Who We Fund

Investing in World-Class Cancer Research Transforms Lives.

Since 1975, the T. J. Martell Foundation has raised more than $280 million to support innovative, early-stage research at leading research facilities.  Over the years, we have emerged as one of the world’s leading sponsors of early-stage innovative research into the treatments and cures for cancer. 

Further, our funded scientists leverage our funds with other larger funding sources, such as the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute.  This has been done successfully by many of our researchers, and we can conservatively estimate that our funding has resulted in approximately $1 billion in additional research funding. 

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is widely viewed as the bellwether of cancer research.  It also is the largest funder of cancer research in the world.¹  Consistent with our stringent review process, the Foundation considers proposals submitted only by researchers affiliated with NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.  These cancer centers are recognized for meeting “rigorous standards for transdisciplinary, state-of-the-art research focused on developing new and better approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer.”² 

By giving to the T.J. Martell Foundation, you're not just supporting one foundation; you're also supporting research at nine cancer treatment centers across the country: