Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation, was established in 1999 by the American Society of Clinical Oncology to accelerate breakthroughs in lifesaving cancer research and empower people everywhere to conquer cancer. Conquer Cancer is a global community of advocates, patients, doctors, researchers, caregivers, and others dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by cancer.

Accelerating breakthroughs in lifesaving research and empowering people everywhere to conquer cancer.

Building a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy.

Conquer Cancer’s mission and vision reflect a deep commitment to a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. With roots tracing back to 1984 through ASCO’s first Young Investigator Award, the foundation has grown into a leading force in global oncology philanthropy. Since then, its Grants & Awards program has awarded more than $203 million through more than 9,800 grants and awards across 96 countries. Conquer Cancer funds research for every cancer, every patient, everywhere. Its funding spans clinical and translational research, with a strong emphasis on underfunded areas such as rare cancers and palliative care. Signature programs like the Young Investigator Award and Career Development Award support early-career physician-scientists and help build the next generation of oncology leaders. In 2021, the foundation launched a bold endowment initiative to secure long-term support for its flagship grants.

To date, Conquer Cancer has raised over $500 million in support of research, education, and quality programs, while offering innovative support like EveryGrant®, a comprehensive grants management service.

The foundation also fosters strategic relationships through initiatives such as the Conquer Cancer Council, that includes stakeholders from for-profit and non-profit organizations to discuss challenges, explore potential solutions, and exchange ideas to improve the quality of care for patients with cancer. Widely recognized for its transparency and impact, the organization has earned top ratings from Charity Navigator and Candid.

Conquer Cancer is a publicly supported charitable organization classified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Conquer Cancer is governed by a Board of 20 members, including a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Conquer Cancer Chief Executive Officer and the President of Conquer Cancer’s affiliate, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, hold non-voting seats on the Conquer Cancer Board of Directors.

Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (the Society) is the world's leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer. The Society’s affiliate Association for Clinical Oncology (the Association) is a leading advocate for cancer research and high-quality cancer care and offers quality improvement and accreditation activities. More than 50,000 oncology professionals are members of the Society and Association (collectively, ASCO).

The Society is supported by its affiliate organization, Conquer Cancer, which funds groundbreaking research and programs that improve the lives of people with cancer and support education and research careers.

Conquering cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality patient care.

A world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy.

ASCO Promotes and Provides For

ASCO’s strategic plan outlines the Society’s approach to leading the delivery of information and diverse expertise needed by the global oncology community to reduce the burden of cancer. The plan also defines goals that will mark progress towards this outcome.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Association for Clinical Oncology’s diverse network of nearly 50,000 oncology professionals reflects our shared dedication to providing the highest-quality resources in education, policy, the pioneering of clinical research, and above all, advancing the care for patients with cancer. We are unique in that our organization encompasses all oncology subspecialties, allowing our members to grow from the professional and personal expertise of their colleagues worldwide and across disciplines. International members make up approximately one-third of our total membership and represent more than 170 countries. We offer a variety of membership categories and benefits designed to fit your career stage and specific needs.

The Society is a charitable, educational, and scientific organization classified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Society is governed by a Board of 20 members, including a President-Elect, President, Chair of the Board, Past President, and 14 Directors. The ASCO Chief Executive Officer and the Chair of Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation Board of Directors have non-voting seats on the Society Board.

The Association is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit tax-exempt oncology professional organization that works to support and educate its global network of members. The Association advocates for increased federal funding for research, greater health care access, value in cancer care, and payment reform. The Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors led by a Chair of the Board who is Past President of ASCO.

ASCO conducts most of its business through various volunteer groups comprised of members who volunteer their time and effort to its programs. Leaders of patient advocacy groups are often active in our volunteer groups as well. There are some 20 standing committees (plus numerous editorial boards, task forces, panels, and working groups) that are managed and supported by ASCO’s full-time staff.

 

As the world’s largest funder of early-career oncology researchers, Conquer Cancer stands at the forefront of global cancer innovation. Rooted in its core values—People, Discovery, and Impact—Conquer Cancer is dedicated to supporting the brightest minds in oncology, accelerating scientific breakthroughs, and driving long-term improvements in cancer care worldwide. Its commitment spans all cancer types and career stages, with a focus on empowering physician-scientists to pursue bold, high-impact research. Strongly integrated with ASCO’s global network, Conquer Cancer leverages unparalleled oncology expertise to advance its mission. Recent initiatives reflect a growing investment in innovative research across diverse cancer types, positioning the organization as a catalyst for transformative change in the field. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will play a vital role in sustaining and expanding this impact by aligning philanthropic strategy with Conquer Cancer’s ambitious vision for the future of cancer care.

The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) will be a strategic and relationship-driven fundraising leader, deeply aligned with the mission of Conquer Cancer. They will bring a successful track record in securing major gifts and cultivating high-net-worth individuals, board members, and institutional partners. With a relationship-first approach to philanthropy, this leader will understand how to inspire donor trust and connect philanthropic passion with Conquer Cancer’s mission to advance global cancer research and improve patient outcomes.

This individual will possess a deep understanding of the medical and scientific landscape—particularly the value of supporting clinical and translational research conducted by physician-scientists. They will be comfortable translating complex scientific concepts into compelling philanthropic opportunities and be energized by work that bridges science, education, and impact. A background in medical advancement, research foundations, or health-focused institutions will serve them well in understanding the unique needs and potential of this sector.

As a key organizational leader, the CPO will bring structure and discipline to the fundraising function. They will be adept at building and managing high-performing teams and using data and performance metrics to drive strategic growth. Experience implementing call targets, gift goals, and team accountability systems—while maintaining a strong donor-centric ethos—will be essential.

The ideal CPO will understand the complexities of fundraising within a unique professional medical association fundraising environment. They should be familiar with navigating regulatory and compliance and must be comfortable working within a membership-based structure where physician donors often serve as both contributors and stakeholders. Prior experience with national medical associations, academic medical centers, or federated nonprofit models will position them to succeed in this role.

The Chief Philanthropy Officer will join Conquer Cancer at a pivotal moment, as it enters a new era of strategic alignment and navigates a rapidly evolving philanthropic landscape. While Conquer Cancer has a strong mission and proven impact, shifts in the market have made fundraising more complex, requiring innovative strategies and deeper engagement with high-net-worth individuals.

The CPO provides leadership and strategic direction to the Philanthropy Division, in support of Conquer Cancer’s five-year strategic plan and organizational goals. This leader will also play a key role in partnering with the Conquer Cancer Board to maximize fundraising potential—securing both endowed support for early-career investigators and funding for critical ASCO programs. Success in this role will require someone with deep sector knowledge and strong relationship-building skills—an insightful leader who can read the organizational landscape, drive change when needed, and leverage Conquer Cancer’s existing talent, respected brand, and track record of impact to achieve new levels of philanthropic success.

The ideal Chief Philanthropy Officer will be a mission-driven leader with a deep appreciation for the medical and scientific landscape. They will speak credibly and passionately about cancer research, advocate for physician-scientists, and translate complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives for donors. Thriving in a community of clinicians and researchers, this individual will be inspired by science and bring authenticity and clarity to conversations that connect donors directly to the impact of their giving.

Equally important, the CPO must be a strategic and metrics-oriented team builder who brings discipline and structure to the fundraising function. This includes setting clear goals, establishing measurable activity benchmarks, and ensuring alignment across the team to drive performance. The successful candidate will balance a results-driven mindset with a relational approach to philanthropy—fostering a culture of accountability while maintaining trust and care that are essential to lasting donor relationships.