Josie was 5 months old when she was diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare pediatric leukemia without many effective treatment options. Thanks to an ALSF Center of Excellence Grant, Josie could access a brand-new clinical trial offering upfront treatment: a potential cure without long-term side effects.
By: Trish Adkins
As the year ends, many of us are searching for meaningful ways to give back and make an impact. In a year marked by uncertainty, shifting Federal research priorities, and changes in science funding, one thing remains clear: children with cancer cannot wait. Your support is more important than ever.
This year, you can join the movement to fund critical research, support families, and help find safer treatments and cures for childhood cancer through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). Since 2000, ALSF has funded more than 1,500 research grants, fueling breakthroughs and sustaining the momentum of childhood cancer research even when public funding ebbs and flows.
But there is still more work to be done. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children in the United States, and in many parts of the world survival rates can be as low as 30%. With ongoing changes to research budgets, clinical trial resources, and early-career scientist support, private philanthropy plays a critical role in keeping life-saving pediatric cancer research moving forward.
Whether you want to make a direct donation, use tax-smart giving strategies, get involved in fundraising, or make giving part of your holiday traditions, there is an option for everyone. Together, we can help kids with cancer — no matter what the funding landscape brings.
1. Make a Direct Donation
One of the most impactful ways to contribute is by making a financial donation to ALSF. Your gift fuels cutting-edge research, expands access to clinical trials, and provides critical support to families.
ALSF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your contributions are generally tax-deductible if you itemize. To ensure your gift counts for your 2025 tax return, make your online donation or mail your check so it’s received or postmarked by December 31, 2025.
Donate today and make your gift count now!
2. Become a Monthly Donor
Joining the One Cup at a Time Club provides steady, reliable funding for research and family programs. Monthly gifts help sustain the critical research and support that ALSF funds, and they help you build charitable giving into your budget year-round.
Join the One Cup at a Time Club
3. Make a Stock Donation (A Tax-Smart Way to Give)
Donating appreciated securities, such as publicly traded stock or bonds, can be tax-efficient:
- You may avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated value, and
- You may be eligible to deduct the full fair market value of the asset if you itemize (subject to limits).
This strategy can let you give more to ALSF without reducing your cash flow. ALSF has a secure stock transfer form to make the process easy peasy!
4. Give Through Your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
Using a donor-advised fund (DAF) is a powerful way to accelerate your charitable impact while maximizing tax benefits in the year you make the gift.
Current tax rules still apply for 2025, meaning contributions to a DAF this year can be deducted on your 2025 return. Many donors use a DAF to “bunch” multiple years’ worth of giving into one year, potentially exceeding itemized deduction thresholds before significant changes take effect in 2026. Your DAF can help kids with cancer now and into the future!
5. Double (or Triple) Your Impact with Matching Gifts
Many employers offer matching gift programs. This means your donation could be matched, dollar for dollar, or more, at no extra cost to you.
Ask your HR team or use our company search tool to ensure you get every eligible match.
Learn more about doubling your gift
6. Plan a Lemonade Stand or Fundraising Event
Hosting a fundraising event is a great way to spread holiday cheer and support the cause. Try a winter-friendly hot chocolate stand, host a community event, or plan your 2026 lemonade stand now. When you register, ALSF will send you a stand kit with tips, resources, and supplies.
7. Shop with a Purpose
Turn holiday shopping into meaningful support. ALSF partners with companies that donate a portion of sales to help fund childhood cancer research. From seasonal gift guides to year-round partner products, there’s something for everyone.
8. Say Goodbye to Your Unwanted Vehicle
Through Cars That Cure, you can donate nearly any vehicle — cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, and more. Complete your donation by December 31 to count as a 2025 charitable contribution. Pick-up is included at no cost to you.
Give Now and Make a Lasting Impact
Your gift helps fund groundbreaking research, expands access to clinical trials, and supports families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. Every year, thousands of children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Your support brings us closer to safer, more effective treatments for all kids.
Donate today and help children right now,
