Susan G. Komen For The Cure: A Case Study

Susan G. Komen (SGK) is one of the most influential non-profit organizations in terms of its effort in championing their cause. We have been given the task to help rebuild their image, and offer our recommendations on how to regain public trust and support. After the defunding of Planned Parenthood (PP) and its mismanagement of dissemination of information and response, the question that strikes us was why Planned Parenthood responded to the news and actions of SGK negatively. Despite the fact that it is true, that PP was under federal investigation for mismanagement of funds.

Based on the knowledge we gain from analyzing scholarly article, video recommendations and records of communication between SGK, PP and the public, our group propose

Komen for the Cure, originally called the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, was founded thirty years ago in Dallas, Texas, by Nancy Goodman Brinker and began as a promise that Brinker made to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, Brinker’s promise was fulfilled in the creation of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, now considered the “world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists” and a part of every major advancement in fighting the disease. The goal of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all, and energize science to find the cure for breast

Komen for the Cure has invested $1.9 billion towards breast cancer research, health services, advocacy and support. The organization has several staple fundraising events, such as the Race for the Cure and also functions on contributions from individual donors, partners, sponsors and supporters and has grown into the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to fighting breast cancer in the world. Komen has 121 affiliates that are mainly located in the United States and each affiliate stages a Race for the Cure, one of the organization’s biggest revenue generators. Komen utilizes a franchise-like model for its affiliates, in which they operate as independently incorporated nonprofits but abide by the national group’s policies. Affiliates funnel 25 percent of their net income to the national Komen organization, which uses that money to finance scientific research grants. The affiliates can then spend up to 75 percent of their net income on local programs of their choosing, like breast cancer screenings. In 2010, Susan G. Komen for the Cure spent about $141 million on public health education, including awareness campaigns, as well as around $75 million to finance medical research aimed at finding a cure and $67 million to fund breast cancer screening and treatment. Komen has invested $685 million to date in breast cancer research, more than any other