The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is a national series of 39-mile weekend fundraising events launched in 2003 by the Avon Foundation.
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event series is a project of the Avon Foundation for Women and is not affiliated with any other breast cancer organizations or programs such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, American Cancer Society, or Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Our Event dates are chosen based on a number of factors. We attempt to schedule Events when the weather is most likely to cooperate, when sites that suit our size and needs are available, and when there are no major holidays or other known previously-scheduled large events in the same city.
We make some tough choices in determining where to schedule the Avon Walk events, creating a schedule that allows us to produce enjoyable, safe and successful events within our resources and in areas that can support an event of this magnitude, while giving as many people as possible a chance to participate. We’ve also found that many of our participants choose to travel to different Avon Walks throughout the country. On average, we have participants from 30–40 different states at every Avon Walk. What better way to experience a new city?
Unfortunately, we cannot support start-up events in additional cities. Each official Avon Walk is a weekend-long event that can attract thousands of participants, hundreds of crew members and volunteers, a carefully coordinated 39-mile route, an overnight "city," and extensive logistical management. The Events are centrally managed out of the Avon Foundation for Women headquarters in New York; this enables us to ensure the safety and quality of each event, while carefully managing costs. Because of our trademark, no event can be named or called an "Avon Walk for Breast Cancer" nor can any other event or activity use "Avon" in its name in any way, unless it is part of the official Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event. Fundraising activities may be designated as "in support of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer" or something similar.
Absolutely not! Men are both welcome and encouraged to participate. Breast cancer touches everyone—families, parents, brothers, sisters, and children. The disease even strikes a small percentage of men. Everyone can do their part in the fight against it.
Unfortunately, no. Our route and services are only open to registered participants who have met the fundraising and other requirements. If your family or friends cannot join you as a registered Avon Walk participant, invite them be at one of the cheering stations along the route where they can meet and support you. We will let you know where these cheering stations will be located several weeks prior to your Event. These are safe and convenient places for them to cheer you on.
Yes you can and we hope you will! Forming a team is a great way to train and fundraise. You can form your own team or check to see if there is an existing team you can join. Read about our Team Program on the website and in your Participant Handbook or call your local event office.
For online fundraising, Teams may take advantage of our Team Fundraising option to have an online account set up for the entire team. Read more about Team Fundraising accounts or contact your local office. For offline donations, send the check to the Avon Walk Donation Office along with one donation coupon for each team member in one envelope. NOTE: You may not use online coupons to split donations, please use only those coupons mailed to you at the time of registration.
Walkers: Must be 16 years of age or older by the end of the calendar year of the event (Example: Must be 16 years of age on or before Dec. 31, 2013, to participate in any 2013 Avon Walk event). Walkers under 18 years of age must have written consent from a parent or guardian.
Crew: 18 years of age or older at the time of the Avon Walk event.
Volunteers: 16 years of age or older at the time of the Avon Walk event. If a Volunteer is under the age of 16, the Volunteer must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteer age requirements are specific to the volunteer opportunity.
For children 10-16 years old, the Avon Walk Youth Crew enables a small number of kids to contribute in tangible and productive ways by providing service during the entire Walk weekend. There are limited spots, and an application process is required.
We very, very strongly recommend personal health insurance for each participant. In the event that you become ill or are injured during the Walk and have to be transported to a hospital, you will be responsible for 100% of transportation and service costs. Our medical team can only provide basic first aid services.
Yes, we can! Once you register, you'll have access to a comprehensive support system. You'll be assigned to a Walker Coach — a staff member who can help you with just about anything you need. Our new program, Go the Distance: Avon Walk Training by Reebok, will help you physically prepare, no matter what your current fitness level. Plus, we have volunteer-led training walks to train with other Walkers. Our experienced staff will also help to turn you into a fundraising expert, and you’ll receive a participant handbook and other materials with plenty of great ideas. Plus, through our online message board, Orientation Meetings, Connection Events and Training Walks, Walkers share ideas and provide incredible support for each other.
Note: We encourage participants to be creative with their fundraising, but some states have restrictions regarding certain fundraising efforts. Please check with your local authorities to ensure you are in compliance with the regulations in your area. For example, participants cannot fundraise in Massachusetts by holding raffles and poker tournaments.
No, your Walker Coach is not able to walk with you as he or she will be helping to produce the Event during the Walk weekend. Many Walkers find their own “buddies” to walk with by posting a message on our online message board.
Your participant packet which will include a complete set of Fundraising and Training Tip Sheets, and your donation coupons (and more!) should arrive within approximately 10-14 days after registering. If you register at an Orientation Meeting, you'll get your materials on-site.
An Orientation Meeting is a short, informational meeting presented by an Avon Walk staff member. It’s an opportunity to learn all about the Avon Walk event, get answers to any questions that you may have and meet other participants. You can also register and get your materials at these meetings. Orientation Meetings are highly encouraged, but not mandatory. Regularly scheduled meetings are open to all and are posted on this website under the local sections for each event city.
If you register through our website, you'll first see your Participant ID number in the confirmation e-mail you receive after registering. It will also be clearly posted online in your Participant Center. For mail registrants, the Walker Kit you receive will include a letter that prominently features your participant ID number. If you are in doubt, call your local event office, and our staff can look it up for you.
Contact information for each office is posted on the Contact Us page of this website.
Event Eve is the Friday afternoon and evening before the Avon Walk begins. It is the true start of the Avon Walk weekend, and the first time the community gathers together. At Event Eve, participants who have not completed our Early Check-In option online will check in to complete any necessary administrative tasks, turn in any additional donations and receive their event ID and supplies. We encourage everyone to join us at Event Eve to meet friends, visit the Avon Walk Shop, learn about our sponsors and beneficiaries and get excited for the Avon Walk weekend!
For Walkers, there are two options for checking in for the Avon Walk:
Option 1: Early Check-In in advance of the weekend
Walkers who have completed Early Check-In are not required to attend Event Eve as their supplies will be mailed seven days prior to the Avon Walk. An Early Check-In Help Desk will be available for those Walkers who have checked in online and wish to turn in donations, ask a question or pick up replacement supplies at Event Eve. Complete details about Early Check-In may be found in your My Avon Walk center online.
Option 2: Check-In at Event Eve
Any Walker who has not completed Early Check-In will need to attend Event Eve to complete any remaining administrative tasks and to pick up their event ID and supplies.
Crew may complete Early Check-In to select a tent mate and fill out their medical form, but due to the mandatory All-Crew meeting, Crew must attend Event Eve and can pick up their event IDs and supplies at that time.
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer offers a choice of a marathon (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over a weekend. The total distance you walk is up to you. Some choose to walk at least the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) over the two days. You can also choose to walk a full marathon on Saturday and another half-marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday. It’s your choice and you can make up your mind (and change it) right on the spot.
In the event that you need a little help, the route will always be patrolled by vehicles (our "Sweep Vans") to provide assistance when needed.
Each event starts and ends in the same place*. Our logistical team carefully plans the route and ensures that Rest Stops or Quick Stops are available approximately every 2–3 miles. On Saturday morning, participants leave the starting point after the Opening Ceremony and walk toward the Wellness Village. Those who choose the half marathon distance will end their Saturday journey at approximately 13.1 miles, and take a bus the remaining distance to the Wellness Village. Those who opt for the longer route will continue on for a total of 26.2 miles right into the Wellness Village. On Sunday, everyone walks 13.1 miles from the Wellness Village back to the starting point, covering a mostly different route than the day before.
*Except Santa Barbara.
Though you won't get specific turn-by-turn route details prior to the Event, a few months before your event you’ll receive the starting and finishing points and general information on the route in each city. We don’t provide specific route details for several reasons, mostly concerning safety. Though friends and family traveling the route to cheer you on are very well intentioned, extra traffic can mean extra hazards to the Walkers. Your safety is always our number one concern. We will, however, provide you with a list of “cheering stations” so that your friends and family can come out to cheer you and other walkers along at safe and convenient locations on the route.
The Wellness Village is your home away from home for Saturday night. No camping experience is required. We'll provide tents that sleep two people—even for the novice camper they are easy to set up! You’ll bring whatever you need to make your tent “interior” comfortable—a sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping pad, if you wish. At the Wellness Village, you can expect basic services to meet your needs: food, hot showers, sinks, medical services, common areas to meet and talk with other participants, opportunities to learn more about breast cancer and related issues. Meet our sponsors and get cool giveaways and some fun entertainment.
You do not have to, but we highly recommend it and hope you will. The time spent relaxing in the Wellness Village is an essential part of the Walk experience and your chance to get to know some of the other participants. Staying in the Wellness Village will help you see the full magnitude of the Event and enjoy a unique camaraderie with thousands of women and men who share your commitment to the breast cancer cause. For those choosing to leave the event for the evening and requiring transportation back to our host hotel(s), you can purchase a non-camping shuttle pass for $20.
This is a weekend event which takes place over both a Saturday and a Sunday. Participants may choose whether they walk 26.2 miles or 39.3 miles over the course of the two days, but commitment to the full weekend is an important part of the Event, and we hope you’ll decide to participate for the Event’s duration, including both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
For the safety and comfort of all Walkers, Crew, Staff, and Volunteers, we ask that you do not bring your pet(s) to any element of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event weekend. We are not equipped to accommodate pets at any point and several of the sites we use throughout the weekend have restrictions. We are also mindful of fellow participants fears/allergies. We truly love animals and we appreciate your pet's enthusiasm, but it would be best for all if he/she stays home for the weekend. Thanks in advance for your cooperation on this matter.
If you join as a Crew Member, you are a registered participant and pay the $65 registration fee. You’ll make a commitment to participate in your assigned role for the entire Walk weekend, including camping in our Wellness Village. You should also be able to attend at least one Crew Orientation and Training meeting (there are more than 10 scheduled in each city before the Event) and commit to attending the Crew Training Day (held about 4–6 weeks prior to your Event). Telephone meetings can be set up for Crew members outside the immediate area. The Crew is essential to making the Event run smoothly. Crew members are not required to raise funds, but many choose to and prove to be fantastic fundraisers! There’s even a fundraising rewards program for the Crew.
Volunteers, throughout the Event weekend, commit to a shorter period of time and do not stay overnight. In addition, we need volunteers in our event offices during the months leading up to the Walk and at Event Eve for check-in duties. Volunteers do not actually register for the Walk. Volunteers provide office and special event support in the months leading up to the Walk and for short shifts throughout the event weekend. Volunteer opportunities can be found in the local events sections on this website.
As the Walk’s support system, Crew members perform numerous (and varied) jobs on the Event that are essential to its success. They do everything from marking the route to picking up trash to setting up rest stops to pouring water, and everything in between. Check out the Crew section to learn more.
During the Event, volunteers will work shorter shifts on Friday (Event Eve), Saturday or Sunday. Depending on how much time you can commit to the Walk, your job will vary throughout the weekend to cover the areas wherever support people are needed most. Many volunteers are also needed in the months leading up to the Event to support our staff in contacting Walkers, organizing events, leading Training Walks, etc. Check out the Volunteer section to learn more.
Note: We encourage participants to be creative with their fundraising, but some states have restrictions regarding certain fundraising efforts. Please check with your local authorities to ensure you are in compliance with the regulations in your area. For example, participants cannot fundraise in Massachusetts by holding raffles and poker tournaments.
Each Walker commits to raising a minimum of $1,800 in donations.
In the event that you don't reach the $1,800 commitment by Event Eve (the day before the Walk starts), you have three different options: (1) You may choose to complete our Fundraising Commitment Pledge form at Event Eve. You will need to have a valid credit card to make a Fundraising Commitment Pledge to cover the outstanding amount. Your card will not be charged for at least two months after the Event, during which time you can continue to fundraise. If you don't reach the $1,800 minimum in that time, you will be contacted by the Avon Foundation for Women donation office to make arrangements for payment of any outstanding balance. (2) You may choose not to participate (and we hope you won't pick this one!). The money that you've already raised will still benefit the Avon Foundation for Women's Breast Cancer Crusade, and you will not be responsible for raising additional funds to meet the minimum. (3) You may choose to convert from a Walker to a volunteer or Crew member, as long as there are still crew positions available.
The goal of the Avon Walk is to raise as much money as possible to provide access to care and fund research leading to a cure for breast cancer. While we might have more people involved with a lower fundraising commitment (or no fundraising at all), the Walk is organized so that a manageable number of people can participate in the weekend while simultaneously yielding a high amount of donations going to the cause. The complexity of the Avon Walks requires a structure different than other events of a shorter distance or time. Many different types of events have proven successful in raising money for breast cancer and we’re glad so many opportunities exist for people to get involved, in some way, to battle this disease.
No, the $65 registration fee does not count toward the fundraising minimum. The non-refundable registration fee covers the costs associated with processing your registration and the materials you receive throughout your preparation for the event.
All donations are non-refundable. The money you’ve raised will go to work in the community helping those affected by breast cancer.
Most donors use either their credit card receipts or cancelled checks as donation receipts. Online donors will receive an e-mail confirming their gift and will also be directed to a printable confirmation page when their donation is complete. As required by the IRS, anyone making a single donation of $250 or more will receive a hard-copy receipt directly from the Avon Foundation for Women. For more information, please complete the tax receipt request form.
Donor names and contact information will never be sold or shared beyond the Avon Foundation for Women. Donors may occasionally receive information from the Avon Foundation about how their donations are being used to fight breast cancer. Donors will always have the opportunity to “opt out” of any and all communications.
Yes. Credit card and check donations received in foreign currency will be converted at the bank rate at the time they are processed. All donation amounts are credited to Walker accounts in U.S. dollars.
Instead of a donation form, we use donation coupon books that are part of an automated processing system that enables us to save money on processing costs. Because of this system, your coupons are unique to you and can't be photocopied or used by others.
There are two types of donation coupons:
Online donation coupons are accessible via your participant center on your personal webpage. You can print them directly from your webpage and send them to the Donation Office along with each donation. Online donation coupons are NOT allowed to be used when splitting a donation. Learn more about this when you read about your Team Program.
Coupon Books are provided to you at the time of registration. You will receive a coupon booklet containing coupons with a coupon number unique to you. Please note: this number is different from the number contained on your online coupons. This is why it is pertinent that you always include your participant number on each and every coupon you submit with your donations. It is important to follow all the directions printed on the coupon booklet and return envelopes that you will receive upon registering so that your account is credited quickly and accurately.
Your coupon is uniquely coded for you to make sure that your donations get to your account. If you use your friend's coupon the donation will be credited to your friend's account and not yours.
Just ask your Walker Coach or local Event office.
Yes. Checks should be made payable to "Avon Walk for Breast Cancer" and should include your participant ID number on the check. You should mail check donations, along with your completed donation coupons, to the address on the back of the coupon.
If the check is made payable to you or your team, please endorse the check on the back, along with your signature, with “For deposit only payable to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.” If the check is made out to another charity we will not be able to cash the check. Please contact your donor and ask them to write a new check.
No, we cannot accept cash donations. Walkers who receive donations in cash should either write a check or purchase a money order to submit the donation, with the name and address of the donor included on the coupon so that they are credited for the donation. Please do not make a donation online using a personal credit card for any cash donations. We will be unable to properly credit the donor for their contribution.
Unfortunately, no. Donations go directly to a bank P.O. Box, which cannot accept Fed Ex, UPS, DHL, USPS or any other overnight delivery service.
It is likely that the donation will not be properly credited to your fundraising account.
Credit card donations made via the website are posted immediately. Check and/or credit card donations submitted via mail will be posted within three weeks of their mailing date if coupon instructions are correctly followed. Any missing information or incorrect use of coupon will delay the process.
They’ll be posted in the “honor roll” section of your personal webpage, just like online donations. Your Walker Coach can also give you a current update of your donation account.
Matching gift forms from the Company should be completed and sent to:
Avon Foundation for Women
Attn: Matching Gifts
1 Avon Plaza
Rye, NY 10580
Once received by the Avon Foundation for Women, matching gift forms are processed within 48–72 hours; once confirmation of original gift is made, the forms are mailed immediately to the matching gift company. Matching gift amounts will be credited to your account only when the check has been received from the Company, which in some cases can take quite a bit of time. Please include the Walker’s name and participant ID number on each form in the top left corner.
Matching gifts will count toward your fundraising minimum if the matching check is received and processed by the bank prior to Event Eve. It is important not to rely on these funds to meet your minimum fundraising commitment, since many companies have unique policies on matching gifts and vary in processing time. We cannot guarantee the amount of time it takes for a Company to approve the request forms, process the matching gift, and cut checks to the Avon Foundation for Women. Please contact your company for more information.
The Avon Foundation tax ID number is 13-6128447.
The Avon Foundation for Women, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families, and Avon philanthropic programs worldwide have raised and awarded more than $910 million. Now past the half century milestone, the Avon Foundation brings this mission to life through two key areas: breast cancer and domestic violence. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade launched in 1992, and Avon breast cancer programs in more than 55 countries support advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved and uninsured. Funding is awarded to beneficiaries ranging from leading cancer centers to community-based breast health programs for awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and scientific research. Fundraising is through a variety of “pink ribbon” products, events, races and walks around the world. The largest is the U.S. Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series, which began in 2003. For more information on the Avon Foundation, visit www.avonfoundation.org.
The Avon Foundation for Women is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. Our IRS tax-exempt number is: 13-6128447. The Avon Foundation is not affiliated with any other breast cancer organizations or programs such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, American Cancer Society, or Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series is a project of the Avon Foundation for Women. The Foundation is the sole producer of the Events, responsible for overseeing all marketing, logistics, finances, cost controls, and all the other details of the Events.
No, the Avon Foundation for Women is not affiliated in any way with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, nor does the Avon Foundation donate any funds to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Avon Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event series is a project of the Avon Foundation and has no connection to any Susan G. Komen event.
The Avon Foundation for Women has implemented a sophisticated and comprehensive need-based philanthropic strategy that addresses every facet of the disease. Recognizing the complexity of the problem of breast cancer among all groups of women, and men, the Avon Foundation supports a national network of more than 200 research, medical, social service and community-based organizations annually, each of which is making a unique contribution to helping patients or advancing breast cancer research. The Avon Foundation awards funding in breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, support services and scientific research, including prevention and therapeutic vaccine studies. Breast cancer beneficiaries, which range from leading cancer centers to community-based, non-profit breast health programs, are selected through a rigorous review process that includes evaluation, recommendations and approvals from the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Scientific Advisory Board, Avon Breast Health Outreach Program Advisory Panel and the Avon Foundation Board of Directors. Individuals with relevant backgrounds and credentials may apply to join the Scientific Advisory Board and the Breast Health Outreach Advisory Panel. Criteria and application forms may be found on the Foundation’s website.
Programs and institutions must satisfy strict criteria that align with the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade's mission of funding access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. The Foundation makes grants only to organizations and institutions having tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
A majority of the net proceeds raised through the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer will stay with breast cancer programs in the geographic areas where the Walks are held. Periodic community meetings are convened in all Walk cities to secure local feedback on community needs and priorities. A detailed listing of benefiting organizations can be found at http://www.avonfoundation.org/.
Initial funding announcements from past Avon Walks can be found on our website in the Press Center.
The Avon Foundation for Women represents a unique model for philanthropy that in 2011 generated support and revenue totaling $64.24 million, of which $17 million was donated by Avon Products, Inc. Avon philanthropy raises funds, conducts programs and educates millions annually about breast cancer, domestic violence and disaster relief in over 55 countries.
Avon’s model of fundraising and philanthropy benefits from this unique collaboration, and while results from the Foundation’s many individual fundraising campaigns are not reported individually, our combined record of 74.1% expenses dedicated to charitable programs and grants, is one that goes well beyond recommended charitable standards.*
Avon philanthropy has donated more than $910 million through 2012 for causes that benefit women, making us the largest, corporate-affiliated philanthropic organization focused on women’s issues. For more financial information, please see the Avon Foundation's financial reports.
*Avon Foundation 2012 financial information is currently being audited, and official reports are expected to be posted online in June 2013.
Avon philanthropy raises funds, conducts programs and educates millions annually about breast cancer, domestic violence and disaster relief in more than 55 countries. Avon philanthropy has donated more than $910 million through 2012 for causes that benefit women, making us the largest, corporate-affiliated philanthropic organization focused on women’s issues.
Within the Avon Foundation’s breast cancer programs and mission, funds are awarded for access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, including funding for education and awareness; screening and diagnosis; support services; access to clinical care; and research, all with a focus on the medically underserved. Avon Philanthropy donated almost $780 million to Breast Cancer programs globally from 1992-2012.
The Avon Foundation Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program raises awareness and funds to increase the understanding and implementation of laws aimed at stopping violence against women and to provide support for education, direct service, and prevention programs. The Avon Foundation and Avon global philanthropy donated more than nearly $50 million globally for domestic and gender violence programs from 2005-2012.
From 2003–2011, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event series coast-to-coast has raised more than $423 million.
Unlike other Breast Cancer special events, the Avon Foundation announces and presents grants at the Closing Ceremony of each Avon Walk. These are financial donations that have been reviewed and approved by the Avon Foundation Board in advance of the actual Walk. Board meetings usually occur weeks before the individual Walks, before final fundraising totals are known, so at that time the Board commits only the early funds donated. These initial gifts are awarded to organizations and institutions in the Avon Walk geographic area at Closing Ceremonies to ensure that Walkers’ hard-earned dollars are put to good use immediately. Additional monies raised by each Walk, along with funds raised by other Avon Foundation activities, are combined and granted to breast cancer organizations in the Walk regions and throughout the country on an ongoing basis. For more information on the Avon Foundation’s granting process, please visit http://www.avoncompany.com/women/avonfoundation/gapeop.html or for specific questions contact info@avonfoundation.org.
No. Effective Nov. 1, 2001, the policy of the Avon Foundation is that no funds will be used to support breast cancer research projects involving the use of animals. The Avon Foundation limits its research funding to clinical studies, human cell culture, and epidemiologic studies. Avon Foundation funding may not be used to fund studies involving animals. Our guidelines apply only to studies funded by the Avon Foundation and do not impact other research underway at these same institutions.
The new grants awarded within each calendar year do not necessarily match the total funds raised within that time frame due to the Avon Foundation grant making process, which often includes multi-year grants, commitments and payment schedules. As a result of our multi-year focus and planning, funds raised and grants given in any single year will rarely be equal, with some years having more receipts, like 2009, and other years having greater disbursements, like 2008.
In addition, it is appropriate and a standard practice for foundations to hold some funds in reserve. It would not be prudent to spend all of the Foundation’s annual revenues and leave none for unanticipated grant-making opportunities or for continued support in years of economic turbulence or reduced fund raising success. In all grant making and fund management, the Avon Foundation goal is to be prudent and effective, and use the Avon Walk funds raised in the best way to support access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.
The Avon Walk series is produced and managed by the Avon Foundation for Women, a 501(c)(3) charity that was founded in 1955. The Avon Foundation is fortunate to receive generous support from Avon Products, Inc. in all of its endeavors, including the Avon Walks. In 2010, the total Avon Products, Inc. commitment to the Avon Foundation mission programs and administrative expenses was approximately $26 million, about one third of the Foundation’s total 2010 revenue.
The fees for the logistical producer for the Avon Walks are paid by Avon Products, Inc., and Avon also makes significant contributions to Walk marketing and advertising expenses. Avon Products also supports the Avon Foundation with corporate-salaried staff in a wide variety of disciplines, on-site personnel at the events and donated Avon products for every participant.
The Foundation manages and disburses the funds raised through many programs for breast cancer, domestic violence and special emergency relief. The Foundation also disburses millions of dollars in funds provided directly by Avon Products, Inc. to support scholarships and domestic violence programs.
a. Avon Foundation beneficiaries help educate 500,000 men and women each year on breast health and reducing breast cancer risk; link 250,000 women to early detection programs; and after diagnosis, help tens of thousands of women secure access to care regardless of their ability to pay.
b. Programs aim to help underserved women—low income, uninsured or under-insured women, women from rural areas or women facing other barriers to accessing screening and treatment.
c. Research institutions and scientists whose work places a particular emphasis on understanding the causes of breast cancer, developing inexpensive and non-invasive based tests to aid in risk assessment, and developing new ways to prevent the disease.
The Avon Foundation for Women works hard to ensure that everyone has access to the breast cancer screening and care they need to have the best chance of survival. Much of our funding supports programs dedicated to ensuring that underserved and uninsured populations secure access to screening, diagnostics and care. Through our Avon Safety Net Program we have awarded 345 grants totaling $120 million to a network of more than 100 hospitals across the country that help women and men who might fall through the cracks of the healthcare system gain access to quality breast cancer services. Through our Avon Breast Health Outreach Program we have awarded 1,430 grants to community-based organizations, covering every state in the United States, to help educate people about how they can get the breast cancer care they need and ensure their access to quality screening.
The Avon Foundation for Women invites nonprofit organizations that focus on breast health and breast cancer screening and care to apply for funding from our Safety Net Program and our Breast Health Outreach Program. Read the Avon Foundation’s breast cancer funding guidelines.
The Avon Foundation has a formal application process through which submitted grant proposals are reviewed and evaluated by our Scientific Advisory Board or our Breast Health Outreach Program reviewers; the reviewers recommend the best of those applications for funding by the Foundation. These are highly competitive grant programs with unfortunately many more quality applicants than available funds can support. That is why we are committed to increasing the funds we raise so more outstanding screening, care and research programs can be funded each year.
Our records indicate that in the last five years the Avon Foundation has received only one Planned Parenthood affiliate grant application from among more than an estimated 3,000 grant applications received during that time period, and it was not among our funded applicants. Our grant programs are highly competitive and unfortunately we receive many more quality applicants than available funds can support. Our Safety Net Program, Avon Breast Health Outreach Program and eight Avon Breast Health Centers of Excellence provide more than $15 million annually to address the needs for education, screening and treatment programs for underserved and uninsured women.
The Avon Foundation for Women continues to seek new preventive strategies to address the growing number of breast cancer diagnoses around the globe. To develop new strategies to prevent breast cancer, we need to understand the causes of breast cancer in women, changes in breast cells that give rise to cancer, markers for disease, and how breast cancer progresses. The 2012 Avon Foundation Research Program prioritizes proposals in these areas to advance understanding of the causes of breast cancer and foster new strategies designed to prevent breast cancer. For information on how to apply for a 2012 research grant, please see our Breast Cancer Research Program Guidelines.
After careful review and consideration, the Avon Foundation for Women has made the difficult decision to discontinue the Rocky Mountains Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Participation in the Rocky Mountains Avon Walk has dropped steadily over the past four years, leading us to this determination. The eight other Avon Walk events, which are growing in participation, will continue in 2013 (Houston, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, New York, and Charlotte).
The Avon Foundation for Women remains dedicated to our mission to end breast cancer and fund breast cancer programs in all 50 states. We will continue to support the breast cancer cause in Colorado, as we did before the Avon Walks launched in Colorado in 2005. Since 2000, Avon Foundation support of breast cancer organizations in Colorado has enabled 15,000 women to get screened and receive the care they need, provided more than 1,000 low income women with financial assistance through the Avon Cares program, and funded 43 research projects. We have awarded 61 grants to Colorado beneficiaries totaling more than $12 million dollars. The Avon Foundation funds breast cancer programs in all 50 states.
We hope you will continue to support our mission of providing access to quality breast health care for everyone until we are successful in helping to end breast cancer through our funding of critical research efforts. You can do that by participating in one of our other eight Avon Walks, by making a general donation to the Avon Walks, buying Avon Pink Ribbon products that donate 100% of profits to Avon's Breast Cancer Crusade, or by supporting the Avon Walk's wonderful beneficiary organizations directly.
The Avon Walk staff will directly contact anyone who registered early for the Avon Walk Rocky Mountains in 2013 in order to transfer them to another Avon Walk of their choice or to refund their registration fee.
Please send any inquiries to info@avonwalk.org.
