SAS & The Kids Cancer Project extend research partnership

SAS and The Kids Cancer Project have announced a three-year extension of their partnership aimed at advancing childhood cancer research in Australia. The extended collaboration aims to leverage advanced analytics to improve survival rates and treatment outcomes for young cancer patients.

The partnership, which began in 2018, focuses on enhancing the charity's data management and donor engagement strategies. The cooperation between the two organisations has already led to a significant increase in regular donations, rising from just under AUD $1.2 million in 2019 to over AUD $2.2 million in 2023. This represents an 83 per cent increase over four years.

Owen Finegan, CEO of The Kids Cancer Project, expressed his gratitude, stating, "It is a true partnership with SAS in every sense of the word - they have not only provided us with intelligent software but have also enthused our team, helping us achieve a data and analytics culture that's resulted in a more strategic mindset."

The partnership has enabled several key operational improvements. These include automating financial data processes, reducing reporting times from several days to a few hours, and educating the team on utilising data analytics more effectively. The charity has seen a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in its regular donor network and boosted its research investments by over 15 per cent in the past financial year.

Future plans for the partnership aim to deepen the impact of data-driven decision-making and broaden digital engagement with donors. Initiatives will focus on leveraging automation for more consistent communications and establishing a comprehensive 360-degree view of donors through social media and other digital platforms. The team also intends to use predictive modelling to forecast future donation patterns and prioritise outreach efforts.

Finegan said, "As we embark on the next chapter of our journey with SAS, I'm reminded daily of the incredible strides we've made together. When The Kids Cancer Project began 30 years ago, survival rates were at 50 per cent and we're currently at 86 per cent."

He added, "Our collaboration with SAS has revolutionised the way we approach fundraising, enabling us to funnel more resources into essential research and treatment. It's this synergy that reaffirms our shared vision of achieving a future where no child has to face cancer, and we're looking forward to the advancements this renewed partnership will bring, aiming to directly impact over 1,000 children and their families annually."

Craig Jennings, Vice President & Managing Director of SAS Australia and New Zealand, said, "Witnessing the impact of our technology on the donor management process and the progression of childhood cancer research and trials first-hand has been inspiring."

Jennings added, "Our goal for the next three years is to continue leveraging our analytics expertise to explore innovative ways that can further expedite the journey towards eradicating childhood cancer."

He also highlighted SAS's commitment to socially impactful collaborations through programmes like Data for Good, which aims to use data and analytics to address humanitarian issues such as poverty, health, human rights, education, and the environment.

In 2023, The Kids Cancer Project funded 46 research projects across every state in Australia, supporting over 76 scientists. As part of the charity's 30th-anniversary celebrations, it has committed over AUD $7.4 million to future-proofing childhood cancer research by encouraging new researchers and retaining talented scientists. This investment aims to ensure every child with cancer survives and lives a long and healthy life free from any side effects.