Frequently Asked Questions


FAQ Sections

Event Basics & General Information
On the Event
Crew Members and Volunteers
Fundraising
About Funds Raised
What is AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer?

AVON 39 is a challenge. AVON 39 is an attitude. AVON 39 is a weekend like you've never had before. It's the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade's two-day, 39-mile walk. On the road to 39, no matter how far you walk, you'll crush fear, doubt and breast cancer - one persistent step and donation at a time.

Is the AVON 39 an event for women only?

Absolutely not. Women and men alike are welcome and encouraged to Earn Their 39. AVON 39 has a simple formula: more people and more 39ers equals greater impact in the fight against breast cancer. This disease doesn't discriminate, and men get breast cancer, too. Breast cancer affects the entire family. This is everyone's fight.

Can my husband (or my mom, friend, daughter, etc.) walk with me without registering or fundraising?

No. The AVON 39 route and services are open only to registered participants who have met fundraising and other requirements. However, your family and friends can help you meet your challenge by helping you to fundraise and physically train leading up to the Event, and by hitting the cheering stations along the route to show their support during the Event weekend. We'll let you know where these cheering stations will be located several weeks prior to your AVON 39.

Can I form a team for the AVON 39?

Yes, Yes, YES! Forming a team is a great way to train and fundraise. You can start your own team or check to see if there’s an existing team you can join. Read about our Team Program in your Participant Center online and in your Participant Handbook, or call your Fundraising Coach at 1-888-426-WALK to learn more.

What is the minimum age requirement? Can my kids walk with me?

39ers (Walkers): Registered walkers must be at least 16 years old by the end of the calendar year of the Event (for example, you must be 16 years old on or before Dec. 31, 2016, in order to participate in any 2016 AVON 39). All AVON 39ers younger than 18 years old must have written consent from a parent or guardian.

Crew: Registered Crew members must be at least 18 years old by Check-In Friday of the AVON 39 weekend.

Volunteers: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old at the time of the AVON 39 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.

AVON 39 Youth Crew: Children ages 10-16 can apply for the AVON 39 Youth Crew to contribute in tangible and productive ways by providing service during the entire AVON 39 weekend. The number of Youth Crew openings is limited, and there is an application process. Contact us for more information at 1-888-426-WALK.

Am I required to have health insurance?

AVON 39 strongly recommends that each participant have medical insurance for the Event and carry their medical insurance card with them throughout the Event. By participating in AVON 39, each participant acknowledges that they are solely responsible for procuring and maintaining all medical insurance and accepts full responsibility for any costs incurred for medical treatment due to failure to maintain insurance. Also, by participating in AVON 39, each participant understands that it is ultimately their responsibility to provide payment to any hospital/emergency response technicians/emergency transport company that may provide services to them as a result of injury/illness during the Event.

Can you help me with training and fundraising?

Absolutely, Yes! We are here to help you reach your fundraising and training goals. Once you register, you'll be assigned your personal Fundraising Coach — a trained staff member who can assist you with just about anything you need. Plus, you'll have full access to proven digital and real-world tools. Our Go the Distance: AVON 39 Training by Reebok program will help you physically prepare, no matter what your current fitness level. Want more? We also have volunteer-led Training Walks in AVON 39 cities across the country. When it comes to fundraising, your official How To Crush Your Fundraising Handbook contains 39+ fundraising ideas and provides simple steps to access all of the AVON 39 digital tools online in your Participant Center.

NOTE: We’re all about creative fundraising, but please be aware that some States have restrictions regarding certain types of fundraising. Please check with your local authorities to ensure you are in compliance with regulations in your area. For example, in the State of Massachusetts, participants cannot fundraise by holding raffles or poker tournaments.

Will my Fundraising Coach walk with me?

No, your Fundraising Coach can’t walk with you because s/he will be helping to produce the AVON 39 weekend. But you are not alone. You'll meet fellow 39ers all along the way. Post a message on the AVON 39 Facebook page and meet other walkers.

How long will it take to get my AVON 39 Kit and physical donation coupons?

Your participant packet should arrive within approximately 10-14 days after registration. It will include your Fundraising and Training Handbook, your personalized donation coupons, and more.

Where can I find my participant number?

If you register through our website, you'll first see your Participant ID number in the confirmation email you receive after registering. It will also clearly appear online in your Participant Center. For those who register through the mail, the Registration Kit you receive will include a letter that prominently features your participant ID number. If you are in doubt, call your Fundraising Coach at 1-888-426-WALK who will happily look it up for you.

How can I contact my the AVON 39 office?

Contact information is posted on the Contact Us page of this website. Or, just call 1-888-426-WALK.

I don’t want to walk alone. Can you help?

Absolutely! Consider joining the AVON 39 Solo Strutters – a wonderful group of individuals who, just like you, registered on their own but are looking for the support and camaraderie of a team. It’s open to everyone — and there’s a Solo Strutters team in every AVON 39 city. Click here!

What are the browser requirements for using the Participant Center?

We recommend using Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome to login to your Participant Center. Generally we support the current and prior versions of these browsers, up to one version back.

What is Check In Friday?

Check-In Friday takes place at the event’s host hotel on the Friday afternoon/evening before the AVON 39 weekend begins. This is when participants check-in and receive their required Event ID credentials and supplies for the Event.

Walkers who are unable to complete Early Check-In online must attend Check-In Friday in person to fulfill any necessary administrative tasks, turn in any additional donations, fill out their Medical Form and receive their Event ID credentials and supplies.

Crew must attend Check-In Friday because of a mandatory All-Crew meeting. Crew can pick up their Event IDs and supplies at that time, but can also complete Early Check-In online to select a tent mate and fill out the Medical Form.

How far will I have to walk?

AVON 39 offers a choice of a marathon (26.2 miles) or a marathon-and-a-half (39.3 miles) over a Saturday and Sunday. The total distance you walk is up to you and the personal challenge is something you set for yourself.

What if I can’t complete the AVON 39?

The route is consistently patrolled by AVON 39 "Sweep Vans" to provide assistance when needed and pick you up if you’re unable to go further.

How is the route laid out?

The AVON 39 route is essentially a circular path, beginning and ending at the same location and covering a unique and spectacular route throughout. (The exception to this circular design is Santa Barbara, which has a linear route due to local jurisdiction requirements.) The AVON 39 logistical team carefully plans each route, ensuring that Rest Stops or Water Stops are available approximately every 2-3 miles.

On Saturday morning, participants gather at the AVON 39 Opening Ceremony site, which is the starting point for their day’s journey toward Basecamp 39. A delicious lunch will be provided at the Lunch Stop around the 13.1 mile marker. Those walkers who choose the half marathon distance will end their Saturday trek at approximately 13.1 miles and, from there, be shuttled by bus to Basecamp 39. Those walking the full 26.2 miles on Saturday will finish at Basecamp 39 in the late afternoon or early evening while there is still sunlight. On Sunday, walkers will awake to a hearty breakfast and then trek 13.1 miles from Basecamp 39 back to the Ceremony starting point along a new route to partake in a celebration you won’t want to miss.

Will we know the route ahead of time?

Yes and no. Your safety is our number one concern – always. A few months prior to the Event, you’ll be made aware of the starting and finishing location(s) as well as general route information. We do not provide specific route details, mainly for safety concerns, which can include spectator congestion. For friends and family who wish to come out and support you in a safe and convenient way, we will provide you a list of dedicated “cheering stations” along the route to share prior to your AVON 39 weekend.

Where will we spend the night?

Basecamp 39 is your home away from home on Saturday night. We'll provide 2-person tents, a delicious dinner, hot showers, medical and massage services and even shopping opportunities! You’ll bring whatever you need to make your AVON 39 stay comfortable – we’ve even got a great packing list for you to follow! At Basecamp 39, you’ll also enjoy fun camaraderie with your fellow participants and some great entertainment at our nightly show. We have dedicated areas so you can meet our sponsors, learn more about breast cancer and our beneficiaries, and receive some fabulous giveaways.

Do I have to spend the night at Basecamp 39?

Camping at Basecamp 39 is strongly recommended – it is part of the full AVON 39 experience and a chance to bond with other participants who are as committed as you in fighting this dreaded disease. There’s nothing to be afraid of – no camping experience is necessary. Just say, YES! Besides, you don’t want to miss the foot massages, do you?

Can my friends and family come to Basecamp 39?

Yes. We have a dedicated check-in point at Basecamp 39 where your friends and family can register to enter the site and join you in celebrating your first day’s accomplishment. While your friends and family will not be able to partake in the food services at Basecamp 39, they can certainly join you for the evening entertainment and activities.

Can I walk the marathon the first day and then leave?

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 celebration.

Can I bring my pet on the AVON 39?

No. Pets are not allowed. We truly love animals and appreciate your pet’s enthusiasm, but for the safety and comfort of all AVON 39 participants, you may not bring your pet(s) to any part of the AVON 39 weekend. We are not equipped to accommodate pets, and several sites we use throughout the weekend have restrictions. We are also mindful of fellow participants’ allergies/fears. Thanks in advance for your cooperation on this matter.

What if I want to leave Basecamp 39?

For those who choose to leave for the evening, you can purchase online (prior to the Event weekend) a weekend shuttle pass for $20 that goes to/from the host hotel.

What’s the difference between a Crew Member and a Volunteer?

Crew Members

  • Crew members are registered participants for AVON 39 and pay a $50 registration fee.
  • Crew members commit to participating in an assigned role for the entire AVON 39 weekend, including camping at Basecamp 39.
  • Crew members are required to attend at least one Crew Walk Talk and Training meeting (there are more than 10 scheduled in each city before the Event) and to attend the Crew Training Day (held about 4–6 weeks prior to your Event). (For those Crew members residing outside the immediate area of the AVON 39 event, a telephone meeting will be coordinated.)
  • We suggest that Crew members raise funds as part of their Crew experience. While this is not a requirement for Crew, all members who wish to raise funds will have the same support and tools as walkers. (There’s even a Fundraising Rewards program especially for Crew members!) If every Crew member raised $500, AVON 39 would add $1 million toward additional breast cancer impact.

Volunteers

  • Volunteers do not register for the AVON 39.
  • Volunteers commit to an assigned, shorter period of time during the course of the weekend and do not stay overnight.
  • Some Volunteers work during the months leading up to AVON 39 in our Event cities, and also at Check-In Friday to help kick-off the Event weekend.
  • Volunteer opportunities can be found in the local events sections on this website.
What do Crew Members do?

Crew Members are the back-bone and support system to making the AVON 39 weekend happen. The Crew is essential to the success of the weekend’s production. Crew members perform numerous (and varied) jobs, including marking the route, picking up trash, setting up rest stops, serving meals and assisting as safety crossing guards.

What do Volunteers do?

During the AVON 39 weekend, volunteers work shorter shifts at Check-In Friday or on Saturday or Sunday during the Event. You tell us how much time you’re able to commit, and we’ll place you accordingly to cover areas where support is most needed. Your job(s) could vary throughout the weekend.

We also depend on Volunteers during the months leading up to the Event to support our staff in contacting 39ers, organizing events, leading Training Walks, etc.

As a 39er, how much money do I have to raise to participate in AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer?

Each walker commits to raising a minimum of $1,800 in donations by Check-In Friday.

What happens if I can’t raise $1,800? Do I have to donate the remaining amount of money myself?

If you don’t raise the $1,800 minimum by Check-In Friday (the day before the AVON 39 begins), you have three options:

  1. You can complete a Fundraising Commitment Pledge (FCP) form at Check-In Friday. You’ll need a valid credit card to cover the outstanding amount. Your card will not be charged for a minimum of 30 days after the Event, allowing you time to continue to fundraise to meet your required minimum. If you do not reach the $1,800 minimum in that time, your credit card will be charged for the outstanding balance.
  2. You can choose not to participate (and we hope you won't pick this one!). The money you've raised is non-refundable and will still benefit the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. You will not be responsible for raising additional funds to meet the minimum requirement.
  3. As long as there are still positions available, you may choose to convert from a walker to a Volunteer or Crew member.

Note: If, for some reason you have an outstanding Fundraising Commitment Pledge from a previous Event, you are not eligible to enter into an additional Fundraising Commitment Pledge without fulfilling your previous pledge immediately. You may not have multiple Fundraising Commitment Pledges open at the same time.

Why are Walkers required to raise $1,800? Wouldn’t more people walk if the minimum was lower?

The goal of AVON 39 is to fund access to breast cancer care and to support cutting-edge research leading to prevention and a cure for the disease. The more money that we raise, the bigger the impact we’re able to make toward grant making in these areas. AVON 39 requires a structure different than other events of a shorter distance and/or less of a time commitment. Two-days and 39-miles is bold! While a lower fundraising commitment may yield more participants, the length and complexity of the AVON 39 weekend event with increased participants would only increase costs while bringing in fewer donations – this would defeat our goal of making a measurable impact on this disease. AVON 39 is designed so that an optimal number of participants can experience the weekend while simultaneously raising magnanimous donations for the cause.

Does my $50 registration fee count toward my fundraising requirement?

No. The $50 registration fee does not count toward the fundraising minimum. The non-refundable registration fee covers costs associated with processing your registration and the materials you receive throughout your Event preparation.

How do you split a donation among team members?

You can set up an online account for the entire team under the Team Fundraising option. If you are collecting offline donations for the team, please send checks to the address on the back of the coupon, along with one donation coupon for each team member in one envelope. NOTE: In order to split offline donations for a team, Team Captains must collect and include a donation coupon from each team member they would like the donation split between. Team Members may download their personal donation coupon from their Participant Center.

Can my donors get tax receipts?

Most donors use either a credit card receipt or cancelled check as a donation receipt. Online donors will receive an e-mail confirming their contribution 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 Breast Cancer Crusade. For more information, please complete the tax receipt request form.

Will donors be contacted by AVON 39 or any other organizations?

AVON 39 donor names and contact information will never be sold or shared beyond the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Donors may occasionally receive information from the Crusade 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.

Can I collect donations in foreign currency?

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 in U.S. dollars.

Can a downloadable donation form be posted on the website?

AVON 39 uses donation coupon books that are part of an automated processing system, enabling us to save money on processing costs. With this system, your coupons are unique to you and cannot 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’ll receive a coupon booklet containing coupons stamped with a coupon number unique to you. (Note that this number is different from the number contained on your online coupons, which is why it’s important to always include your participant number on each and every coupon you submit with your donations.) Make sure you follow all directions printed on the coupon booklet and return in the envelopes provided so that your account can be credited quickly and accurately.

Why can't I use my friend's coupons when mine run out?

Your coupons are uniquely coded to you in order to ensure that your donations are credited to your account. If you use your friend's coupon, the donation will be credited to your friend's account and not yours. We are unable to re-assign donations from one account to another once they have been deposited.

How do I get more coupons?

Contact your Fundraising Coach at 1-888-426-WALK.

Do you accept donations made by check?

Yes. Checks should be made payable to "AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer" and should include your participant ID number on the check. You should mail check donations, along with a completed donation coupon for each check, to the address on the back of the coupon.

Do you only accept checks made payable to AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer?

If the check is made payable to you or your team, please endorse the check on the back, along with your signature, and write “For deposit only payable to AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer.” If the check is made out to another charity, we will not be able to cash the check. If you receive a check made payable to another organization, please contact your donor and ask them to write a new check.

Can I submit donations in cash?

No. We cannot accept cash donations. 39ers 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 s/he is credited for the donation. Please do not make a donation online using a personal credit card in lieu of any cash donations as we will be unable to properly credit your donor for the contribution.

Can I overnight donations to the bank?

No. Donations go directly to a bank P.O. Box, which cannot accept overnight Fed Ex, UPS, DHL, or USPS delivery service. Please use regular post.

What if I do not include my coupon with a donation?

It is likely that your donation will not be credited to your fundraising account if you do not use a coupon. You must use a coupon with each offline donation.

How long does it take for donations to be posted to my personal page?

Donations made online via the website using a credit card are posted immediately. Offline donations submitted via regular mail – checks or credit card donations – will be posted within three weeks of the mailing date as long as each donation includes a donation coupon and the instructions are correctly followed. Any missing information or incorrect use of the coupon will delay the process.

How will I know if I receive offline donations?

All donations will be posted in the “honor roll” section of your personal webpage. Your Fundraising Coach can also give you a current update of your donation account.

How do I get credited for matching gifts from my donors’ employers?

Matching gift forms from the donor's employer/company should be completed and sent to:

Avon Breast Cancer Crusade
Attn: AVON 39 Matching Gifts
PO Box 3535
Grand Central Station
New York, NY 10163

Once received by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, matching gift forms are processed within 48–72 hours. Once confirmation of the original gift is made, the form is 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 your name and participant ID number on each form in the top left corner.

Do matching gifts count toward my fundraising minimum?

Yes. If the matching gift check is received from the matching company and processed by the bank prior to Check-In Friday, then matching gifts will count toward your fundraising minimum. It is important not to rely on these funds to meet your minimum fundraising commitment, however, 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 mail a check to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Please contact the matching company for more information and submit any matching gift requests as early as possible prior to the Event.

Where does the money go?

Funds raised by our dedicated AVON 39 participants are distributed by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations to support breast cancer education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment and support services, and life-saving research. For information on past grants, please consult our online grants database for grants made in your specific region or nationally.

What portion of my donations goes to the breast cancer cause?

Financial information for 2015 and prior is posted online. Information for 2016 will be posted as soon as it is available.

How much of the funds raised stay in the local area?

While the exact percentage varies from city to city and year to year, the majority of net funds raised will directly benefit the region where the AVON 39 event is held, and will also ensure that care and research programs nationwide have the resources to make the most progress possible. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade funds programs that help people in all 50 states, regardless of whether we have an AVON 39 event there.

If I can’t walk, can my donors get their money back?

All donations are non-refundable. The money you’ve raised will go to work in the community helping those affected by breast cancer.

What is the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade tax ID number?

The Tax ID Number you should use is through the New Venture Fund: 20-5806345. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has a fiscal management arrangement with New Venture Fund. The New Venture Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Crusade’s financial management of its programs, including the AVON 39 and the breast cancer grant making programs. AVON 39's donations are granted by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to qualified organizations that help women and men, regardless of their ability to pay, get the quality care that they need. For more information about ABCC's financials, please visit: http://www.avon39.org/about/impact/.

What is the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade?

The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade qualifies under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Launched in 1992, the Crusade is affiliated with the Avon Foundation for Women. The Crusade’s philanthropic commitment is to enable access to medical advances and support services for breast cancer patients, particularly those from vulnerable populations, and to invest in research on the prevention, diagnostics, and treatment of breast cancer. Funding – made available only through a rigorous grant application process overseen by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Board of Managers and Scientific Advisory Board – 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. For more information on the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, visit http://www.AVON39.org/ABCC.

What is the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade's role for AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer?

AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer is a project of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. The Crusade is the sole producer of the AVON 39 series, responsible for overseeing marketing, logistics, finances, cost controls, and all the other details of AVON 39.

Is the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade affiliated with the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation?

No. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade is a unique and separate organization and is not legally affiliated with any other breast cancer entity. Further, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade does not donate any funds to the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The AVON 39 event series is a project of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and has no connection to any other breast cancer-related event produced by any other organization.

Where does the money raised from AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer go? Who decides where the money goes?

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 39 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 www.avonfoundation.org.

Initial funding announcements from past AVON 39 events can be found on our website in the Media Center.

Of the money raised, how much goes to the Avon Foundation mission causes?

The Avon Foundation for Women represents a unique model for philanthropy that in 2013 generated support and revenue totaling $53.46 million, of which $15 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 more than 50 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 72% expenses dedicated to charitable programs and grants, is one that goes well beyond recommended charitable standards.

Avon philanthropy has donated more than $957 million through 2013 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.

How much money has the Avon Foundation donated?

Avon philanthropy raises funds, conducts programs and educates millions annually about breast cancer, domestic violence and disaster relief in more than 50 countries. Avon philanthropy has donated more than $957 million through 2013 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 more than $815 million to breast cancer programs globally from 1992-2013.

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 $50 million globally for domestic and gender violence programs from 2005-2013.

How much money have the Walks raised?

From 2003–2013, the Walks have raised more than $500 million.

Why are grants announced and presented at AVON 39 Closing Ceremonies?

Unlike other Breast Cancer special events, the Avon Foundation announces and presents grants at the Closing Ceremony of each AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer event. 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 AVON 39 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 39 geographic area at Closing Ceremonies to ensure that Walkers’ hard-earned dollars are put to good use immediately.

Additional monies raised by each AVON 39 event, along with funds raised by other Avon Foundation activities, are combined and granted to breast cancer organizations in the AVON 39 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.

Will any of the money raised go toward research that uses testing on animals?

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.

Why do the grants made each year by the Avon Foundation not match the funds raised?

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’s goal is to be prudent and effective, and use the AVON 39 funds raised in the best way to support access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.

How much support does AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer receive from Avon Products, Inc.?

AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer series is produced and managed by the Avon Foundation for Women, a 501(c)(3) charity, which 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 39. In 2013, the total Avon Products, Inc. commitment to the Avon Foundation mission programs and administrative expenses was approximately $15 million.

The fees for the logistical producer for AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer events are paid by Avon Products, Inc., and Avon also makes significant contributions to Walk marketing and advertising expenses. In addition, Avon Products 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.

Who benefits from Avon Foundation-funded programs?
  1. Avon Foundation beneficiaries help educate 500,000 men and women each year about 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
What kind of breast cancer screening and care programs does the Avon Foundation fund?

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.

What organizations can apply for Avon Foundation funding of breast cancer screening and care?

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.

Does the Avon Foundation support Planned Parenthood?

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.

What types of research does the Avon Foundation fund?

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 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 research grant, please see our Breast Cancer Research Program Guidelines.

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