Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children's catastrophic diseases.

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The Good

Total income
Administrative expenses
Fundraising expenses
Program percentage
Accessible financial information
Donor communication
Awards

Total Income

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reported its total income for the 2014 fiscal year as $1,029,753,705. The organization does not publish information for prior years online, so our Review Team is unable to evaluate revenue trends over time.

Administrative Expenses

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital spent $107,824,020 on administrative and supportive services in 2014. This is equivalent to 10.2 percent of total revenue. The CEO for the hospital, William E. Evans, received a salary of $1,299,281, which is equivalent to 0.13 percent of total revenue.

Fundraising Expenses

Compared to most other organizations, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital spends a higher percentage of its administrative expenses towards fundraising. The 2014 fundraising budget was $2,644,811, or 20.5 percent of total revenue.

Program Percentage

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reports that an average of 83 percent of its revenue goes towards its services. A program delivery percentage over 80 percent is considered to be an indicator of financial responsibility.

Accessible Financial Information

The hospital has only made its 2015 financial reports available via an app for iPad. This is unusual and may not generate feelings of trust from current or potential donors. However, the organization has published its 2014 reports on its website.

Donor Communication

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital continues to communicate with donors after they have made a contribution.

Awards

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been widely recognized for its achievements as an institution, as well as for its teams of researchers and individuals. Below are a few of the many recognitions received by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Institutional Awards U.S. News and World Reports have named St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as a Top Children's Cancer Hospital from 2008 to 2016 in the Best Children's Hospital rankings. Forbes Magazine recognized the hospital in 2015 as one of the 50 Best Places for Workplace Diversity. Team Awards The hospital's nursing staff was recognized in 2015 with Magnet Recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Dr. William Evans and Dr. Mary Relling were recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2009 with the Pediatric Oncology Award. Individual Awards Over 50 physicians and researchers working with the hospital have received prestigious awards for their findings. The list above is only a small sampling of recognitions received by the hospital. Our Review Team recommends visiting the organization's website for more information and a comprehensive list.

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The Bad

Negative press

Negative Press

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has received some negative press for the following controversies: Animal Research There are many animal advocacy groups which criticize the hospital for performing research on animals. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does perform some research on animals, but does not specifically address this on their website. Animals most frequently used in the organization's research are rats and mice, which the hospital states have been bred specifically for research. Additionally, according to the hospital, the role of animal research is irreplaceable at this time and is far superior to performing potentially dangerous research on the humans they are working to save. Representatives of the hospital state that all of the organization's research is performed responsibly. Raccoon Hunt Fundraiser In what can only be described as an unusual marriage, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital receives funds from an annual raccoon hunting event in Decatur County, Tennessee. The event has been held with proceeds benefiting the hospital since 1975. Billed as "The Largest Coon Hunt," this event has received criticism from animal rights activists annually. These groups are infuriated that the hospital has not asked the county to stop the event.

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The Bottom Line

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital works to treat and cure diseases in children. The organization has a respectable program delivery percentage and has received a number of awards. However, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has received some negative press, especially for its use of animals in research.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

4.4

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54 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

76%

4 grade

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

13%

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Tera Agee

I have donated monthly to St. Jude for many years. Their gracious help to children and their families are a true blessing to those in need.

4 weeks ago

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TC B Florissant, CO

Yes Yes Yes....if you can only donate to one charity, and even only 5.00 a month....do St. Jude! What an AMAZING organization! Can you imagine having a child battling cancer?!? Can you imagine not having the money to pay for treatment?!?! St. Jude takes that worry away and looks at the family not just the child! I love the mission, I love how they don't pressure you to give, and don't pressure you to give more than you are capable of! This is an organization that I donate to every single year, and at the end of the year I receive a donation summary for tax purposes. It is very easy, just automatically deducted from my account.

1 year ago Edited December 8, 2023

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Deborah Dyer Hendersonville, TN

I can remember when I was a little girl, my family would watch actor Danny Thomas put on the TV telethons for St. Jude Childrens Hospitals, and my Dad always called in and gave money. When I asked him what it was for, he said “the money collected from people giving went to help children that were in the St. Jude Hospital. They might be sick with leukemia, cancer or some other life threatening issue, and the more monies collected helped each family who had a child under that care would not have to pay. That description touched my heart at age 7 and as I grew and became an adult, St. Jude automatically become one of my largest organizations to contribute to as I still do today going into my elderly years. .

2 years ago

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Donna Pridmore Cullman, AL

I have unfortunately had the experience of experiencing my granddaughter’s treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at St. Jude. She would not be alive today, seven years after diagnosis, if it had not been for the wonderful, highly skilled medical professionals at St. Jude. Everything that you happen to see on television about St. Jude is as advertised and more! The money raised through donations has greatly increased the cure rate for ALL over the past decades from certain death to a 94% cure rate. My daughter’s family was never charged a single penny for my granddaughter’s care; for her cure, it took over two and a half years of treatment! My husband and I became “Partners in Hope” and have money deducted by bank draft each month, but we also give a large Christmas donation. It’s a small thing to do to save a child’s life! have never known other organizations who do such an excellent job with fundraising. It is a more than worthy place to donate your money!

4 years ago

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Robert C.

St. Jude's mission is fabulous. Treat children and do not charge. Who does that? I am proud to support them and their work. Best of all, you give what you can and they do not pester you for more. Just the usual reminders and appeals through the mail, and I do not mind that because it is not constant, and I need to be reminded. Also, you will not get address stickers, pens, calculators, calendars, note pads or other junk that just detracts from where the money should be going. All charities should look at their model.

3 years ago

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RandyK Tampa, FL

I did a pediatric oncology rotation at St Jude’s many years ago as a medical student at the University of Tennessee. It is an amazing place, full of hope and sadness and joy and love and brilliant people. Are they aggressive fundraisers? Sure. Have they been at the forefront in combating neuroblastoma, nephroblastoma, pediatric leukemias, and other childhood cancers? Absolutely.

6 years ago

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June

This research hospital is the best for children. There are no cost for anything. When Danny Thomas created this great hospital, it has saved so many lives. This is my charity that I donate money so children may have free treatment and live.

1 year ago

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tfd1949

Of all of the bills I pay on a monthly basis, my donation to St Jude’s is the first bill I pay. Been donating monthly for 9 years. The TV ads they run are trustworthy and sad to see little kids going thru medical nightmares

1 year ago

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Amani Patel Harrisonburg, VA

This charity aligns with my personal passions and values, and I further appreciate the transparency of the organization. I also value that more than half of donations go to families in need and cover the costs of patient treatment and procedures.

1 year ago

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Amanda George IL

I have donated to St Jude for almost 2 1/2 years now. They are always so easy to work with, they are honest, and they truly care about what they do there. Every little bit helps. And the commercials on TV are actual St Jude children.

2 years ago

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Jeremy Summa Inverness, FL

I can’t say enough about st Jude’s speaking as father who’s child had and beat stage 4 cancer with the help of st Jude. They don’t give up on hope and they treat the kids with love. They worked with my daughter to setup make a wish. Miraculously she beat it and 10 years later she is a mom and a cancer free human.

2 years ago

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JD Dunklee Hattiesburg, MS

I used to live very close to St. Jude, and I love the work that they do. It’s wonderful to see people who are so passionate about what they do to fight for a cure of cancer. I have personally volunteered at St. Jude events, and the staff from St. Jude have always been very nice and kind

5 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

St. Judes Children's Research Hospital is just a great charitable organization putting kid's health first. They even offer services free of charge to families in need. I know they have helped us and in turn we are happy to donate to keep the help going. Their Doctors are medical experts and their kindness is beyond reproach.

5 years ago

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ladyann13 Lawrenceburg, KY

We donated $500.00 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital last year. I feel it was a waste and did nothing to help. Since then we have received letters for them asking for more money. There were two letters with pictures of two children, there was a page of name stamps for us, and letter after letter, which include pamphlets and postage paid enevelopes asking for more money and telling us how much our donation helped. The is at least one letter a month, but it's almost weekly. To print that information, copy it, stuff the envelopes and put a postage stamp on numerous envelopes how did our money help any child? They've spent at least that much asking for more. We've given to two other charities and maybe received three letters from them. We want to help the children but we don't think we are.

6 years ago

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Katie Kearney Vienna, VA

My family and I have been donating to St. Jude for years! Their organization has a special place in our hearts and we love what their mission and the fact that they take such amazing care of the children and families that come to them. We are huge supporters and will continue to contribute to this amazing organization!

7 years ago

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Alicia Holman Gilbert, AZ

I love that almost everything they get goes into helping people. Also, they never turn away any children who need medical help. I think it's because they had someone overseeing the charity making sure it stays true to its founder.

7 years ago

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Brenda Mertes Houston, TX

What St. Jude's is out there doing for children is INCREDIBLE. I love their ads that are heartwarming instead of heartwrenching, and I am inspired to donate. I will absolutely be attending a 5k marathon for St. Jude's in the future as soon as possible. I have many friends that also donate and run for the children. Most importantly, I know that when I give to St. Jude's it goes into the right hands and helps the children tremendously.

6 years ago

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Teresa Bills Mayflower, AR

This is one of my favorite charities and I give as much as I can. I love all children and want to help as much as possible. Help with giving to support this wonderful charity and bless these children

2 years ago

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Sheila Burns Dickson, TN

I donate to St Jude because they are a wonderful charity. I love being able to help families and children going through a terrible time in their lives. To not have to worry about the cost of care is amazing.

2 years ago

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Elizabeth LaFlamme Anderson, SC

I admire the work that this organization does and am proud to support them. I have donated multiple times and been involved with them in that way, but have not had a child here personally.

2 years ago

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Madelyn Grossarth Salt Lake City, UT

It’s super easy to donate, you can do it online or through the mail. I love the fact that the money you donate makes it so that anyone receiving treatment there doesn’t have to pay a thing.

3 years ago

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Phebe Rowland Fayetteville, AR

I have had close friends who have been patients at St. Jude, and one of my family members works at the hospital. The care they receive and the staff are incredible. The facilities and technology are state of the art. The marketing team does a phenomenal job advertising and creating fun events for fundraising.

5 years ago

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Brayden Ibert Houston, TX

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is an amazing organization that I would donate to a million times over. The entire process is easy and the cause is inspiring. I wish I could give all my money to them.

5 years ago

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Beverly Schacher Gulfport, MS

I think this is a very worthwhile charitable organization to donate to. I regularly donate to them but thankfully do not personally know anyone that has had to use their services. They have a great reputation.

5 years ago

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Tad Moody Duarte, CA

Quit whining about robocalls and persistent mail. That’s how they get funds to save lives. I’ll take all the robocalls and post mail in the world if it saves even one child’s life. Pick your battles.

6 years ago

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Harley Colin Mobile, AL

I decided to make a monthly donation. That donation supposedly entitled me to a T-shirt. Instead of receiving the shirt, I received another request for money. The letter stated that by sending another donation, I would possibly be eligible for the T-shirt. Funny, their ad doesn’t mention that and the representative I spoke to when I made my recurring donation asked me what size shirt I wanted. To me it’s not about the money it’s the principle and slimy tactics. I thought of cancelling my donation but I want to help the children. I am a cancer survivor but I will not ever support them again!

1 year ago

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Anna Lantz Raleigh, NC

They sent multiple donation request mailers to my apartment, with the text “We miss you. Cancer doesn’t wait. . . so why should you?” in big letters on the outside of the envelope. The problem? The letters. . . are addressed to my deceased relatives. One of whom died of cancer. My relatives stopped donating because they died. It is distressing for me every single time it happens. I am still trying to get St. Jude’s to stop months later. They offer no method of canceling said mail that I can find through their website or phone tree. And no one on their donation soliciting team had the common sense to realize that a larger portion than average of their donors have cancer, and that sometimes longtime donors suddenly stop sending in donations *because they are dead.* They are more interested in making it difficult for people to unsubscribe from their mailers in case they manage to change someone’s mind about donating, then they are in making a system that doesn’t constantly retraumatize people grieving their loved ones who recently lost their battles with cancer. I can’t speak to how they treat their patients as I didn’t receive services from them - but their donation-side behavior is manipulative and irresponsible.

2 years ago

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Audrey Mitchell Managua, MN

St. Jude's is a great charity to donate to and know that the money is put to good use. They are marketed very well as they have commercials that pull on the emotions of the viewers and making people want to help the cause.

5 years ago

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ChanceyParker Petal, MS

A great charity and I love how they have a link that you can donate valentines cards through e-cards. You can get creative or just pick a template for the kids. It’s a great way to cheer kids up.

5 years ago

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Joseph Tempe, AZ

One of the best charaties for chilldren that are sick, I have given to this charity for years. I feel they do good things for kids

2 years ago

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Doug Foerch Deerfield, IL

I found them to be a great source for helping children in need with my donations. The are always helpful and thankful for your help.

4 years ago Edited October 14, 2021

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Darbles32 Managua, MN

I have donated quite a bit to this organization just through grocery stores but sometimes worry about how much of the money is actually being put towards the research

5 years ago

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Endia Gulfport, MS

This hospital is doing so much to help children in need. They make sure the patient and their family feel safe and comfortable.

5 years ago

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Kim Wallace Mableton, GA

Around 50% of what is raised annually is actually used for helping children with cancer. 50% goes to the fundraising entity which it uses to pay " operating expenses" to includes approximately $7.7 million to 11 employees (approx $700k each) in 2013 according to their financial filing forms with the government. They are aggressive in robo calls and will not stop whem asked to be removed from their calling list.

7 years ago

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Jerry Grabast Las Vegas, NV

All the advertising has to cost millions pns of dollars even if half or more o given to them as donations why don't they put that money in the donation kitty for what it supposed to go for and quit with the blankets at least the t- shirts are walking ads !!!! That's why I quit donating

2 years ago

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M T Chicago, IL

I really like volunteering with this charity and doing their virtual runs as I donate funds to the organization.

2 years ago

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Mikayla Ralston Gaithersburg, MD

This organization warms my heart. I feel it is very well run and can offer relief to families that need it.

5 years ago

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Donald M Rush McKinleyville, CA

Continues to make robo calls to promote more donations from previous donors. Does not stop calling when asked to do so. Uses local phone number similar to scammer tactics. Will not respond when asked why they continue to annoy donors with junk phone calls.

7 years ago

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Diego Flores New York, NY

I can not express how much I am grateful to St. Jude. They helped a dear friend of mine recover from cancer. You will never be let down by St. Jude.

5 years ago

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Amanda Warrendale, PA

Everything St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does is miracle work for children, and I have good feelings about donating to them.

6 years ago

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Donna Ross Huntington Beach, CA

When I inquired some time ago asking if they used animals for their research, I was told they did not. That was a lie!! Sorry for the children but, no more donations from our family!!

2 years ago

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Tony's Babygirl Staton St Louis, MO

Very good charity that focuses on the needs of sick children and doesn't turn any away. Good organization

2 years ago

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larry Fort Myers, FL

I donate to them because of the work they do and I think my money will be spent wisely

2 years ago

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Mike Wilson Baytown, TX

Great charity whose percentage of dollar donated actually goes to the source of those who need it.

5 years ago

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Madison Kneiss Gulfport, MS

I love submitting the ecards for valentines. It’s a nice way of keeping things off kids minds.

5 years ago

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Makayla Manus Gulfport, MS

St. Jude is such a great place that does absolutely wonderful things. They work their hardest to help people.

5 years ago

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Lisa Imes DeMotte, IN

Loved this place! Wonderful people, services are beyond words!

1 year ago

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Analisa Vigil Lubbock, TX

Highly recommend. They truly care about their patients and finding a cure.

1 year ago

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joanne pfeiffer

Would love to donate for the children but I CANNOT!! Any hospital that makes money off the annual slaughter of defenseless raccoons can't have my money.

2 years ago

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Grossarth Family Herriman, UT

Easy to make donations. We are sent an envelope every month.

3 years ago Edited January 25, 2022