Komen for the Cure - Des Moines Affiliate: Who We Are

Credited as a leading catalyst in the fight against breast cancer, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its Affiliates continue to lead the fight against the disease. Susan G. Komen for the Cure has more than 100,000 volunteers working through a network of 125 cities and communities in the U.S. and a growing number of international Affiliates, making it one of the most progressive grassroots organizations in the nation. Since its inception in 1982, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its Affiliates have raised $1 billion through local, national, and international programs, most notably the successful Komen Race for the Cure® Series.

The mission of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is to empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The Des Moines Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure raises funds to support this mission. Our goal is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. The Des Moines Affiliate service area includes 81 of Iowa's 99 counties.

The majority of the funds we raise come to us through the Komen Des Moines Race for the Cure®, held annually in October. Other sources of revenue include membership, individual and corporate donations, special breast cancer awareness license plates, and memorial or celebration contributions.

At least 25% of net donations to the Des Moines Affiliate are put directly toward breast cancer research through the Komen Grants and Awards Program, one of the nation’s most innovative, responsive grant programs. The Komen Grants and Awards Program is unique in its focus on research projects with potential for high impact that may not be considered by other agencies. Available grants include: postdoctoral fellowships; population-specific grants; basic, clinical, and translational research grants; imaging technology; dissertation research; and honor awards.

The remaining 75% of donations raised by the Des Moines Affiliate stay in our communities. Most of that money is distributed throughout the Des Moines Affiliate's Community Grants Program. These are grants made to local nonprofit organizations to provide educational, screening or treatment support services to the women of our community. Special emphasis is placed on grant applications focusing on breast health education among minority women in culturally appropriate formats, including appropriate literacy level; and projects providing free and/or low cost breast screening services for underserved and uninsured women in their communities.

The Des Moines Affiliate also provides services to raise awareness and provide education about breast cancer and breast health issues.
Volunteers from our speakers bureau are available to speak to clubs,