It has been just 15 years since The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by ESPN and Jim Valvano. And what significant work has been accomplished during that time! Since 1993, The V Foundation has raised more than $90 million and awarded cancer research grants in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Researchers have developed their laboratories and taken their science from the labs to the clinics with the help of funds raised by The V Foundation. 

The V Foundation started with the dream of Jim Valvano, the passionate and committed former NC State basketball coach and award-winning broadcaster, as he battled cancer. Wanting to see the battle through to victory, Valvano recruited friends and family to lead The V Foundation in his quest to eradicate the disease that ultimately claimed his life. With a dire need for early developmental, critical-stage grant support, the Foundation was formed to assist the brilliant young researchers that will eventually find cures for cancer. 

A relatively young organization, The V Foundation has a strong presence in the scientific community that belies its youth. The Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of some of the top physicians and research scientists from prominent universities and cancer centers nationwide, assures that only the cancer research projects with the most potential are funded. Thus, grant recipients funded by The V Foundation have excellent reputations within the scientific community. 

The V Foundation has an excellent track record for finding and funding elite young scientists. Between 1994 -- when the first V Scholar grants were awarded -- and 2003, The V Foundation awarded 109 V Scholar grants to promising young researchers nationwide to help them establish their laboratories. Of those V Scholars, 93 percent have received additional funding and are still working in independent labs. An additional five percent are currently working in related research. 

The V Foundation also takes great pride in its fiscal responsibility and is proud to announce that it gives 100 percent of all new direct cash donations and net event proceeds to cancer research and related programs. Recognized for its prudent fiscal management, The V Foundation has earned a top four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity evaluator, for a seventh consecutive rating. Receiving a top rating from Charity Navigator indicates that The V Foundation has outperformed most of its peers in its efforts to manage and grow its finances. 

Passion, friendship and commitment. These themes run deep in The V Foundation. We ask you to join us. Make a donation. Get involved. Call (919)380-9505 or 1-800-4JimmyV to join the cause.

The V Foundation awards 100 percent of all new direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs.