February 01, 2012

Thank you for your inquiry to Susan G. Komen for the Cure regarding our recent granting strategy and performance criteria revisions and their potential impact on Planned Parenthood and other Komen grantees.  Unfortunately, there have been serious mischaracterizations and we appreciate this opportunity to clarify the issue.

 For Komen, the women we serve are our highest priority in everything we do.  Last year, thanks to the support of individuals and businesses, we were able to invest $93 million in community health programs.  These programs provided 700,000 mammograms, no doubt saving countless lives.  Earlier this year, we began an initiative to further strengthen our grants program to be even more outcomes-driven and to allow for even greater investments in programs that directly serve women.   We also implemented more stringent eligibility and performance criteria to support these strategies.  As we move forward, we are working directly with Komen Affiliates to ensure that there is no interruption or gaps in services for women who need breast health screening and services.

 It is regrettable when changes in priorities and policies affect any of our grantees, such as a longstanding partner like Planned Parenthood.  However, like all organizations, we must continue to evolve and meet ever higher standards of excellence, so that we can most fully advance our mission.   Our grant-making decisions are not about politics.  Our priority is and always will be the women we serve.  Any efforts to make this political or leverage it for fundraising purposes would be a disservice to women.   

 I hope this answer provides the information you need.  As always, we appreciate your support of Komen and our mission to end breast cancer forever.

Warmest Regards, 
Susan G. Komen for the Cure