The DONNA Foundation Reports 24% Increase in Families Served During 2021-2022 Fiscal Year

In celebration of GivingTuesday 2022, The DONNA Foundation today released its annual impact report, documenting the Foundation’s work and contributions to the breast cancer community during the 2021-2022 fiscal year (July 2021 through June 2022).

The report reflects a continued increase in requests for assistance received by the Foundation. During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, The DONNA CareLine served 1,891 patients and their families — a 24% increase over the prior year. More than 51% of the patients and families served by the CareLine reported an annual income of less than $24,000 per year.

These metrics demonstrate the link between the continuing financial challenges of living with breast cancer and the current volatility of the economy, including rising interest rates, inflation and the increased cost of basic needs. To address these challenges, The DONNA Foundation delivered $662,165 in financial services including $90,000 in direct financial aid to families in need. In-person programming resumed in 2021, celebrating survivorship, education and awareness, and bringing in much-needed funds to help meet the increased demand.

“Coming back together safely to celebrate survivorship in the 2021-2022 fiscal year was a true honor,” said Amanda Napolitano, Executive Director of The DONNA Foundation. “Looking back at the impact report, we know that the need is higher than ever in our community and across the country. Thankfully, the increased need has been met with the fearless support of our Community and Corporate Partners, Runners, Fundraisers, Volunteers and Donors. The organization is well positioned to continue our efforts as we celebrate our 20th anniversary year.”

Additional highlights from the Annual Impact Report include:

• Top assistance provided:
• Requests for assistance with housing were the most frequently resolved issues, with 611 cases; utility payment relief followed with 483 cases; transportation to treatment rounded out an additional 304 cases. Additional issues included co-pay assistance (225
• cases), food financial assistance (119 cases) and deductible payment support (75 cases). In total, The DONNA Foundation resolved more than 2,644 issues.
  
• Celebrating survivorship, together:
• The DONNA Foundation’s signature race series and awareness events transitioned to a hybrid in-person and virtual approach as the COVID-19 pandemic continued, bringing together people worldwide across the organization’s three signature events, DONNA Marathon
• Weekend, THE PLAYERS DONNA 5K presented by Nimnicht Family of Dealerships and the Black Knight DONNA Mother’s Day 5K. Together, these programs engaged people from 866 cities, all 50 states and eight countries.
• Revenue impacts:
• As The DONNA Foundation transitioned back to in-person events for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the organization balanced the increase in necessary funds and expenditures to operate both in-person and virtual events. The financial health of the organization is
• strong, raising $1,630,940 in total support and revenue this year, an increase of 26% over last year.
  
• Fundraising and services:
• The Foundation successfully provided more than $662,165 in financial services to breast cancer patients and families, including $90,000 in direct financial aid; designated $25,000 to the DONNA Research Program, to launch the inaugural DONNA Breast Cancer Research
• Seed Grant Program; engaged more than 72 community and corporate partners and 125 fundraisers; and secured nearly $400,000 through peer-to-peer fundraising.

The full report is available for review at thedonnafoundation.org/impact-financials/. To support the Foundation’s continued work, visit thedonnafoundation.org/support.