{{Short description|United States nonprofit organization}} {{Infobox organization | name = V Foundation | logo = Vfoundation-full-logo-colour.svg | formation = {{start date and age|1993}} | founder = Jim Valvano | founding_location = North Carolina | type = Nonprofit organization | status = 501(c)(3) | headquarters = Cary, North Carolina <br/> United States | revenue = $62.4M | revenue_year = 2024 | expenses = $51.9M | expenses_year = 2024 | website = {{URL|v.org}} }} '''The V Foundation for Cancer Research''' is a United States nonprofit organization that provides financial support for cancer research. It was founded in 1993 by Jim Valvano, a college basketball coach and ESPN broadcaster, with the aim of advancing cancer research that may lead to improvements in treatment and outcomes. Announced during Valvano's speech at the inaugural ESPY Awards, the foundation's motto is "Don't Give Up... Don't Ever Give Up!"
Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, the foundation provides funding to early-stage researchers and established institutions across the United States. It raises funds through partnerships, donations, and events, including ESPN's annual ''V Week'' and collaborations with corporations, sports organizations, and philanthropic groups. The V Foundation distributes research grants through a peer-reviewed process led by a Scientific Review Committee, which includes experts in oncology and related fields. In addition to general cancer research, the foundation has launched initiatives focused on addressing disparities in cancer research funding.
== History and founding == [[File:NC State basketball 1985-86 card front (cropped).jpg|right|thumb|Jim Valvano coaching NC State circa 1985]] In January 1993, ESPN executives Steve Bornstein and John Lack met with Jim and Pam Valvano, offering ESPN's support in creating a foundation for cancer research.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Valvano |first=Nick |date=1999 |title=The V Foundation for Cancer Research |journal=Neoplasia (New York, N.Y.) |language=en |volume=1 |issue=6 |pages=568–569 |doi=10.1038/sj.neo.7900067 |pmc=1508125 }}</ref> Jim, who had been diagnosed with terminal metastatic adenocarcinoma on June 15, 1992, developed the initial plan on a yellow pad.<ref name=":0" /> On March 4, 1993, at ESPN's first ESPY Awards, Valvano announced the foundation's launch while receiving the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-03 |title=V Week 2024: Donate now to support the V Foundation and fight cancer |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/42754865/donate-v-foundation-giving-tuesday |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> He declared its motto: "Don't Give Up... Don't Ever Give Up!" He died on April 28, 1993.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=About Our Cancer Research Foundation |url=https://www.v.org/about-us/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=V Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wojciechowski |first=Gene |date=1993-04-29 |title=Valvano Dies After Cancer Fight : College basketball: Former North Carolina State coach battled illness for last year. He was 47. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-04-29-sp-29011-story.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Organization == Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, the foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. John Saunders was a founding board member of the V Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=John Saunders for Pediatric Cancer Research |url=https://www.v.org/research-overview/special-funds/john-saunders/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=V Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> Other notable people involved in the V Foundation have been Dick Vitale,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casey |first=Tim |title=Battling Cancer, Dick Vitale Continues To Raise Millions And Eyes Return To Broadcasting |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/timcasey/2024/12/09/battling-cancer-dick-vitale-continues-to-raise-millions-and-eyes-return-to-broadcasting/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> Mike Krzyzewski,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Marks |first1=Brendan |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Coach K's second act: raising funds, speaking gigs, Duke games on TV |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4233953/2023/02/21/mike-krzyzewski-duke-basketball-retirement-life/ |work=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref> Trey Wingo,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The V Team | the V Foundation for Cancer Research |url=http://www.jimmyv.org/vteam/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105161611/http://www.jimmyv.org/vteam/ |archive-date=2016-11-05 |access-date=2016-11-05}}</ref> Dereck Whittenburg, and others. The foundation is a 501(c)(3).<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2013-05-09 |title=The V Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer |url=https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/133705951 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=ProPublica |language=en}}</ref>
=== CEOs === Valvano's brother, Nicholas, served as CEO from 1999 until 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-03 |title=V Foundation: Nick Valvano steps down |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8230021/nick-valvano-steps-v-foundation-ceo |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Susan Braun served in the role until 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-14 |title=Interview: Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation |url=https://www.961bbb.com/2019/03/14/interview-susan-braun-ceo-of-the-v-foundation/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=96.1 BBB |language=en-US}}</ref> Shane Jacobson served in the role until August 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=V Foundation CEO and Iowa State alum shares insight on cancer research investments - News Service |url=https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/v-foundation-ceo-and-iowa-state-alum-shares-insight-cancer-research-investments-0 |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=www.news.iastate.edu |language=en}}</ref> Clark Kinlin is currently the Interim CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=V Foundation for Cancer Research Appoints Clark Kinlin Interim CEO as Shane Jacobson Joins American Cancer Society |url=https://www.v.org/story/v-foundation-appoints-clark-kinlin-interim-ceo/ |access-date=2025-10-28 |website=V Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> Valvano's daughter has been involved in the foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In Depth: Jamie Valvano |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/triangle-sandhills/in-depth-interview/2016/02/12/in-depth--jamie-valvano |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=spectrumlocalnews.com |language=en}}</ref>
=== Scientific Review Committee === Notable past members of the foundation's scientific review committee include: Edison Liu, Karen H. Antman, Robert C. Bast, Jr., Gerold Bepler, and Ronald Levy.<ref name=":0" /> Others include Nancy Davidson, Carlos Arteaga, Olivera Finn, Susan Hilsenbeck, and Michael B. Kastan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scientific Advisory Committee Archives |url=https://www.v.org/team/scientific-advisory-committee/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=V Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Research grants == The foundation funds cancer research by awarding research grants to selected researchers,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Cancer Research Grants |url=https://www.v.org/research-overview/our-research-grants/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=V Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> known as V Scholars, through a review process by its Scientific Review Committee. The foundation has also funded cancer research facilities.<ref name=":0" />
=== Recipients === In 2024, two University of Texas at San Antonio Health scientists received V Foundation grants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Steven |date=2024-12-02 |title=Two UT Health San Antonio scientists awarded V Foundation grants to advance innovative cancer research |url=https://news.uthscsa.edu/two-ut-health-san-antonio-scientists-awarded-v-foundation-grants-to-advance-innovative-cancer-research-2/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=UT Health San Antonio |language=en-US}}</ref> A V Foundation grant went toward supporting childhood cancer research at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Varine |first=Patrick |date=2021-02-11 |title=V Foundation grant goes toward children's cancer research at UPMC Children's |url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=HRCA&sw=w&issn=&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA651391097&sid=googleScholar&linkaccess=abs&userGroupName=anon~12524068&aty=open-web-entry |journal=The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Pittsburgh, PA) |language=English}}</ref> Two researchers at the Wistar Institute received grants in 2025.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2025 |title=Shop Talk |url=https://journals.lww.com/oncology-times/fulltext/2025/01000/shop_talk.30.aspx |journal=Oncology Times |language=en-US |volume=47 |issue=1 |pages=40–41 |doi=10.1097/01.COT.0001097320.21810.5d |issn=0276-2234|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
In 2025, the foundation awarded an $800,000 grant to Kristy Brown, Ph.D., at the University of Kansas Cancer Center to study how obesity contributes to breast cancer risk and whether lifestyle changes like exercise and weight loss can prevent it by improving mitochondrial function.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KU Cancer Center awarded V Foundation grant to study obesity and breast cancer prevention |url=https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/obesity-and-cancer-prevention-grant.html |access-date=2025-08-24 |website=www.kumc.edu |language=en-us}}</ref> Salk Institute for Biological Studies Professor Diana Hargreaves received a $1 million V Foundation All-Star Translational Award to advance pancreatic cancer immunotherapy research, building on her prior work identifying SWI/SNF mutations as key to improving treatment efficacy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Salk Professor Diana Hargreaves earns V Foundation award for pancreatic cancer research |url=https://www.salk.edu/news-release/salk-professor-diana-hargreaves-earns-v-foundation-award-for-pancreatic-cancer-research/ |access-date=2025-08-24 |website=Salk Institute for Biological Studies |language=en}}</ref> Andrea Kasinski, deputy director of the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, was awarded an $800,000 V Foundation Translational Grant to develop targeted microRNA-based therapies for cancer, advancing innovative treatments toward clinical application.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-15 |title=Kasinski awarded V Foundation Translational Grant to advance first-in-class targeted RNA therapies |url=https://www.purdue.edu/research/features/stories/kasinski-awarded-v-foundation-translational-grant-to-advance-first-in-class-targeted-rna-therapies/ |access-date=2025-08-24 |website=Research at Purdue |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Gender disparity grants === In 2024, The V Foundation selected 15 scientists nationwide for funding through its "A Grant of Her Own: The Women Scientists Innovation Award for Cancer Research" program, aimed at addressing gender disparities in cancer research.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-03 |title=Eyler to Receive V Foundation Women Scientists Grant |url=https://medschool.duke.edu/news/eyler-receive-v-foundation-women-scientists-grant |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=Duke University School of Medicine |language=en}}</ref>
== Fundraising ==
=== Initiatives and events === The foundation conducts fundraising through a variety of initiatives and events, such as "Run For Team V" and "Fundraise for the V." Bristol Myers Squibb employees and others have participated in the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride to raise funds for the foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=West |first=Cycling |date=2021-10-24 |title=Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Riders Raise Over $1.67 Million for Cancer Research |url=https://www.cyclingwest.com/community/coast-2-coast-4-cancer-riders-raise-over-1-67-million-for-cancer-research/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Cycling West - Cycling Utah |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Petrosky |first=Ava |title=Villanova Alum Raises Nearly 225k for Cancer Research |url=https://villanovan.com/28408/news/villanova-alum-raises-120k-for-cancer-research/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=The Villanovan}}</ref> They host an annual wine celebration.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-04 |title=Former ESPN president honored with Jimmy V Spirit Award at cancer fundraising event in Napa |url=https://abc7news.com/post/jim-valvano-former-espn-president-george-bodenheimer-honored-jimmy-spirit-award-napa-cancer-fundraising-event/15143367/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=ABC7 San Francisco |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=STAFF |first=REGISTER |date=2025-08-07 |title=V Foundation raises $12.3 million during Napa Valley fundraiser |url=https://napavalleyregister.com/news/v-foundation-napa-cancer-research-fundraiser/article_31c43425-ca9c-4d13-bcc6-e9c7d8dee531.html |access-date=2025-08-24 |website=The Napa Valley Register |language=en}}</ref> The foundation hosts an annual Boo-Yah! event to honor the legacy of Stuart Scott.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-12 |title=V Foundation's 4th annual Boo-Yah! event honors legacy of ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott |url=https://abc7ny.com/post/foundations-4th-annual-boo-yah-event-nyc-honors-legacy-espn-sportscaster-stuart-scott/15643899/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Boo-Yah event in honor of Stuart Scott recognizes researcher fighting racial disparities in cancer |url=https://abc11.com/post/stuart-scott-legacy-foundation-put-boo-yah-event-honoring-late-espn-anchor-killed-cancer/15591060/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham |language=en}}</ref> The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has collaborated with ESPN to fundraise.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-02 |title=UFC Fight Like Hell Night: Donate now to the V Foundation |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28153329/ufc-fight-hell-night-celebrates-stuart-scott |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
Dick Vitale hosts an annual event to raise money and awareness for Childhood cancer.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last=Knight |first=Joey |date=May 17, 2014 |title=Dick Vitale holds annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/basketball/college/dick-vitale-holds-annual-fundraiser-for-pediatric-cancer/2180291/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714222743/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/basketball/college/dick-vitale-holds-annual-fundraiser-for-pediatric-cancer/2180291 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=July 30, 2014 |work=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref> In 2025, the 20th annual Vitale Gala raised $12.5 million for the foundation, surpassing $100 million in total grants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Soltys |first=Mike |date=2025-05-05 |title=Vitale Gala helps raise $12.5M for V Foundation |url=https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2025/05/vitale-gala-helps-raise-12-5m-for-v-foundation/ |access-date=2025-08-24 |website=ESPN Front Row |language=en-US}}</ref>
Each year, the Dribble for Victory Over Cancer event, hosted by UNC Athletics in partnership with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and the V Foundation, raises funds for pediatric cancer research at UNC Children's Research Institute.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dribble For Victory Over Cancer Set For September 14 |url=https://goheels.com/news/2025/8/18/student-athlete-development-dribble-for-victory-over-cancer-set-for-september-14 |access-date=2025-08-24 |website=University of North Carolina Athletics |language=en}}</ref>
==== Jimmy V Classic ==== The Jimmy V Classic is an annual basketball game organized by ESPN Events to raise money for the V Foundation and awareness for cancer research.
=== Corporate and media support === ESPN has supported the V Foundation through initiatives like the Tournament Challenge Marathon, a 24- to 25-hour programming event promoting bracketology during NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament while raising awareness and funds for cancer research.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-03-06 |title=ESPN's 24-hour bracket marathon features ties to Las Vegas, V Foundation |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/news/espn-bracket-marathon-march-madness-las-vegas-v-foundation/1x6xtheo4a6lv1v6xpkel8vy66 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502051538/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/news/espn-bracket-marathon-march-madness-las-vegas-v-foundation/1x6xtheo4a6lv1v6xpkel8vy66 |archive-date=May 2, 2017 |access-date=2018-03-14 |work=Sporting News}}</ref>
In March 2016, WWE partnered with The V Foundation.<ref name="AP">{{cite web |date=March 14, 2016 |title=WWE forms tag team with V Foundation for cancer awareness |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/4592953ea32944baa05d808a899e98d2/wwe-forms-tag-team-v-foundation-cancer-awareness |access-date=March 20, 2016 |publisher=Associated Press |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322143511/http://www.bigstory.ap.org/article/4592953ea32944baa05d808a899e98d2/wwe-forms-tag-team-v-foundation-cancer-awareness |url-status=dead }}</ref> Corporations, including Hooters, have partnered with the foundation to raise money.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hooters Supports the Fight Against Breast Cancer by Raising $605,112 for the V Foundation |url=https://www.hooters.com/about/news/hooters-supports-the-fight-against-breast-cancer-by-raising-605112-for-the-v-foundation |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=Hooters |language=en}}</ref>
=== Public figures, athletes, and others === It has received support from public figures and sports professionals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-02 |title=Tennessee Volunteers Basketball Players Use NIL Money to Donate to V Foundation |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/name-image-likeness/nil-news/tennessee-volunteers-basketball-players-use-nil-money-donate-v-foundation |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=NIL Daily On SI |language=en-US}}</ref> NHL captain Alex Ovechkin launched the "GR8 Chase for Victory Over Cancer" campaign, which ties his goal-scoring achievements to monetary donations for pediatric cancer research.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-05 |title=Ovechkin launches 'The GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer' {{!}} NHL.com |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-launches-the-gr8-chase-for-victory-over-cancer |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=www.nhl.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-05 |title=Ovechkin aiding cancer research with each goal |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44111720/capitals-alex-ovechkin-aid-cancer-research-goal |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> ESPN holds an annual V Week and has helped raise millions of dollars for the foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manzo |first=John R. |date=2024-12-03 |title=ESPN & The V Foundation Announce 18th Annual V Week for Cancer Research |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/12/espn-the-v-foundation-announce-18th-annual-v-week-for-cancer-research/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=ESPN Press Room U.S. |language=en-US}}</ref> In March 2021, Mat Ishbia donated $1 million to foundation.<ref>[https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/sports/2021/03/12/one-time-michigan-state-benchwarmer-donates-1-million-v-foundation-cancer-research/4663688001/ Ex-Michigan State hoops player donates $1 million to V Foundation]</ref> Taylor Swift has donated $100,000.<ref name=":2" />
In 2024, the foundation and the Miami Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) announced a fundraising partnership to support cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, with Serena Williams joining the collaboration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Anki |date=2024-07-22 |title=Serena Williams Announces V Foundation and DCC's Commitment to Sylvester Cancer Research |url=https://news.med.miami.edu/v-foundation-and-dcc-support-sylvester-cancer-research/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=InventUM |language=en-US}}</ref>
In response to 2025 U.S. government funding cuts, Nancy Major, MD, a clinical professor, radiologist, and V Foundation board member, organized a fundraiser in Park City, Utah to support the V Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thatcher |first=Leslie |date=2025-08-12 |title=Park City fundraiser to support The V Foundation's cancer research |url=https://www.kpcw.org/summit-county/2025-08-12/park-city-fundraiser-to-support-the-v-foundations-cancer-research |access-date=2025-08-24 |website=KPCW {{!}} Listen Like a Local |language=en}}</ref>
=== Fraternal and organizational === In 2005, the Orange Krush Foundation presented the Jimmy V Foundation with a check for $50,000. The money represented the one-millionth dollar donated in the Orange Krush Foundation's eight-year existence.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 6, 2005 |title=Orange Krush Donates $50,000 to Jimmy V Foundation |url=http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/120605aab.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140106155424/http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/120605aab.html |archive-date=January 6, 2014 |access-date=5 January 2014 |publisher=University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign}}</ref> In 2006, the fraternity Delta Chi named the V Foundation as its official philanthropic organization.<ref name=":02">{{cite web |title=Delta Chi • V Foundation |url=http://www.jimmyv.org/partners/delta-chi/}}</ref> Delta Chi has raised over one million dollars for the V foundation.<ref name=":02" />
== Awards and recognition == The V Foundation recognizes different people for their courage and roles in cancer research.The foundation recognized Tylee Craft, a college football player, who inspired his football team and community after his diagnosis with cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tylee Craft's Courageous Lung Cancer Journey |url=https://www.v.org/story/tylee-craft-continues-to-inspire-amid-battle/ |access-date=October 13, 2024 |website=V Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> André Hoelz was awarded the Albert Wyrick V Scholar Award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=André Hoelz, Ph.D. |url=https://www.v.org/grants/andre-hoelz-ph-d/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=V Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Jimmy V Award === The Jimmy V Award trophy, designed by sculptor Lawrence Nowlan,<ref name="bmta">{{cite news |last=Avard |first=Christian |date=August 2, 2013 |title=Sculptor commissioned to complete Joe Frazier statue has died |url=http://www.timesargus.com/article/20130802/NEWS03/708029923/0/FEATURES10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221231935/http://www.timesargus.com/article/20130802/NEWS03/708029923/0/FEATURES10 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2018 |work=Barre Montpelier Times Argus}}</ref> is presented at the annual ESPY Awards ceremony in Los Angeles by The V Foundation.<ref name="JVAward">{{cite web |title=V Foundation |url=http://www.espn.com/espys/vfoundation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218192208/http://www.espn.com/espys/vfoundation |archive-date=December 18, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2018 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref> == References == <references />
== External links ==
* [https://www.v.org/ Official website]
Category:Cancer charities in the United States Category:Non-profit organizations based in North Carolina Category:Medical and health organizations based in North Carolina Category:1993 establishments in North Carolina Category:Sports charities Category:ESPN Category:Health charities in the United States Category:501(c)(3) organizations