Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation

Chicago, IL · Founded 1985

Breast cancer research foundation funding innovative treatments and patient care

Primary audience
Community Members
Work area
Social Services
Topic
Community Support
Contact
Kirstin Chernawsky
Website Contact

About Organization

Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation works to eradicate breast cancer by investing in early career doctors and innovative research at Northwestern Medicine, with investments directed locally within Chicago but driving impact globally. Based in Chicago, IL, the foundation has raised over $80 million since 1985 and generates $3.9 million in annual revenue with 5 staff members.

What They Focus On

Service Delivery

Provides programs meeting identified community needs with quality, consistency, and cultural responsiveness

Stakeholder Engagement

Builds relationships with participants, partners, and supporters advancing shared goals

Organizational Sustainability

Maintains operational capacity through sound management, diverse funding, and strategic planning

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$3.9M

+73.8% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$2.2M

+30.5% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$8.3M

+29.2% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

5

+66.7% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $3,864,106 $2,157,942 $8,343,105 5
2023 $2,222,700 $1,653,684 $6,459,675 3
2022 $1,163,257 $1,567,056 $5,519,974 3
2020 $930,159 $638,070 $4,090,701 0
2019 $1,322,384 $871,607 $3,672,767 0
2018 $1,361,162 $687,351 $2,953,136 0

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Assess Needs

    Identifies community priorities through data analysis, stakeholder input, and environmental scanning

  • 02

    Design Programs

    Develops evidence-based interventions addressing identified needs with measurable outcomes

  • 03

    Deliver Services

    Implements programs through qualified staff, volunteers, and community partners

  • 04

    Evaluate Impact

    Monitors results, collects feedback, and adjusts strategies for continuous improvement

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation

Direct Services

Delivers assistance meeting immediate needs including food, shelter, and emergency support

Capacity Building

Strengthens community resources through training, technical assistance, and organizational development

Advocacy Initiatives

Advances policy changes addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity for underserved populations

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation.

KC

Kirstin Chernawsky

Executive Director
Full-time
Compensation: $68,044
PL

Pamela Lewis

Executive Director
Full-time
Compensation: $32,667

Milestones

1985

Organization Founded

1985

Established as nonprofit corporation serving community needs

2018

Financial Growth

2018

Expanded operational capacity through increased revenue and program development

2023

Program Expansion

2023

Enhanced service delivery reaching more individuals and strengthening community partnerships

2024

Continued Operations

2024

Maintained service delivery and organizational stability despite external challenges

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

LS
Laura Sage Interim Executive Director and Treasurer 40 hrs/week · $157,500
AM
Alison Mitchell Director 2 hrs/week
AF
Amanda Fayne Director 2 hrs/week
AO
Anna O'Connor Director 2 hrs/week
AS
Audrey Selin Director 2 hrs/week
BK
Brian Kirk Director 2 hrs/week
CI
Chloe Ifergan Director 2 hrs/week
DS
Dana Sanders Director 2 hrs/week
DG
Dayna Goldstein Director 2 hrs/week
ES
Elizabeth Schubert Secretary 2 hrs/week
EL
Eva Laser Director 2 hrs/week
HS
Halee Sage Board Chair 2 hrs/week
JB
Janika Brenner Director 2 hrs/week
JC
Jill Cotseones Director 2 hrs/week
JB
John Barsella Director 2 hrs/week
KN
Kate Nash Director 2 hrs/week
KJ
Kathy Josephson Director 2 hrs/week
KS
Kendra Shiffman Director 2 hrs/week
KL
Kosta Loukas Director 2 hrs/week
KK
Kristin Klein Director 2 hrs/week
KW
Kristin Wolf Vice Chair 2 hrs/week
LS
Lora Schatz Director 2 hrs/week
MG
Megan Goldish Director 2 hrs/week
MS
Meredith Soren Freese Director 2 hrs/week
MK
Molly Kovler Director 2 hrs/week
PO
Paul O'Keefe Director 2 hrs/week
RS
Rachel Sher Director 2 hrs/week
RR
Rebecca Richman Director 2 hrs/week
RI
Ronna Isaacs-Stolman Director 2 hrs/week
SR
Sarah Rudich Director 2 hrs/week
SV
Seema Venkatachalam Malkani Director 2 hrs/week
SW
Sheri Whitko Director 2 hrs/week
SM
Sylvia Michas Director 2 hrs/week
ZZ
Zachary Zisook Director 2 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$258K

Highest Paid

$158K

Laura Sage

Compensated Officers

3

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Laura Sage Interim Executive Director And Treasurer $157,500 — $157,500 4
Kirstin Chernawsky Executive Director $68,044 — $68,044 4
Pamela Lewis Executive Director $32,667 — $32,667 4

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$186K Grants Received
$1.0M Grants Given
11 Organizations

Top Funders

9 total
TB
The Bessemer Giving Fund
$50K
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$39K
GD
Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund
$31K
BM
Bny Mellon Charitable Gift Fund
$18K
PF
Pledgeling Foundation
$12K
AO
American Online Giving Foundation Inc.
$11K
TC
The Chicago Community Trust
$11K
NF
Network For Good
$9K
PC
PAYPAL Charitable Giving Fund
$6K

Top Grantees

2 total
NM
Northwestern Memorial Healthcare Chicago, IL
$513K
UO
University of Chicago Chicago, IL
$500K
The Bessemer Giving Fund Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund Bny Mellon Charitable Gift Fund Pledgeling Foundation American Online Giving Foundation Inc. The Chicago Community Trust Network For Good PAYPAL Charitable Giving Fund Northwestern Memorial Healthcare University of Chicago
The Bessemer Giving Fund Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund Bny Mellon Charitable Gift Fund Pledgeling Foundation American Online Giving Foundation Inc. The Chicago Community Trust Network For Good PAYPAL Charitable Giving Fund Northwestern Memorial Healthcare University of Chicago

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
1 Registrations
1 Client
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 1 total

Breast Cancer Foundation Of The Ozarks
1 filing
Self

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation

Phone

(312) 252-2502

Social

Visit Website
3023 North Clark Street Suite 139 Chicago, IL 60657