Our Mission
Tower Cancer Research Foundation
Tower invests in the ideas too risky to fund anywhere else – because that’s where the breakthroughs come from – and in the patients who need support while the world catches up.
Tower funds those ideas first – before the proof, before anyone else will.
For more than 30 years, Tower Cancer Research Foundation (TCRF) has identified and supported early-stage research projects that have made a real impact on cancer research.
We act as angel investors, supporting the industry’s emerging talent with early opportunities to take risks and pursue new or unconventional ideas, creating the foundation for future breakthroughs.
Seed money provides a crucial runway for scientists to validate early-stage findings and attract and secure future, larger grants. Our track record speaks for itself. Over the last three decades, Tower has invested $12.1 million in cancer research, directly contributing to advancements in cancer treatment and care, including 15 FDA approvals. For every $100,000 we invest, researchers have gone on to secure approximately $1.5 million in additional funding over the following decade.
We create the launchpad, but our work doesn’t stop at the lab door.
Magnolia House, Tower’s flagship patient support program, dedicates hundreds of hours annually to helping patients, their caregivers, and loved ones find community throughout their prognosis.
This dual focus is precisely what sets Tower apart.
Meet the Staff Behind Tower Cancer Research Foundation
Matt Zarcufsky
Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer
Matt Zarcufsky serves as the Executive Director & Chief Philanthropy Officer of Tower Cancer Research Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that advances early-stage cancer research to accelerate breakthroughs and delivers community support for patients to improve their lives. In this role, he leads the Foundation’s philanthropic strategy, major gift development, and organizational operations to accelerate breakthroughs in research and expand programs that improve the lives of those affected by cancer. Matt brings extensive experience in all facets of nonprofit organization management and institutional advancement, including organizational governance, major gift development, annual giving, capital and endowment campaigns, government relations, strategic development and planning, and communications.
A graduate of Villanova University School of Business with a degree in Finance, Matt has previously served as President and Administrator of the Mary Jo and Hank Greenberg Animal Welfare Foundation and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, California and the Board of Councilors for the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Los Angeles Chapter and holds the designation of Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).
Born and raised in suburban Washington, DC, Matt resides in Los Angeles, CA, with his wife, Shana, their children, Jake and Samantha, and rescue dogs, Simba, Sunshine, and Floppy.
Brooksie Voss
Senior Director, Philanthropy
Britt Vaughan
Senior Director, Administration
Tania Fouqué
Director of Programs & Community Engagement
Amy Campbell
Director of Special Events
Allison Hoang
Events & Development Coordinator
Micheal Merino
Development & Database Specialist
Board of Directors
Tower’s Board of Directors brings together leaders across business, philanthropy, medicine, and the community who are united by a shared commitment to advancing cancer research and patient support. Their leadership, guidance, and advocacy help drive the organization’s mission forward while ensuring Tower continues investing in bold science and meaningful care for those affected by cancer.
Latest News Releases
May 26, 2026
Tower Cancer Research Foundation To Posthumously Honor Former NBA Player And Harvard-Westlake Star Jason Collins At Tower of Hope Gala on June 9
May 28, 2024
Connecting Cancer and Cosmetics: Tower Cancer Research Foundation and Lipstick Angels Collaborate to Offer Beauty and Wellness Support Classes for Los Angeles Cancer Community
Support the Journey
When you donate to Tower, you’re not supporting a single study. You’re part of an ecosystem that believes the next breakthrough is out there, waiting for someone to believe in it first. Every gift puts resources directly behind the discoveries that would otherwise never see the light of day.