at vastly larger scale and broader scope than Hirshberg.

Emerging players

• Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research: Mid-sized nonprofit focused on childhood cancer research funding with strong peer-to-peer fundraising events. Comparable in event-driven fundraising model and seed-grant style research funding, but different disease focus.

Direct peers

• Project Purple: Smaller, emerging nonprofit focused on pancreatic cancer awareness, patient financial aid, and research funding. Comparable in its single-disease focus and event-driven fundraising, but smaller in scale.
• Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN): Leading pancreatic cancer advocacy and patient services organization that funds research and provides patient support. Closest direct peer given its shared focus on pancreatic cancer research, patient services, and nationwide fundraising events.
• V Foundation for Cancer Research: Major cancer research grantmaking nonprofit funding translational and clinical research across cancer types. Comparable in research grantmaking model and donor-driven structure, though broader than pancreatic-only focus.
• National Foundation for Cancer Research: Long-established cancer research nonprofit funding basic, translational, and clinical cancer research. Comparable as a multi-program research grantmaking foundation serving cancer patients and donors nationwide.
• Lustgarten Foundation: Largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research in the US, also focused exclusively on pancreatic cancer research and patient support. Directly comparable in mission, funding mechanism, and target donor/patient community to the Hirshberg Foundation.
• Cancer Research Institute: Nonprofit dedicated to funding immunology and immuno-oncology research, including pancreatic cancer immunotherapy trials. Comparable as a research-grantmaking foundation with overlapping scientific themes (KRAS, immunotherapy).
• National Pancreas Foundation: Nonprofit dedicated to pancreatic diseases (cancer and other conditions) with patient support and research funding programs. Comparable in patient-support orientation and research grantmaking, though broader in disease scope than Hirshberg.

Others

• Susan G. Komen (for the Cure): Large single-disease cancer nonprofit (breast cancer) with research funding, patient support, and signature events. Adjacent comparable illustrating the single-disease fundraising model that Hirshberg operates in pancreatic cancer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCvqS5PmkiLSxrELKSC75u0g
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hirshberg-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research