Purpose Before Profit: Matthew Zarcufsky of Tower Cancer Research Foundation On The Benefits Of Running A Purpose-Driven Business
An Interview With Chad Silverstein
I love every day I’m part of something bigger than myself.
In today’s competitive business landscape, the race for profits often takes center stage. However, there are some leaders who also prioritize a mission-driven purpose. They use their business to make a positive social impact and recognize that success isn’t only about making money. In this interview series, we are talking with some of these distinct leaders.
As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Matthew Zarcufsky.
Matt Zarcufsky serves as the Executive Director & Chief Philanthropy Officer of Tower Cancer Research Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that advances early-stage cancer research to accelerate breakthroughs and delivers community support for patients to improve their lives. In this role, he leads the Foundation’s philanthropic strategy, major gift development, and organizational operations to accelerate research breakthroughs and expand programs that improve the lives of those affected by cancer. Born and raised in suburban Washington, DC, Matt resides in Los Angeles, CA, with his wife, Shana, their children, Jake and Samantha, and rescue dogs, Simba, Sunshine, and Floppy.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I graduated from the Villanova University School of Business with a degree in Finance. Rather than working in the for-profit world, I chose the nonprofit route and led major capital and endowment fundraising campaigns for several local and national organizations in the healthcare, medical research, education, arts, and social service sectors. Some of my clients included the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, American Diabetes Association, and the American Dental Association Foundation, among others.
I knew I wanted to make a difference, so I pivoted to nonprofit work, and served as the National Chief Executive Officer of Assistance League, a membership organization comprising over 22,000 individuals in 26 states who work to encourage and empower volunteers to make a difference in their communities.
Today, I am the Executive Director & Chief Philanthropy Officer of Tower Cancer Research Foundation (TCRF), a Los Angeles based nonprofit dedicated to advancing innovative cancer research and providing vital support services to cancer patients and their families. I lead the TCRF’s philanthropic strategy, major gift development, and organizational operations to accelerate breakthroughs in research and expand programs that improve the lives of those affected by cancer. It’s incredibly fulfilling, and I love every day I’m part of something bigger than myself.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
Our annual gala is a very important milestone for TCRF; it gives us an opportunity to showcase the efforts we’ve made in cancer research within the previous year. For each gala, we like to include an honoree — someone who is currently or has previously battled cancer — to tell their story and further underscore the importance of early-stage funding. I was out to dinner one night and happened to run into Jason Collins’ mother. Jason, a former 13-year NBA basketball player, is currently undergoing treatment for a stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Once I ran into her, I knew we had found our honoree for 2026. Even in the mundane moments of enjoying a night on the town, I was still able to make a difference for someone fighting cancer.
We often learn the most from our mistakes. Can you share one that you made that turned out to be one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned?
A mistake I’ve made, and have seen others make, is making assumptions. I’ve been told certain celebrities or those of influence are too busy or famous to work with our organization. And I’ve proven those people wrong. In the nonprofit world, building relationships is the most important component, and I’ve seen others assume companies or influential people won’t be worth the time in asking for their support. To get donations and raise awareness, you need to put yourself out there and not worry about the response. In most cases, people are happy and willing to help. So, don’t assume what someone may or may not say.
As a successful leader, it’s clear that you uphold strong core values. I’m curious what are the most important principles you firmly stand by and refuse to compromise on. Can you share a few of them and explain why they hold such significance for you in your work and life?
My golden rules of life are simple.
First and foremost, treat others how they want to be treated, not how you want to be treated, and be genuine.
Go big or go home. I love this one in hindsight of nonprofit work. We may not be able to solve all the world’s problems but think big anyway. Think globally but act locally.
And lastly, from the motto of my High School: The loving, good person, even alone, can make a difference. This holds especially true for those in the non-profit world. When the news cycle makes us feel like problems are worsening and we witness people suffering in our line of work, it can be disheartening not to feel as if we’re doing enough to make a difference. But the truth is, each one of us is making an impact by showing up every day and giving it our all. Just one person can create change.
What inspired you to start a purpose-driven business rather than a traditional for-profit enterprise? Can you share a personal story or experience that led you to prioritize social impact in your business?
Growing up, I was a theater kid and secured a lead role in our school’s musical. I had some big chops and could project well, so naturally, the department head signed me up as a rep to call alumni to ask for donations. In doing this, I gained first-hand experience, even at a young age, of how fundraising worked. As I pursued my BA, I realized a career behind a desk on Wall Street just wasn’t for me, and I tapped back into my time asking for donations from high school. From there, I decided I wanted to make a difference. I knew the impact fundraising had on society, and I’m thankful every day that I learned its importance at such a young age, which ultimately changed the trajectory of my life and led me to where I am today.
Can you help articulate a few of the benefits of leading a purpose-driven business rather than a standard “plain vanilla” business?
There is great fulfillment in working with and for a nonprofit. For me, I feel deeply connected to the cause and to those we are able to help. Watching patients surrounded by community and resources through Magnolia House and the look on the faces of young researchers who are granted funding for their bold ideas — it’s unlike anything else. At TCRF, someone isn’t sitting behind a desk pushing paper and waiting for the clock to turn 5. They are excited to be part of the mission. With that said, while the work is rewarding, it’s not easy. You must be thick-skinned and incredibly agile, as no two days are ever the same.
How has your company’s mission or purpose affected its overall success? Can you explain the methods or metrics you use to evaluate the impact of this purpose-driven strategy on your organization?
Like most nonprofits, our success is not measured by ROI but by the impact we make. Since 1996, our grants have led to 15 FDA approvals and millions more in follow-up funding for our researchers. On the Magnolia House side, we have donated hundreds of hours to ensuring patients are pampered, comfortable, and happy through our wellness classes and community resources. Even if we only helped one person navigate their cancer journey, for me, that’s success. As we look to the future, TCRF is confident it can continue its work, invest in even more promising early-stage ideas, and do more for cancer patients and their loved ones.
Can you share a pivotal moment when you realized that leading your purpose-driven company was actually making a significant impact? Can you share a specific example or story that deeply resonated with you personally?
The beauty of nonprofit work is that there isn’t “one moment.” We make progress every day to make an impact at TCRF: funding research and patient support. When it comes to impact, I look at the people who show up for our annual Power of Tower 5K walk or who volunteer at the Tower of Hope gala. We have so many wonderful people on our board and within the TCRF community, and that is how I know we are getting the job done.
Have you ever faced a situation where your commitment to your purpose and creating a positive social impact clashed with the profitability in your business? Have you ever been challenged by anyone on your team or have to make a tough decision that had a significant impact on finances? If so, how did you address and reconcile this conflict?
Of course. When your mission is to fund early-stage cancer research, you’re bound to face decisions about where and whom to allocate funds, especially as we’re a nonprofit with limited funding to provide. But, for over 30 years, we’ve made it work. We’ll always have moments when we must make difficult decisions about which ideas to fund, but the way we reconcile these tough calls is to stay grounded in our purpose. We remind ourselves at TCRF that our role is to fund the ideas that other organizations won’t. Profitability or financial efficiency matters, but not at the expense of our mission. In fact, we’ve found that when we stay true to that mission, the support follows. Donors respond to clarity of purpose, and that alignment is what allows us to sustain both innovation and impact.
What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs who wish to start a purpose-driven business?
My advice is don’t.
There are over 2 million nonprofits in the US doing similar work, so help the ones that already exist. Nonprofits, while charitable and rooted in purpose, are still businesses, and not all businesses succeed. Nonprofits still need business models, funding, administration, and everything in between, so if you’re passionate about a cause, don’t start yet another nonprofit. Partner with one that is already ahead of the curve and figure out how you can offer your services. If you must start your own, you have to be willing to put yourself out there and have conversations. This is not a world in which you can hide behind a desk. To run a nonprofit, you need to excel in management and people skills. No exceptions.
What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Purpose-Driven Business.” If you can, please share a story or example for each.
1. Authenticity
In the nonprofit world, authenticity is the foundation of trust. At TCRF, we are clear about what we do: we fund early-stage research and support patients in real time. Our mission resonates with donors because we’re honest and clear in our purpose.
2. Leadership
The work I do requires a leader’s mindset, especially because I need to make difficult decisions regularly. I have to advocate for early-stage ideas and back them financially, which takes conviction, but those are often the ideas that lead to the biggest breakthroughs.
3. People Skills
If you’re someone who wants to sit behind a desk and leave work behind at the end of the day, a nonprofit career is probably not for you. Despite how well our mission is promoted, at the end of the day, it’s the relationships we build that will move the needle forward. We need to put ourselves at the forefront of our purpose, and that means cold calling, introducing ourselves to strangers in a crowded room, and everything in between.
4. Passion
TCRF’s work is not easy. There are setbacks, difficult decisions, days when progress feels slow or riddled with flaws. Passion is what keeps you from losing hope. Our team witnesses firsthand how cancer affects individuals and families, and that reality, along with our passion to make a difference, fuels everything we do — especially when times are tough.
5. Purpose
A clear purpose guides every decision you make. Without it, it’s easy to get pulled in too many directions. For TCRF, our purpose is rooted in two central truths: early-stage funding will be the catalyst that moves cancer research forward, and patients battling cancer need community and support in real time. As long as you have a central purpose, everything will fall into place.
I’m interested in how you instill a strong sense of connection with your team. How do you nurture a culture where everyone feels connected to your mission? Could you share an example or story that showcases how your purpose has positively influenced or motivated people on your team to contribute?
Nonprofit work is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be stressful, and at times, thankless. Plus, there is a lot of transition within nonprofits, which usually means a lot of new faces. At TCRF, we’ve done a great job of working together to redefine our mission before we can nurture it. And when the going gets tough, we remind each other of why we’re there and how our work keeps important cancer conversations at the forefront.
Imagine we’re sitting down together two years from now, looking back at your company’s last 24 months. What specific accomplishments would have to happen for you to be happy with your progress?
I would hope that TCRF has continued to raise awareness and donations for cancer research. I would love to see us fund more early-stage research, have more patients join us at Magnolia House, and see greater interest in our clinical trials. A lot can happen in two years, and I can’t wait to see how much more TCRF accomplishes.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Donate to our cause! TCRF invests in ideas that others won’t; ideas that make breakthroughs against cancer possible, all while supporting patients battling the disease when support is needed the most. We are always looking for support — whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word to others — because cancer research is vital, now more than ever, and we need continued support to keep our purpose moving.
How can our readers further follow your work or your company online?
Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattzarcufsky/
And TCRF’s channels: https://www.linkedin.com/company/towercancerresearch/, https://www.instagram.com/towercancerresearch, https://x.com/TowerCancer, and https://www.facebook.com/TowerCancer.
This was great. Thanks for taking time for us to learn more about you and your business. We wish you continued success!
About The Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a Founder and CEO. While attending Ohio State University, he launched his first company, Choice Recovery, Inc., a nationally recognized healthcare collection agency — twice ranked the #1 workplace in Ohio. In 2013, he founded [re]start, helping thousands of people find meaningful career opportunities. After selling both companies, Chad shifted his focus to his true passion — leadership. Today, he coaches founders and CEOs at Built to Lead, advises Authority Magazine’s Thought Leader Incubator.
Purpose Before Profit: Matthew Zarcufsky of Tower Cancer Research Foundation On The Benefits Of… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.