Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Marisa Fund
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Marisa Fund is a U.S.-based charitable foundation founded in 2004 that raises money for pediatric cancer research, treatment, and family support. The organization funds Dr. Mitchell Cairo's research at Westchester Medical Center to develop less toxic treatment protocols and provides direct financial assistance to families struggling with cancer treatment costs. Based in Rockland County, New York, the fund has raised over $750,000 since its inception and partners with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. View The Marisa Fund's website for more information.
Content last updated: March 6, 2026
About The Marisa Fund
What is the mission of The Marisa Fund?
To raise money for research, treatment, and care of pediatric cancer patients, with the goal of finding less toxic treatment protocols and providing financial assistance to families struggling with cancer treatment costs.
What type of organization is The Marisa Fund?
The Marisa Fund is a Foundation.
When was The Marisa Fund founded?
The Marisa Fund was founded in 2004.
What is The Marisa Fund's official website?
The Marisa Fund's official website is https://marisafund.org/.
What else should I know about The Marisa Fund?
Role of The Marisa Fund in the Funding Ecosystem
The Marisa Fund operates as a pediatric cancer research and family support foundation, functioning as both a research funder and direct service provider. Unlike traditional grant-making foundations that focus primarily on academic or institutional grants, The Marisa Fund takes a dual approach: financing specific medical research while also providing immediate financial relief to affected families.
Funding Areas and Target Populations
The organization directs its funding toward two primary areas: research into less toxic cancer treatments for children and direct financial assistance to families burdened by cancer treatment costs. The fund specifically supports the research of Dr. Mitchell Cairo at the Children and Adolescent Cancer and Blood Disease Center, focusing on reducing the toxicity of treatment protocols while maintaining efficacy.
Partnerships and Institutional Relationships
As a partner of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and affiliated with the Children's Cancer Fund, The Marisa Fund leverages its contributions through established research networks. These partnerships allow the organization to channel funds toward promising research initiatives while maintaining oversight of how donations are utilized.
Transparency and Governance
The organization emphasizes minimal operational costs, with no paid employees or expensive advertising campaigns. This approach ensures that the majority of funds raised go directly toward the organization's mission of finding a cure for pediatric cancer and supporting affected families.