About
The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is a New York City-based nonprofit that funds scientific research into how the immune system can be harnessed to fight cancer. For more than 70 years — since 1953 — CRI has supported the field of cancer immunology, from laboratory discoveries through clinical trials, and describes the legacy of its founders as the establishment of tumor immunology, a field that has significantly improved outcomes for millions of cancer patients around the world. The organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 13-1837442) headquartered at 29 Broadway in New York, NY.
Mission
CRI is dedicated to advancing immunotherapy through research funding, clinical trials, and patient education. It positions itself as a leading authority in cancer immunotherapy and works by seeking innovative partnerships with biotech companies, collaborating with disease-specific cancer charities, funding basic science and scientist training, and educating patients and caregivers.
What they do
- Fund immunotherapy research grants across the career pipeline, including the Lloyd J. Old STAR Award ($53M awarded since 2019), the Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship program, the CLIP (Clinical and Laboratory Integration Program, $35.2M since 2012), and the Technology Impact Award ($12.5M since 2017)
- Run a Clinical Accelerator that supports cancer clinical trials
- Provide patient resources, including education on immunotherapy by cancer type and treatment type, a clinical trial finder, and an ImmunoAdvocates patient-stories program
- Maintain a network of more than 2,500 scientists
Scale and impact
Since 1953, CRI has invested over $600 million into immunotherapy research. In its most recent grantmaking cycle it awarded 93 new grants totaling $34.4 million to researchers at 50 institutions across 17 U.S. states and 5 countries. The organization reports that 82 percent of funds are directed to cancer research and patient programs. James P. Allison, PhD — director of CRI's Scientific Advisory Council — won the 2018 Nobel Prize for his cancer immunotherapy research.
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (IRS Form 990, fiscal year ending June 2025), CRI reported total revenue of $35,485,656, total expenses of $42,146,188, total assets of $129,632,160, and net assets of $84,879,711. Contributions accounted for about 75 percent of revenue. CRI holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, a Top Rated designation from CharityWatch, a Candid Platinum Transparency Seal (2026), and BBB accreditation.
Governance
CRI is led by CEO Alicia Zhou, PhD, with a board co-chaired by Paul C. Shiverick and Andrew K. Tsai. Its Scientific Advisory Council is directed by Nobel laureate James P. Allison, PhD, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The IRS granted the organization tax-exempt status in November 1953.