From the Wistar Institute’s website:

Gift FAQs

Why should I make a gift to The Wistar Institute?

The Wistar Institute relies upon the support of individuals to maintain the highest quality of our research efforts. As an independent nonprofit research institution dedicated to discovering the causes and cures for major diseases such as cancer and AIDS, this support is vital to all who are relying on us to fulfill our mission.

The Wistar Institute is conducting research on par with the highest level of scientific research in the world. It is one of the nation’s first National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center, and continues to be funded as such. Its scientists were instrumental in improving world health by the development of vaccines against rabies and rubella, as well as the identification of genes associated with breast, lung, prostate, and other cancers.

Where does the money go that supports The Wistar Institute?

Basic science research is funded in part by grants from the government or private funding. The charitable donations we receive help defray all costs associated with the cost of medical research at the Institute.

Why are unrestricted gifts so important?

Unrestricted gifts allow us the latitude to use the funds where they are most needed. That is, we can apply it to the most pressing research concerns or to an emerging area of research that is not currently receiving governmental support.