Understanding Alzheimer's Charities
Before deciding if a charity is a good fit for your support, it is important to understand the different types of organizations that combat Alzheimer's disease. They generally fall into two categories: those focused on funding medical research to find a cure and those dedicated to providing direct care, support, and educational services to individuals and families affected by the disease. Your personal priorities for your donation will largely dictate which type of charity is the "best" for you.
The Mission of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA)
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) was founded in 2002 with a mission to provide support, services, and education, as well as to fund research. Key services include a national helpline, memory screening program, educational materials, and grants for local support.
Evaluating AFA's Financial Health and Accountability
Independent evaluators assess charities based on financial health and transparency. Historically, AFA has received high ratings, including four stars from Charity Navigator in 2019 for fiscal management and transparency. Donors should consult current reports from evaluators like Charity Navigator, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, or Candid (GuideStar) for the latest information.
Comparing AFA with Other Leading Alzheimer's Charities
The table below compares AFA with other prominent Alzheimer's charities based on their primary focus, strengths, and financial performance as reported by evaluators:
| Charity | Primary Focus | Strengths | Common Financial Metric | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) | Patient and caregiver support, education, some research funding. | Extensive helpline, free memory screenings, large network of member organizations. | Typically high marks for fiscal responsibility in past evaluations. | Strong focus on direct services and support for families. |
| Alzheimer's Association | Research funding, advocacy, support services, education. | Largest and most well-known; heavy investment in global research; strong advocacy efforts; comprehensive support resources. | High ratings from major evaluators like Charity Navigator and GuideStar. | A leading choice for both research and support. |
| Cure Alzheimer's Fund | Funding research exclusively. | Board covers administrative and fundraising costs, meaning 100% of public donations go directly to research. | Consistently receives top ratings, including perfect scores, for financial efficiency. | Ideal for donors who want their money to go straight to research. |
| BrightFocus Foundation | Funding high-risk, high-reward research for brain and eye diseases. | Strategic, targeted research grants and robust informational resources for patients and caregivers. | Also receives high ratings from charity evaluators. | For donors interested in innovative, focused research. |
Making an Informed Donation Decision
To make an informed decision about where to donate, consider your goals, consult independent charity watchdogs for current ratings, read annual reports for transparency, evaluate specific programs, and look for measurable impact.
For more detailed information on choosing a trustworthy charity, you can visit the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
Conclusion: Is AFA Right for Your Donation?
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is a legitimate and reputable charity with a strong mission focused on providing direct support and education. Its historical track record with independent evaluators indicates good financial health. If you prioritize direct services like helplines and support groups, AFA is a good choice. If your primary goal is funding research exclusively, other charities might be more suitable. Researching based on mission and impact is key to a meaningful contribution.
