A memorial gift
Donate in memory of someone
A gift made in memory keeps a loved one’s kindness moving through the world. In their name, someone newly diagnosed finds a calm explanation; a caregiver finds support at 3 a.m.; a family understands what the doctor said.
If it would bring comfort, you can share the tribute with family and friends using a free “donation in memory” e-card. And if grief is heavy right now, the NCI’s resources on grief and bereavement may help.
“In lieu of flowers” — wording you can copy
Many families ask that donations be made instead of flowers. If you would like to include Cancer Explained in an obituary, funeral program, or announcement, you are welcome to use or adapt any of the wording below — no permission needed. Replace [Name] with your loved one’s name.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to CancerExplained.org, a nonprofit cancer-education resource, at cancerexplained.org/donate/in-memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in [Name]'s memory to CancerExplained.org, a nonprofit resource that keeps plain-language cancer education free for patients and families, at cancerexplained.org/donate/in-memory.
Memorial gifts in [Name]'s memory may be made to CancerExplained.org at cancerexplained.org/donate/in-memory.
There is also a free printable memorial-giving insert — a one-page card with this wording and a QR code, sized to tuck into a funeral program or place at a memorial service.
How memorial gifts help
Cancer Explained is free for everyone — no ads, no paywall, no sign-up. Memorial gifts help keep it that way. In your loved one’s name, they support:
- Plain-language explanations of cancer types, tests, treatments, and the confusing words on medical reports — grounded in trusted National Cancer Institute sources.
- Information in Spanish, and sections written just for kids and teens.
- A verified support directory and practical tools — question builders, printable handouts, and appointment-prep guides for patients and caregivers.
- The work behind the pages: source verification, accessibility, translations, and the technology that keeps everything free.
Common questions
Is a memorial donation tax deductible?
Yes. National Cancer Information Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3), and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Your own deductibility depends on your individual tax situation — consult your tax advisor for specifics. More detail is on our transparency page.
Will the family know a gift was made?
We don’t contact anyone automatically — that stays in your hands. If you would like the family to know, the free “donation in memory” e-card is a gentle way to tell them, in your own words.
Do we need permission to name Cancer Explained in an obituary?
No — you are welcome to include us without asking. If you have questions about a gift, a receipt, or anything else, email [email protected] and a person will help.
Cancer Explained does not sell medical information or require payment to access its educational tools. Donations help support source verification, accessibility, technology, translations, and free patient resources.
National Cancer Information Foundation is recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, effective July 7, 2026, and is classified as a public charity under Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law; your own deductibility depends on your individual tax situation, so please consult your tax advisor for specifics. This covers gifts made on or after July 7, 2026 — including gifts made before the IRS letter itself arrived — since the exemption is effective retroactive to that date.
No goods or services are provided in exchange for donations unless specifically stated.