Pink Ribbon Blue Skies Foundation, Inc.

What is the core mission of your organization?To eliminate the emotional distress of cancer survivors by addressing tangible non-medical needs, providing opportunities to build meaningful networks, and connecting to therapeutic education opportunities.

How do you measure impact and success in your programs? 1. Number of Families Served
Track how many families benefit from your Stuff The Trunk initiative, meals, utility assistance, and gas cards.
Monitor the growth in the number of families served year over year.
This provides clear data on the reach and growth of your programs.
2. Survivor Testimonials and Feedback
Collect and review testimonials and feedback from survivors like Kira and Pleshette. Personal stories are an invaluable way to assess emotional impact.
Survey participants after each event or program to assess their level of satisfaction and how the program helped them.
Qualitative feedback will help you understand the emotional and psychological benefits of the support you provide.
3. Follow-up and Long-Term Impact
Follow up with families or survivors after they have received support to gauge the long-term benefits of your services, such as if they were able to successfully manage post-treatment life or navigate financial stress.
Measure improvements in survivors’ quality of life, emotional wellbeing, or recovery process based on their feedback.
4. Volunteer and Community Engagement
Track volunteer involvement, including the number of volunteers, hours contributed, and the impact they report from their experience with PRBSF.
Measure community engagement through partnerships, fundraising success (like your galas), and participation in events.
5. Fundraising and Financial Support
Measure success by tracking the funds raised during events like your galas, and assess how those funds are distributed to support your programs.
A key indicator of success is the ability to raise enough funds to expand your services and support more families each year.
6. Partnerships and Collaborations
Assess the strength and growth of partnerships with other organizations, community members, and stakeholders who support your mission.
Measure how these collaborations enhance your ability to serve more families and increase the resources available for your programs.
7. Program Sustainability and Growth
Track the consistency of your programs year over year. Success can be measured by program expansion, the number of families served, and the ability to increase support without losing quality or impact.
Measure the ability of the organization to scale and adapt its programs to meet growing needs in the community.
8. Social Media and Public Awareness
Monitor the increase in followers, engagement, and community interactions through your social media platforms. This shows how well PRBSF is reaching and inspiring others.
Assess the level of awareness and advocacy within the community about cancer-related issues and PRBSF’s programs.
By tracking these metrics, PRBSF can not only measure its success but also continuously refine and enhance its programs to better serve cancer survivors.

What are your biggest fundraising or outreach challenges? Event Sponsors
Donations
Ticket sales
If we had sponsorships to cover events, donations and ticket sales would be allocated resources for the organization operating budget and resources for the survivors.

How do you build long-term relationships with donors and supporters?PRBSF builds long-term relationships with donors and supporters by consistently demonstrating the impact of their contributions. We engage them through regular updates on program outcomes, personalized thank-you notes, and invitations to special events like our annual galas and volunteer opportunities. We make sure they feel involved in our mission by sharing stories of how their support has directly helped cancer survivors. By fostering a sense of community and transparency, we create lasting partnerships that align with their values and encourage continued involvement.

What trends are influencing the nonprofit world today? 1. Artificial Intelligence and Automation
Nonprofits are increasingly adopting AI tools to enhance donor engagement, personalize communications, and streamline administrative tasks. For instance, AI-driven chatbots and predictive analytics are being used to identify potential major donors and automate routine processes, allowing staff to focus on strategic initiatives.
2. Trust-Based Philanthropy
There is a growing movement towards trust-based philanthropy, which emphasizes shifting power dynamics between funders and nonprofits. This approach involves providing unrestricted funding, minimizing reporting requirements, and fostering collaborative partnerships, enabling nonprofits to allocate resources more effectively and respond to emerging needs.
3. Digital and Hybrid Fundraising
The landscape of fundraising continues to evolve with the integration of digital and hybrid models. Nonprofits are leveraging online platforms, social media, and virtual events to reach a broader audience and facilitate seamless donation experiences. This shift has been particularly evident during events like GivingTuesday, which saw a 16% increase in donations in 2024.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making
Organizations are placing greater emphasis on data analytics to inform decision-making processes. By collecting and analyzing data on donor behavior, program outcomes, and community impact, nonprofits can optimize their strategies, improve service delivery, and demonstrate measurable results to stakeholders.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility and Matching Gifts
Corporate philanthropy remains a vital component of nonprofit funding. Many companies offer matching gift programs, volunteer grants, and sponsorships to support nonprofit initiatives. Leveraging these opportunities can significantly enhance fundraising efforts and strengthen community partnerships.
6. Volunteer Engagement and Recognition
Volunteers continue to be the backbone of many nonprofit organizations. Recognizing and valuing volunteer contributions through programs like volunteer grants not only boosts morale but also encourages sustained involvement and fosters a sense of community.

Can you share a story that shows your mission in action? Kira’s Story: A Survivor’s Journey with PRBSF
Kira, a breast cancer survivor, was facing a difficult summer as she underwent chemotherapy treatments. The stress of her diagnosis and the physical toll of the treatments weighed heavily on her, but thanks to the Pink Ribbon Blue Skies Foundation, she was able to find relief.

PRBSF provided not only meals to help ease her burden but also checked in regularly to offer emotional support. Kira shared how Diane’s uplifting conversations made her feel less alone during her darkest moments. As she entered the healing phase after a double mastectomy, PRBSF continued to support her with resources, ensuring that her family could focus on recovery rather than financial strain.

“I often think about how genuinely happy I felt all summer knowing your organization cared so much to help my family,” Kira said.

Her story is a testament to the work PRBSF does every day: eliminating the emotional distress of cancer survivors by addressing tangible non-medical needs and fostering meaningful connections. It’s through efforts like these that our mission is brought to life, one survivor at a time.

What keeps you motivated in this work? What keeps me, my business partner and the team motivated in this work is the deep belief in our mission and the profound impact you see on the lives of cancer survivors. Knowing that we are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals who are facing some of the most difficult challenges is a powerful driving force. Every time we hear a survivor’s story, like Kira’s, and witness the relief and hope that our organization provides, it fuels our commitment to continue the work.
Additionally, the sense of purpose that comes from offering multi-dimensional care, addressing both the emotional and financial needs of survivors, reminds us that this work isn’t just about providing resources; it’s about healing hearts, restoring hope, and helping people find their strength again. The support from our community, the success of your events, and the unwavering spirit of our volunteers all contribute to your motivation, as we see the collective power of care and compassion transforming lives, one act of kindness at a time.