Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Cancer Action Inc

EIN 48-0650257 · Overland Park, KS

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong95 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Cancer Action is dedicated to reducing distress and promoting the well-being of those living with, through and beyond cancer in the Kansas City area. Cancer Action meets the physical, emotional, social and financial needs of those with cancer and their families, making a difference one person at a time, offering support through every step of the cancer journey.

Income
$558,892
Spending
$531,720
Spent on programs
75%
Reserves
49.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 83%
Employees
6
Volunteers
225
Highest pay
$109,669, executive director

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

Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 49.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 4% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    75% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    19 of 19 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (3)
  1. $364,079 spent. Patient Services Program: A diagnosis of cancer can bring many challenges to a person's life and those who care for them. They need a place to turn for support and to help meet the many needs that cancer brings to their lives. For over 65 years, Cancer Action has been that place of hope and help in Kansas City. Cancer Action's Patient Services Program provides direct services, financial assistance, education, emotional support and guidance to individuals facing the many challenges cancer brings to those who live in the greater Kansas City area. Cancer Action offers programs and services that address the physical, emotional, social and financial needs of those with cancer and their families, making a difference one person at a time. Programs and services are offered to any person through every step of their cancer journey. Some of these services include prescription assistance, nutritional supplements, wigs and headwear, medical equipment and supplies, education and emotional support. In 2023, Cancer Action stepped up to meet some of the burdens of families by adding a gas card program for those incurring the additional expenses during cancer treatment. This program had tremendous growth in 2024! 1,200 cancer patients received much needed support to relieve distress and improve their well-being. Many of Cancer Action services are not only life-improving, but life-saving to those who are most in need in our community.
  2. $17,517 spent. Volunteer Program: Volunteer Program recruits, trains, and manages the many volunteers that help offer support, comfort and care to the agency's clients. Cancer Action has always been fortunate to have an army of volunteers offering support to the organization and those we serve; we have a number of volunteers who raise funds through special events held during the year.
  3. $15,669 spent. Community Education Program: Cancer Action provides education on a variety of topics related to cancer and cancer care. Education is provided through various methods. Cancer Action staff educate people one-on-one through phone calls and presents at other health care events when the opportunities arise.

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since November 1978.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. 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.