Funding Priorities

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® remains committed to fulfilling our promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever through empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to find the cures.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is focused on reducing breast cancer incidence and mortality within the next decade with increased emphasis on finding solutions for disparities in breast cancer across populations.  With funds raised by the Komen San Diego Affiliate, community grants will be made to support evidence-based strategies and promising practices to reduce disparities in breast cancer mortality in San Diego County.

Drawing from outcome-based information from the 2009 Community Profile, and other local and national studies, the San Diego Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has identified the following priorities for its 2010-2011 Community Grants Program:

Financial and Navigation Issues:  Increase the availability of financial resources for diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment in San Diego County among uninsured or underinsured women.  Partner or collaborate on resources to help patients and their families access and navigate available resources.

Providers:  Increase competency among providers for breast health protocols and cultural/linguistic sensitivity.  Partner with professional organizations to study/create/implement culturally sensitive continuing education.  Make sure to track progress.

Underserved Populations:  Programs that seek to reduce late stage diagnosis and mortality among underserved groups of women.  Many groups of women are currently at higher risk due to a lack of education about breast health, cultural/linguistic barriers, lack of available diagnostic services and late stage diagnosis.  There are proportionally more such underserved women in the African American, Latina, Pacific Islander, Asian, Lesbian/Transgender and Homeless communities.

Young Women at Risk:  Develop a better understanding of this population and its needs; provide screening, diagnosis, treatment and support services for women under 40 with a family history or palpable mass; decrease late stage diagnosis and mortality rates by increasing partnerships with organizations that predominantly serve young women, especially underserved young women.  Increase awareness of breast health and breast cancer and the availability of culturally appropriate and relevant breast health materials for young women.

All non-profit organizations offering breast health or breast cancer programs in San Diego County are welcome to participate in the 2010-2011 Grants Process.