AARP and the AARP Foundation are distinct entities. AARP is a membership-based organization that conducts advocacy and provides member benefits, while the AARP Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization that relies on donations to fund its mission of reducing senior poverty. When you make a charitable contribution, it goes specifically to the foundation and is tax-deductible.
Core Program Areas Supported by Donations
Donations to the AARP Foundation are strategically allocated to several key program areas designed to address the multifaceted challenges of senior poverty. The foundation focuses on creating effective and sustainable solutions in the areas of economic opportunity, social connectedness, and legal advocacy.
Empowering Older Workers and Increasing Income
One of the most critical areas funded by donations is workforce development. The foundation's programs are designed to help older adults with low income find or advance in their careers. These initiatives recognize that many older workers face unemployment due to layoffs or caregiving responsibilities and need new skills to stay competitive.
- Workforce Programs: Donations support initiatives like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides job training and community service placements for unemployed, low-income seniors over 55.
- Skills Training: The foundation funds programs such as Digital Skills Ready@50+ to help seniors navigate essential workplace technologies and Work for Yourself@50+ for those interested in self-employment.
- Career Coaching: Funds are used to provide personalized career coaching to help jobseekers develop confidence and compete for high-quality jobs.
Simplifying Access to Benefits and Maximizing Income
Many older adults miss out on eligible benefits due to a lack of clear, reliable information or difficulty navigating complex application processes. Donations help fund services that connect seniors with these vital resources.
- Benefits Enrollment: The foundation assists low-income older adults with enrollment in programs that help cover essential expenses like health care and food, such as SNAP and Medicare Savings Programs.
- Tax Assistance: The free, volunteer-run AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, supported by donations, helps taxpayers with low income receive the refunds and credits they have earned.
- Property Tax Relief: Funding is also used to help eligible older adults apply for property tax credits and refunds.
Combating Social Isolation and Fostering Connections
Loneliness and social isolation are serious issues affecting older adults. The foundation uses donations to create programs that help seniors build strong social ties within their communities.
- Experience Corps: This program engages volunteers over 50 as tutors and mentors to help K-3 students improve reading skills, fostering intergenerational connections and a sense of purpose for volunteers.
Providing Legal Advocacy
Donations also support the foundation's legal advocacy efforts, which fight for the rights of people 50 and over. The legal team focuses on systemic change to combat age discrimination, protect consumers, and increase access to essential benefits.
Donations vs. Other Revenue Streams
While donations are crucial to the AARP Foundation's work, it is important to distinguish them from AARP's overall revenue streams. The AARP membership organization generates revenue from sources such as membership dues, royalties from the sale of products and services, and advertising. Donations, on the other hand, are specifically for the AARP Foundation, the separate charitable arm.
AARP's Finances vs. AARP Foundation's Finances
| Feature | AARP (Membership Organization) | AARP Foundation (Charitable Affiliate) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Mission | Advocacy, providing information, and delivering value to members | Reducing poverty and empowering vulnerable older adults |
| Funding Sources | Royalties, membership dues, advertising, investments | Donations, grants, and sponsors |
| Tax-Deductibility | Donations are generally not tax-deductible | Donations are tax-deductible |
| Use of Funds | Lobbying, advertising, compensation, printing, and general operations | Programs for low-income seniors, grantmaking, legal advocacy |
Accountability and Oversight
The AARP Foundation holds high ratings for accountability from leading charity evaluators like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance. These ratings provide donors with confidence that their contributions are being managed responsibly and are allocated effectively toward the foundation's mission.
How The Funds Are Managed
According to the foundation's reports, a significant portion of its expenditures go directly to its programs and services for older adults. In addition to funding its own initiatives, the foundation also engages in strategic grantmaking, collaborating with other organizations to advance projects that address senior poverty. Some donations, such as those to endowed gifts, may be invested to provide both immediate and long-term support.
Conclusion
Donations made to the AARP Foundation are used exclusively for its charitable mission to reduce poverty and improve the lives of vulnerable Americans aged 50 and older. The foundation funnels contributions into a range of impactful programs, including workforce development, access to essential benefits, social connection initiatives, and legal advocacy. This work is distinct from the activities of the broader AARP membership organization, which is funded through different revenue streams. With a strong focus on transparency and accountability, the AARP Foundation ensures that donors' generosity directly supports its core pillars of economic opportunity and social connectedness for those most in need. Donors can be confident that their contributions help fund vital services that make a tangible difference in the lives of struggling seniors across the country. For more on the foundation's programs and impact, refer to the AARP Foundation's official website.
