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While many nonprofit organizations and foundations struggle to meet funding goals or cut back on their annual money-raising galas, not all groups are suffering equally. Some, like the American Cancer Society continue to hold their own.

Frank Mascia III, 38, an ACS executive vice president, spoke to Your Business about how the decades-old nonprofit is managing the tough economy. And for those unable to donate money, Mascia offers his advice on how one can donate their time instead.

Q: How are donations to the American Cancer Society holding up?A: Compared to a year ago, donations are pretty much flat, which in this economy is the good news. In New Jersey, a typical year nets about $22 million in donations. Before the recession donations were running 10 percent above expected goals. Even in tough times they understand the necessity for organizations like this one. People understand that every American is affected by cancer.

Q: If the recession prevents people from donating, how else can they contribute?
A: ACS recognizes that times are tough. Another way to stay involved is through volunteering your time. Volunteerism is our strength, it's our life blood. Many full time staff members began as volunteers.

Relay for Life and Making Strides events are always looking for volunteers to sign people up.

Volunteers can also join Road to Recovery. It's a program where volunteers drive cancer patients to and from doctors' appointments and treatments. Although unpaid, ACS does offer fuel reimbursement. It's difficult for patients who require radiation every day.

Other volunteer work includes signing participants up for Cancer Prevention Study 3. CPS 3 is a 20-year study that through questionnaires and repeated blood tests, hopes to gather data on the environmental and genetics links that increase the risk of cancer. It will also examine the links between obesity and cancer risk. We're on the cusp of creating some incredible therapies that are really going to be determined based on your genetics.

CPS 1, started in the early 1960s, helped establish the link between cancer and smoking.

Q: What else can the federal government do to help?]
A: Increase research funding. Right now, the federal government spends about $6 billion in cancer research. While helpful, it is not enough. ACS is also in favor of accessible health care for all. More than a million New Jersey residents don't have health insurance.

Q: How has your organization's fund raising strategies changed to meet the times?

A: Little has changed, though ACS hopes to broaden its outreach to include more New Jersyians, particularly corporate partners. The bulk of the organization's funding comes through two staple events held in cities and venues throughout the state: Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Relays for life are overnight events where teams of people raise money for cancer treatment and prevention. At least one team member runs or walks on an outdoor track at all times. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a related event where participants collect sponsors and walk about five miles in support of continued research, treatment and early detection. Donations can be as little as $5 or $10 dollars or any amounts above that.