Fund the Research; Find a Cure — on Your Tax Form

For second time, California and New York taxpayers can donate to prostate cancer research on their state tax return forms

LOS ANGELES, Calif., February 21, 2006 – For the second consecutive year, residents in California and New York can donate directly to prostate cancer research on their state income tax return forms. Funds donated in these two states will support leading research institutions in California and New York, respectively, through a competitive grant program and are 100% tax deductible.

The "Prostate Cancer Research Fund" can be found on Line 64 in California and on Line 60f in New York. The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is paying all administrative costs of the program so that 100% of the money directed by taxpayers will go to prostate cancer research.

One in six men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, making it the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in the United States. This year, more than 234,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, 27,000 of whom are Californians and 14,000 of whom are New Yorkers. 

"Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can be a terrifying, life-altering experience, affecting not only the man diagnosed, but also his spouse, children, other family members and friends," said Leslie D. Michelson, chief executive officer of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. “Donating to prostate cancer research on your tax form is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help find better treatments and a cure for this disease that attacks one in six men."

This year, baby boomer men are beginning to turn 60. At this age, men are entering the highest risk zone for prostate cancer. As a result, the number of new cases and deaths is expected to increase dramatically over the next decade.

"We need to keep the two million men currently battling this disease and their families together," said Roosevelt (Rosey) Grier, former member of the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants, and who played in five-time World Championships. "We’re literally racing against the clock."

Last year, the PCF helped generate $224,000 in the state of New York, with more than 20,000 people donating and $188,000 in the state of California. In New York, the amount raised actually becomes $672,000 since both the State of New York and the PCF matched the dollars, increasing the total 2004 tax return revenue from the 2004 tax form donations to more than $860,000. This year, each contributed dollar will again be matched by both New York State and the PCF, so that each dollar becomes three. In California, at least $250,000 must be raised this year in order for the Prostate Cancer Research Fund to remain listed on the tax form.

The campaign will continue beyond the April 17th tax filing deadline, as many Californians and New Yorkers will file time extensions. For more information about each campaign, please visit www.caprostatecancerresearchfund.org and www.nyprostatecancerresearchfund.org.

About the Tax Form Contribution Program
Each state has a different set of rules governing the use of this mechanism. Some set time limits on how long a charity may stay on the tax return or establish minimum levels of donations in order to remain on the tax return. Others limit the number of charities that can be included on the tax form. The gifts qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions for taxpayers.

The use of check-off boxes on income tax returns to fund charitable organizations began in 1972, when the federal government allowed taxpayers to designate $1 to a special presidential campaign fund. States soon followed with their own contribution programs, beginning with Colorado in 1977.

Today there are some 220 funds in 41 states. Every state with a broad-based income tax has at least one contribution program. This program does not increase government spending; rather, it provides a convenient and efficient way for people to make charitable contributions.

In 2003, Americans contributed $33 million to a wide array of philanthropies using this mechanism, which was a 20% increase over the prior year.

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the world's largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research. Founded in 1993, the PCF has raised more than $260 million and provided funding for prostate cancer research to more than 1,200 researchers at 100 institutions worldwide. The PCF has a simple, yet urgent goal: to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. For more information, please visit www.prostatecancerfoundation.org.

Sarah Evans
(310) 570-4705
sevans@prostatecancerfoundation.org

Katie Lambe
(310) 570-4713
klambe@prostatecancerfoundation.org