About AAFA
About the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1953, is the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world.
Our Vision
To be recognized as the most trusted ally serving the asthma and allergy community.
Our Mission
AAFA is dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma and allergies through support, advocacy, education, and research.
Our Values
- Patient-Centric
Everything we do is in service of helping people with asthma and allergies, their families and their communities; of elevating the voice of the patient; of always, without fail, putting their interests first. - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
We acknowledge the harmful impact of disparities in asthma and allergy care on the communities we serve. We support the dismantling of systemic inequities and believe that by building the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all of AAFA’s operations, we can intentionally make space for positive outcomes to flourish as we model those values and advance our mission. - Compassion
We understand that an asthma or allergy diagnosis can be a life-changing event. For those affected, we stand together, prepared not only to listen and empathize, but also to serve as a lifeline of support and a reliable helpmate for life. - Trust
We live by the firm commitment to act with integrity and transparency in all our endeavors, and we provide the best information available. - Empowerment
Our approach to advocacy amplifies the voices of and empowers the asthma and allergy community. We develop positions that reflect and represent their interests, and we champion vital policies that improve their lives. - Innovation
Whether using new tools and technology to communicate and educate, seeking innovative opportunities to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs, or building new and creative alliances and partnerships, ours is a ceaseless quest to listen, to adapt, and to respond for the good of our community.
For Life Without Limits™
Asthma and allergies affect most people in the United States in some way. In 1953, three allergists started AAFA to raise money for education and research. Now, AAFA also offers resources and advocacy for all those affected, as well as health care providers and policymakers. Understanding that asthma and allergies can be very challenging to manage, our goal is to help people live life without limits.
Funding, Finances, and Standards
AAFA is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 charitable organization. AAFA’s Tax ID is #13-1691693. In 2022, AAFA is spending at least 80 cents of every dollar on our programs (education, research, advocacy, support), with 20 cents of every dollar paying for our administrative, operational, and fundraising costs. We are able to offer our services thanks to donations, government and foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, licensing fees, legacy giving. Learn more about our sources of financial support.
Fiscal Responsibility
For almost 70 years, AAFA has been a leader in nonprofit fiscal responsibility and management. AAFA is the only allergy/asthma nonprofit to certified by the National Health Council’s Standards of Excellence. This is given to reliable patient groups that practice high standards of accountability and ethics.
Several charity watch groups give recognition to the work we do at AAFA:
Charity Navigator
Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
Candid
AAFA is a proud member of these groups:
Financial Reports
IRS 990
AAFA Audit Report 2023
Annual Report 2023
Policies
Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblower Protection Policy
AAFA’s Four Pillars of Service
AAFA focuses in four main programmatic areas to achieve its mission to save lives and reduce the burden of asthma and allergic diseases:
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Education
AAFA offers many educational programs and tools, such as:
- Programs for all ages
- Programs for patients, caregivers, and health care providers
- Printed materials
- Digital tools
- Online resources and courses
- Newsletters and magazines
- Resources and tools in Spanish
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Validation
AAFA is a respected leader in asthma self-management education. AAFA developed several asthma education programs through cooperative agreements with the CDC that received validation as effective health educational tools.
Health Literacy
Health information needs to be easy to understand to improve health outcomes. AAFA’s patient education materials range from the 4th to 8th grade reading levels.
Advocacy
At AAFA, we want to be the voice for people with asthma and allergies. We work with advocates and federal, state and municipal governments to create laws that improve and protect quality of life. AAFA supports policies that include:
- Improving access to health care and medicines
- Addressing climate change and its impact on asthma/allergy health
- Improving outdoor and indoor air quality
- Healthy settings (managing asthma and allergies in schools, homes, and other spaces)
- Promoting health equity
- Increase federal funding in research and proven interventions
- Healthy settings in homes, schools and communities
Research
AAFA is a pioneer in patient-centered research. People in our patient communities participate in the entire research process from study design to reviewing studies to enrolling in clinical trials or taking surveys. AAFA’s research promotes:
- Understanding allergic and respiratory diseases
- Developing better treatments
- Finding cures
- Advancing provider training
- Social listening
Community Support
Managing allergies and asthma can be challenging. AAFA’s community work is unparalleled. We have a nationwide footprint in local and online communities.
- Regional chapters in Alaska, Michigan, and New England
- Online patient-support communities such as AAFA’s Asthma and Allergy Community and Kids With Food Allergies Community
