Defining "Largest": It Depends on the Metric
When assessing the scale of any organization, especially a nonprofit, the definition of "largest" is crucial. Is it based on membership, annual revenue, charitable donations received, or overall lobbying influence? While AARP is an undeniably immense organization, it does not hold the top position in every single one of these metrics. By membership, it is among the largest, but by revenue or private donations, other organizations can surpass it. Understanding this distinction is key to accurately answering the question.
AARP’s Scale: A Force in Senior Advocacy
Founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, AARP has grown into a powerful voice for older Americans. Its large membership base is a significant source of its power and allows it to achieve its goals through a combination of influence and purchasing power. The organization leverages its size to advocate for legislation on both the state and federal levels concerning issues critical to its members, such as Social Security, Medicare, and healthcare access. AARP also produces large-circulation publications, including AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, which serve to inform and engage its vast membership.
Membership Engagement and Benefits
- Comprehensive Resources: AARP provides a wealth of information through its publications, websites, and community events on topics ranging from health and financial security to retirement planning.
- Member Discounts: One of the most visible benefits of membership is access to a wide array of discounts on products and services, which is managed through a for-profit subsidiary.
- Advocacy and Education: The organization regularly engages in advocacy campaigns and offers educational programs, such as the AARP Driver Safety course, which has trained millions of drivers.
The Nonpartisan Stance: A History of Working Across the Aisle
One of the defining characteristics of AARP is its staunch commitment to nonpartisanship. This approach focuses on legislative issues rather than political parties or candidates. AARP has a long history of working with policymakers from both sides of the political spectrum to advance its mission. For example, it worked with President George W. Bush on Medicare Part D and with President Barack Obama on the Affordable Care Act. This allows the organization to build broad coalitions and influence policy, regardless of the political climate.
Evaluating Policies on Their Merits
- AARP's advocacy efforts focus on the substance of a bill or policy, rather than its political origin. The organization evaluates every proposal based on its potential impact on people aged 50 and older.
- In election years, AARP refrains from endorsing candidates and holds issue-focused forums where all candidates are invited to participate, ensuring fair representation.
- This nonpartisan approach gives AARP credibility and influence with lawmakers from both parties, as they know the organization's support is based on policy, not political affiliation.
A Complex Corporate and Financial Structure
While AARP is a nonprofit organization, its financial structure is more complex. It operates through a parent nonprofit and several affiliated organizations, including both nonprofit charities and for-profit subsidiaries.
- AARP Foundation: A 501(c)(3) charity that focuses on helping socioeconomically disadvantaged people over 50.
- AARP Services, Inc.: A for-profit corporation that manages the AARP brand for various products and services, from which it generates revenue through licensing agreements and royalties.
- Legal Counsel for the Elderly: A nonprofit charity that provides legal aid services.
The revenue generated by the for-profit subsidiaries is used to support the nonprofit parent organization's mission and programs. This multi-faceted structure is a key aspect of AARP's operational model and financial strength.
Comparing AARP with Other Major Nonprofits
While AARP is a giant in the realm of membership and senior advocacy, other organizations may be considered "largest" depending on the criteria. The following table provides a comparison based on different metrics.
| Organization | Focus | Primary Metric | Noteworthy Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| AARP | People aged 50+ | Membership (~38 million) | Huge advocacy influence and large publication circulation. |
| Kaiser Permanente | Hospitals and Health Plans | Revenue (> $110 billion in 2019) | Largest U.S. nonprofit by revenue; operates health plans and hospitals. |
| Feeding America | Food Banks | Private Donations ($4.91 billion) | Largest U.S. charity by private donations, per Forbes. |
| National Council of Nonprofits | Network Support | Network Size (largest network in North America) | Champions, informs, and connects a vast network of other nonprofits. |
For more information on the nonprofit sector, see the National Council of Nonprofits website.
Conclusion: A Powerful, But Not Sole, Giant
In conclusion, the claim that AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit non-partisan organization is accurate in the context of its membership and its focus on empowering people aged 50 and older. However, it's not the single largest nonprofit across all metrics. Other organizations, like Kaiser Permanente and Feeding America, hold top spots based on revenue or charitable donations. AARP's nonpartisan approach and complex structure, including for-profit subsidiaries, are fundamental to its operations and influence. The true story of AARP is not just about being the "largest," but about its massive scale, distinct mission, and effective advocacy for a specific demographic. The question of its size depends entirely on what you are measuring.
