named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Comparative Oncology Grant Awards Program
Funds innovative research projects that use naturally occurring cancers in dogs and other animals to advance cancer treatments for both pets and people.
National Cancer Institute – Comparative Melanoma Tumor Board
Sponsored meetings bringing together human and veterinary pathologists to compare mucosal melanomas and assess the dog as a preclinical model.
Scientific Advisory Council
Comprised of leading experts in veterinary and human oncology who design evaluative criteria for grant awards and advise on scientific strategy.
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Biomedical Research and Innovation 1 activity
- Conducting genomic and proteomic research on canine cancersDirectly conducts large-scale genomic and proteomic research through the Canine Cancer Genome Project, including whole genome, exome, transcriptome sequencing, and proteomic analysis of osteosarcoma, B-cell lymphoma, and soft tissue sarcoma in dogs. Has identified novel molecular footprints and driver mutations, with findings made publicly available for broad scientific use.
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Cancer Research Funding 1 activity
- Funding comparative oncology research through grantsAwards one-to-two-year grants to support early-stage, proof-of-concept studies in comparative oncology that benefit pets with cancer and advance human cancer treatment. Funds global research on naturally occurring canine cancers with translational relevance, including clinical trials, omics-based studies, and therapeutic development.
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Humane Education and Responsible Pet Ownership 1 activity
- Providing educational resources and support for pet owners and veterinariansOffers free information and educational materials on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment options, and financial assistance resources for pet owners navigating pet cancer. Also supports veterinarians with science-based content to guide patient care.
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Scientific Conference & Symposium Management 1 activity
- Sponsoring scientific collaboration and research meetingsSupports the advancement of comparative oncology by sponsoring meetings, symposia, and collaborative forums with organizations such as the Veterinary Cancer Society, Tufts Cancer Symposium, and National Academy of Sciences to foster knowledge exchange among researchers and clinicians.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Co-funding and sponsoring the Canine Cancer Genome ProjectProvides initial and ongoing funding for the Canine Cancer Genome Project to conduct genomic and proteomic profiling of common canine cancers (osteosarcoma, B-cell lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma), with data released publicly to advance targeted and personalized cancer treatments for both dogs and humans. Includes support for biospecimen processing, sequencing, and analysis.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$318K
Contributions & grants$261K82%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$57K18%
Other revenue$255
expenses
Total expenses$826K
Program expenses77%
Admin / overhead9%
Fundraising14%
Salaries & benefits$149K
Grants paid out$510K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$360K
Cash$305K
Investments$33K
Liabilities$15K
Net assets$344K
Liquid reserves4.9 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +5.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARBARA COHEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $74K |
board members · 6
- GERALD POST — PRESIDENT
- HAROLD ESPINOZA — TREASURER
- KAREN LABARRE — DIRECTOR
- LONI EDWARDS — DIRECTOR
- RENEE ALSARRAF — SECRETARY
- VICTORIA CARMELLA — DIRECTOR
relationships · 63
Who they work with
- Animal Cancer Foundation Government — Primary organization advancing comparative oncology research and funding
- Animal Medical Center of New York Partner — Dr. Renee Alsarraf currently works at the Animal Medical Center in NYC, contributing professional expertise to ACF's mission.
- Big Y Partner — Participates in the Community Bag Program that supports Animal Cancer Foundation.
- Blue Buffalo Partner — Co-sponsors the Canine Cancer Genome Project with ACF.
- Blue Buffalo Foundation Funder — Initial sponsor of the Canine Cancer Genome Project alongside Animal Cancer Foundation.
- Blue Buffalo Foundation Funder — Provided inaugural $1 million matching gift to sponsor the Canine Cancer Genome Project.
- Blue Buffalo Foundation Funder — Sponsor of the Canine Cancer Genome Project
- Blue Buffalo Foundation Partner — Co-sponsor of the Canine Cancer Genome Project
- CHOP Partner — Collaborates on the Canine Cancer Genome Project
- CHOP Partner — Multi-institutional partner in the Canine Cancer Genome Project
- Chewy Partner — Hosts a Wish List through its platform to support Animal Cancer Foundation’s mission and research.
- Cleveland Clinic Partner — Received ACF grant funding for research on nitrosylcobalamin treatment in canine tumors.
- Colorado State University Partner — Collaborates through Dr. Douglas H. Thamm and Dr. Kristen M. Weishaar, who are affiliated with the Flint Animal Cancer Center and serve on the Scientific Advisory Council.
- Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center Partner — Received ACF grant funding for a phase I evaluation of auranofin in dogs with lymphoma.
- Ethos Discovery Partner — Collaborates on the Canine Cancer Genome Project
- Ethos Discovery Partner — Conducted pathology review of canine cancer biospecimens for the Canine Cancer Genome Project.
- Ethos Discovery Partner — Multi-institutional partner in the Canine Cancer Genome Project
- Ethos Discovery Partner — Multi-institutional partner in the Canine Cancer Genome Project.
- Facebook Partner — Platform used to share pet-related content and information for pet parents.
- Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation Partner — Participated in a joint study on osteosarcoma incidence in Rottweilers.
- Giant Food Partner — Participates in the Community Bag Program that supports Animal Cancer Foundation.
- Gulliver’s Run Partner — Beneficiary of the annual trail race in Gifford Pinchot State Park, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, held in honor of a dog who battled lymphoma.
- Hope Veterinary Specialists Partner — Collaborates through Dr. Craig A. Clifford, who serves as Director of Clinical Studies and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Council.
- Instagram Partner — Platform used to share pet-related content and information for pet parents.
- LinkedIn Partner — Platform used to share pet-related content and information for pet parents.
- Long Island Veterinary Medical Association Partner — Presented the Honoree Organization Award to Animal Cancer Foundation at its 2020 Membership Awards & Scholarship Dinner.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Partner — Dr. Post rotated through Memorial Sloan Kettering during his residency, recognizing similarities between human and animal cancers, forming the foundation for ACF’s research approach.
- Michigan State University Partner — Collaborates through Dr. Matti Kiupel, who serves on the Scientific Advisory Council and is a professor at the university.
- National Academy of Sciences Partner — Organization supported through ACF-sponsored meetings and symposia
- National Cancer Institute – Comparative Oncology Program Government — Co-sponsored a collaborative study on personalized medicine in dogs with cancer.
+ 33 more
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Comparative Oncology Researchmethodology: comparative_oncologyBy studying naturally occurring cancers in dogs, we accelerate the development of effective cancer diagnostics and treatments for both pets and humans, because canine cancers share biological and genetic similarities with human cancers, making them highly predictive preclinical models.
- Cross-Species Pathological Validationmethodology: cross-species pathological comparisonBy comparing pathological features across species, we validate canine cancers as accurate models for specific human cancers (e.g., mucosal melanoma), because shared disease mechanisms increase the translational reliability of treatment findings from dogs to humans.
- Expert-Guided Grantmakingmethodology: expert-guided grantmakingBy using expert scientific advisory input to guide funding decisions, we ensure that grants are directed toward the most innovative and impactful comparative oncology research, because domain-specific expertise improves the quality and relevance of funded projects.