Forty is a milestone birthday for many women. Fab Over 40, an annual competition hosted by Colossal Management, LLC, recognizes that women over 40 are worth celebrating while giving back in a big way through a grant partnership with NBCF.
What is a grant partnership in corporate philanthropy? In this case, Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that operates the Fab Over 40 competition on behalf of a charitable grantmaker, DTCare; “Donation votes” from the competition are granted to NBCF (minus fees and costs) at the end of the competition.
From the 2023 Fab Over 40 Competition alone, NBCF was granted more than $9 million and has received more than $19.4 million in the event’s first three years, highlighting the potential impact of a grant partnership.
Mary Hagen (left), CEO of Colossal, seated next to three runners-up and winner of Fab Over 40 2023, Gina De Simone (red dress, third from left).
NBCF offers details on becoming a corporate partner, including the benefits of partnership and tips for getting started.
A grant partnership is a collaboration between a corporation and a charitable organization where the corporation provides financial support to aid the organization’s mission. Grants are typically given for specific projects or initiatives; grant recipients must use the funds for their intended purpose. In contrast, donations are more flexible and can be used for a variety of purposes, depending on the organization’s needs.
NBCF’s grant partnership with DTCare through Colossal’s Fab Over 40 competition is mutually beneficial for each organization: NBCF shares the competition’s mission of celebrating women and receives grant proceeds following contest voting.
“We are so grateful to Colossal and their commitment to Helping Women Now,” said Mandy O’Neill, Senior Vice President of Development at NBCF. “Through their partnership, a significant impact to our mission has been made through over $19 million in funds raised to date and has helped provide over 400,000 women with life-saving breast cancer screenings, education, and support services so that no one faces breast cancer alone.”
Colossal, NBCF, and hospital staff after packing HOPE Kits for women in breast cancer treatment.
Fab Over 40 recognizes that “there are few forces more powerful than a group of women coming together to make a difference” and honors “beauty and vitality at any age.” The 2023 winner, Gina De Simone, is a 43-year-old licensed psychologist and yogi who is committed to slowing down and embracing the present. She earned a feature in NewBeauty magazine, $40,000, and a “spa-cation” in Arizona.
According to Colossal, “the prize is grand, but the impact is magnificent for women who are navigating breast cancer.” Colossal is a global leader in modern giving, offering an alternative method for charities to raise money and awareness.
When it comes to Fab Over 40, Colossal serves as a professional fundraiser that runs the competition on behalf of DTCare, a charitable grantmaker. Votes purchased during the annual competition support National Breast Cancer Foundation; 100% of donations go directly to DTCare, which grants the funds (minus fees and costs) to NBCF.
NBCF presenting Circle of Leadership award to Colossal CEO, Mary Hagen.
While most people are familiar with the traditional ways of supporting a charity, such as through financial donations or volunteer support, grant partnerships are another way to make a tremendous impact. Colossal is one of NBCF’s largest partners, thanks to this significant grant provided by DTCare.
Transparency is critical for a grant partnership. Donors want to understand what they are supporting and why their support is needed.
Because this type of partnership is both newer and less common than some other forms of corporate philanthropy, NBCF receives questions every year, including, “Is this for real?” We are proud to answer, “Yes, it is!” and explain how the grant partnership is set up and why this model can be so effective.
In a grant partnership, there are multiple moving parts, but the organizations involved play a key role in supporting women with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors. Transparency is important to let donors know who is involved, who benefits, and why this matters so much. To further transparency, National Breast Cancer Foundation shares regular updates on all of its corporate partners on the NBCF website.
NBCF was granted more than $9 million from the 2023 Fab Over 40 competition and received more than $19 million from 2021 to 2023.
As part of a grant partnership, nonprofits usually provide impact statements detailing how the funds are used to support those in need.
“What is remarkable about this partnership is that the impact is so large it will likely change the very landscape of breast cancer in the U.S. for decades to come – mortality rate, health equity, quality of life. Even more remarkable is that the success of this partnership relies on individual women helping individual women,” said NBCF Chief Program Officer, Douglas Feil.
“The funds raised remove barriers to care and allow over 400,000 patients in need of access to free mammograms, navigation, education, and support services. We know from evidence that the work supported by Fab Over 40 will not only save lives, but will also improve quality of life and ensure that no one will face breast cancer alone.”
Grantmakers and grant partnerships can enhance trust and transparency through three key steps:
Because Fab Over 40 is managed by a well-recognized national registered professional fundraiser, Colossal, the competition’s legitimacy is confirmed.
Donors, however, should be leery if a nonprofit or partner cannot provide details on the charity or fundraiser event, lacks information on giving and program history, applies pressure for immediate giving, or requests an alternate payment method such as a wire transfer.
Charity Navigator, which has given NBCF its highest 4-star rating for 18 years, is a great place to research a nonprofit’s legitimacy. The NBCF website also offers tips on creating winning partnerships with charities.
Grant partnerships offer a powerful and meaningful way for corporations to contribute to causes close to their hearts. Thanks to its partnership with Colossal and DTCare, NBCF has received sizable contributions that make a difference for women facing breast cancer and breast cancer survivors, marking one of our most successful partnerships to date.
Transparency in grant partnerships is crucial for building trust with both donors and beneficiaries—communication is always key! It is critical to share why your organization is engaging in a grant partnership and what this means for your mission and ability to serve others.
The Fab Over 40 competition serves as an incredibly successful example of a corporate-philanthropic partnership that makes a genuine difference for NBCF and the women we support and serve every day.
Donations are always appreciated, but there are lots of great ways to get involved.
Do you need volunteers? I myself have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and have been in remission for a year and a half. My first diagnosis was when I was 40 and then 41. Since I have gone through it myself, I think that I can relate cancer patients and be a great advocate for the cause.
Hi Amy! Thank you for your willingness to help support others facing breast cancer. You can view our volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved here: nbcf.org/breast-cancer-support/