Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) was the first national advocacy organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing information and education to patients, caregivers, and their loved ones. For 50 years, the ABTA has been providing comprehensive resources that support the complex needs of brain tumor patients and caregivers, as well as the critical funding of research in the pursuit of breakthroughs in brain tumor diagnosis, treatment and care. 

The mission of the American Brain Tumor Association is to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending and, ultimately, saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis. We do this through interactions and engagements with brain tumor patients and their families, collaborations with allied groups and organizations, and the funding of brain tumor research. 

As event organizer, you are responsible for the overall organization, promotion, liability and execution of the event. The ABTA is happy to help in any way we can, including offering support and guidance along the way.

No, the ABTA does not provide reimbursement for expenses related to your fundraising event. Event organizers are expected to cover event expenses using money from the event, sponsor donations, or personal donations. 

No, ABTA items may not be sold outright; however, a suggested donation amount can be requested (this applies to ABTA wristband). 

With more than 60 fundraising events held on our behalf throughout the year, ABTA representatives, including local volunteers, make every effort to attend as many as time and budget allow. If you would like to request that a representative be at your event, please contact Lily McNally at lmcnally@abta.org at least six weeks in advance. We will do our best to accommodate your request. 

We want to support your event the best we can. 

• ABTA Designated Contact: Work one-on-one with an ABTA staff member for extra guidance and beneficial resources for your event. 

• Fundraising Page: a personalized ABTA fundraising page to receive donations for your event and thank donors.  

• ABTA Event Calendar: List your event on our online calendar to help promote your event in your community. Ask your ABTA contact how to get your event listed. 

• Fundraising Toolkit: Receive access to our fundraising guidelines, tips & tricks, and logos. 

• ABTA-Branded Giveaways: Upon request and availability, we will provide you with some giveaway items and educational materials. 

Donations made payable to the ABTA are tax deductible.  

If a cash or check donation is received from a donor who would like to receive an acknowledgment letter, please obtain their contact information (first and last name, email and mailing address) and note the amount of cash received. Otherwise, there will be no record of their donation if they ask for a receipt. 

No, you do not need to be a 501c3 to host an event. American Brain Tumor is a 501c3 and any donations made directly to our organization are tax deductible. If your event donors give directly to you or your event, ABTA will not have a record of these donations and they will not be tax deductible, unless you are operating as a 501c3. 

Donations allow the ABTA to provide vital brain tumor resources to patients and their families, fund promising research studies, and conduct nationwide brain tumor educational programs. For more information, please visit ABTA Funding Impact. 

A full calendar of events can be found at www.abta.org/get-involved/events/. 

Yes, matching gifts are a great way to double or even triple a donor’s gift! Don’t forget to remind your donors to ask their employers to see if they have a matching gift program. You may also click here to find out if a company offers such a program. Donations must be made directly to the ABTA to qualify as a matching gift. 

There is no fundraising requirement to meet. Set a personal fundraising goal for your event! 

Donations can be mailed to: 

American Brain Tumor Association 
Attn: Fundraise your Way 
8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. 
Suite 550 
Chicago, IL 60631 

Please include a note with your name and the fundraising event name.