Wny Ovarian Cancer Project Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Only 32% of its spending went to programs.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
OUR MISSION IS TO EDUCATE THE WNY COMMUNITY ON THE SYMPTOMS AND RISKS OF OVARIAN AND ALL GYNECOLOGIC CANCER, AND TO PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO SURVIVORS AND THEIR FAMILIES EXPERIENCING THESE CANCERS.
- Income
- $180,466
- Spending
- $172,278
- Spent on programs
- 32%
- Reserves
- 22.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 68%
- Employees
- 0
- Highest pay
- $54,916, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (diseases, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 22.5 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 6% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 5% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 19% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1532% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Weak: 35 out of 100. Higher than 12% of charities in its peer group (diseases, under $250k).
Independent board
5 of 250 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (2)
- $39,137 spent. SUPPORT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Support- Annual Survivor Retreat: An opportunity for a weekend respite for women with ovarian and gynecologic cancers. Our goal is to help reduce stress by exploring ways to find renewal and healing. In group settings we dive into how to find meaning, hope, joy & grace after a diagnosis of ovarian or gynecologic cancer. During the weekend participants have opportunities to explore how meditation, a gentle yoga practice or journaling can enhance their lives. We leave time for participants to rest, socialize and explore nature on the grounds of the retreat center. Support Support Group Program: Information and support for women with ovarian and all gynecologic cancer are essential. Studies show that support groups improve quality of life and survivorship by helping reduce anxiety and depression. Studies also show that women educated about their disease in this type of group make better decisions, have a better quality of life, and have better outcomes than women who do not participate in this type of supportive forum. Our groups are professionally facilitated and offer women with gynecologic cancer vital, face-to-face connections with others living with gynecologic cancer in safe, confidential surroundings. Support - Caregiver Support Group: Offers a supportive atmosphere for caregivers to gather information and connect with others who understand what it is like to care for a gynecologic cancer patient, to help feel less isolated. Monthly sessions are professionally facilitated and peer-led, with the focus of each session determined by those present.Support "Comfort & Hope Tote" Program: Since 2013, the Ovarian Cancer Project signature comfort & hope totes have been available to every newly diagnosed gynecologic patient in the Western New York region. The totes contain chemotherapy essentials and, most importantly, a message of hope from the OCP, their local support services provider.Support "Woman to Woman" Mentor Program: In late 2016, the OCP was awarded a one-time grant from the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance to begin a mentoring program. This program carefully pairs ovarian and gynecologic cancer patients with trained volunteers who have had their own gynecological cancer experience. Mentors help newly diagnosed women, and women who have recurred cope by providing one-on-one emotional support and information. Our mentors give hope and unique insights that can only come from someone who has been on the same journey.Support Patient Advocacy: The gynecologic cancer patient advocate provides education and information on ovarian and gynecologic cancer treatment options, such as current research, available clinical trials, and medical and support referrals. Patient advocates help women with ovarian and gynecologic cancer navigate today's complex healthcare systems.Support - Community Medicine: Program provides monthly opportunities for survivors to socialize and relax with each other in their town.Support - Coffee Talk: Informal group meets for coffee each month to provide conversation and support.Support - Yoga and Meditation: Weekly virtual yoga and meditation led by a certified oncology yoga instructor.
- $15,322 spent. EDUCATION PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Education - Gynecologic cancer is deadly. There is no screening test for most gynecologic cancer. The critical factor in the survival is early detection. Studies and medical consensus show that gynecologic cancer does have symptoms. We also know that some women have risk factors for developing gynecologic cancer. Across the country, small grassroots organizations like the Ovarian Cancer Project are making inroads in educating individuals, communities, and health professionals with information on the symptoms and risks of all gynecologic cancer. The Ovarian Cancer Project distributes this information and information about what action to take if an individual has symptoms or risk factors throughout the region.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 2013.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.