A Message to the Public

Over the last couple days, the Board and Staff at the MA Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure have discussed the recent changes to Komen’s grant eligibility criteria. This change was voted upon and implemented at the national level, with no input from the Affiliate Network.

We are proud to have stood with our supports and Affiliates across the country who had respectfully requested Komen National revise the change to the grant criteria, clarifying it as a “guideline” so that the ultimate decision remains with each Affiliate. We could not, in good conscience, abide by this new policy. We are pleased that all of our internal discussions have resulted in National’s amendment of the grant eligibility criteria.

We remain deeply committed to providing funds for the best programs that meet the needs of the residents of Massachusetts. We work hard to fund programs across the Commonwealth that provide services to our most vulnerable populations, and we try hard not to duplicate services. The full list of our grantee partner programs can be found on our website.

In the recent past, the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts has not requested funding from Komen MA and, as such, is not currently funded by Komen MA. We are currently in the early stages of conversations with the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts to discuss collaborative educational and awareness initiatives in the future.

The outpouring over the last few days demonstrates the level of impact Komen, the Affiliates, volunteers, donors, and partners have had over the last 30 years. Komen MA does not take that responsibility lightly. We appreciate your passion and voice on this issue. We are heartbroken that we stand to lose so much. We will not squander this opportunity to show that we can hear the “Community Profile” and that our constituencies’ needs are our first priority.