Characteristics of National-Level Parent Associations

Mark Chesler


Childhood cancer parent associations are all very different in their organisation, none is the same. As an illustration we give the characteristics of 24 national-level parent associations as collected by our chairman, Mark Chesler.

Date of formation

Before 1985  8
Between 1985-1989 6
Since 1990 10

Size of National Governing Board

Less than 10 12
Ten and more  8
Unknown  4

Percent of Board members who are parents of children with cancer

 Under 75% 1
Between 75%-99%  5
100%  15
Unknown  3

Number of times Board meets /year

Two times   4
Between 3-6   4
Between 7-12 12
Unknown 4

Number of local/regional "chapters"

Only 1 8
Between 2-10   8
Between 11-50  6
Over 50 1
Unknown  1

Annual budget

Less than $50.000 US 12
 $50.000-$500.000   6
More than $500.000 3
Unknown 3

Sources of funds raised (can be multiple)

Individual member fees/dues 5
Local group fees/dues 2
Public donations  16
Government subsidies  4
Cancer association subsidies  2
Sales of items (cards, shirts) 5
Corporate/foundation grants  6
Unknown 4

Existence of paid staff members

No  5
Yes, 1-2  10
Yes, more than 2 6
Unknown 3