Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation is a 2-star charity that is financially transparent. It has a D+ Results Reporting grade, which is below average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 50 cents are available to go towards the cause. This is outside Ci’s reasonable range. 

Established in 2004, Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation (DHBMC) raises money to improve cancer treatment and care in Newfoundland and Labrador. The foundation donates money to multiple hospitals and healthcare centres throughout the province, including the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre. One in two people in Newfoundland and Labrador with be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. By 2028, the rate of cancer diagnosis is expected to increase 40%.

In F2023, DHBMC reports $1.4m in disbursements to patients and healthcare-related projects. The charity does not provide a breakdown of its program spending. The charity disburses funds in three main categories: In This Together, Patient Support program, and Power of Life program. The other programs include Charitable programs and Education (scholarships, bursaries, grants).

The Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation's 2024-2028 strategic plan "Every Step Of The Way" follows 10 strategic goals to achieve care for everyone, no matter their situation, by raising funds for programs, equipment, and education province-wide.

In This Together is Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation’s capital campaign. It made up 65% of granting in F2023. In June 2023, DHBMC celebrated the opening of the new chemotherapy unit at the Cancer Centre. The charity's financial commitment will conclude at the end of this fiscal year, achieving the $5 million campaign goal. In May 2023, DHBMC received a $250k donation from Newfoundland Power, its partner on the Power Life program, in support of this campaign.

The Patient Support program made up 26% of granting in F2023. DHBMC's Patient and Family Support Fund assists cancer patients with unexpected expenses like travel and groceries, lessening their financial stress during treatment. The average return distance from home to hospital of these patients is 430km, and the average patient’s travel expense is $438. In F2023, 470 cancer patients and families accessed this fund, 46% being male and 54% being female. Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation dispersed a total of $160,539 funding to patients in F2023, a 7% increase from last year. In F2023, the number of cancer patients that have applied for assistance with food has doubled. In F2023, Newfoundland Power donated $15k to DHBMC’s Patient and Family Support Fund.

The Power of Life program made up 6% of granting in F2023. Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation partners with Newfoundland Power to acquire cancer treatment equipment and comfort items, through customer donations and corporate assistance. September 2022 marked the 20^th Anniversary of this program that has raised over $5 million in support. In November 2022, 100 breast cancer survivors attended the NL Breast Cancer Conference for support and information. This was the Foundation’s first year as Presenting Sponsor.

The remaining 2% of grants went to Charitable programs and Education (scholarships, bursaries, grants). In F2023, Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation awarded the Faculty of Medicine scholarships to two nursing students at Memorial University.

Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation received donations and special events revenue of $1.8m in F2023. The charity spent $1.4m on its programs and grants in F2023, which is 78% of total revenues. Administrative costs are 34% of revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 16% of donations. DHBMC has a high overhead spending of 50%. This means that for every $1 donated, 50 cents go to the cause. This is below Ci’s reasonable range of 65 to 95 cents. The charity spent $1.4m on its programs and grants in F2023, which is 78% of total revenue. In F2023, Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation had a deficit of ($492k).

The charity has $3.4m in reserve funds, of which $1.2m is donor-endowed. These reserve funds are Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation’s cash and investments. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity has 1 year and 6 months of annual program costs covered by its current reserves.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 11, 2024 by Alexia Tudose.