Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation?
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. By the time Alex passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a worldwide fundraising movement and the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the U.S. ALSF is a leader in funding pediatric cancer research projects across the globe and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. For more information, visit AlexsLemonade.org.
Who was Alex?
Alex is the inspiration behind Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004) was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, before her first birthday. At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer.
Where does the money go?
All funds raised go directly to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, a registered 501(c)3 charity. Careful distribution of our grants allows doctors to bring the latest and most promising life-saving treatments to seriously ill children. These grants provide hope for kids fighting cancer. Funds also support programs to help families affected by childhood cancer. Visit our Where the Money Goes section to learn more about how your donation helps.
What is Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s mission?
To change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families, and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.
What is Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s vision?
We share the vision of our founder and creator, Alexandra “Alex” Scott – a cure for all children with cancer.
How does Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation raise funds?
Our donations come from several sources, including: devoted volunteers who host fundraisers; partnerships with businesses and corporations; and individual donations made directly to our Foundation.
Can anyone hold a lemonade stand?
Yes! We believe that everyone can make a difference, and we encourage everyone to get involved. Lemonade stands have been organized by families and businesses and we love to work with people of all ages. You should register your stand through our website beforehand so one of our stand coaches can help you along and send you materials to support your fundraising efforts. By registering online, you have the option for supporters who can't visit your stand or event in-person to donate online.
Does Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation support one hospital or one type of research?
Our mission is to find a cure for all childhood cancers and that allows us to work with researchers from near and far. Put simply, we believe in funding the best and most promising research into all types of childhood cancers and have funded projects at nearly 150 leading hospitals and institutions across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Researchers from all not-for-profit institutions in North America are encouraged to apply.
How much money has Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation raised?
We have raised more than $300 million for childhood cancer, and we have funded over 1,500 research projects at nearly 150 institutions. Additionally, we have important programs to help families struggling with childhood cancer, such as our Travel For Care program and SuperSibs.
How much of the money raised goes to programs and research versus administrative/fundraising costs?
Alex was committed to making every donation count, and the Foundation bearing her name has carried on that vision of giving as much as possible to research and programs. Thanks to the lemonade stand hosts, our generous sponsors and donors, we have been able to keep our administrative and fundraising expenses at a minimum. In 2023, our fundraising and administrative expenses combined were approximately 13%.
