A.A.’s Seventh Tradition states: “Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” This means that only A.A. members contribute financially to A.A. – and even A.A. members are limited in the amount they can contribute. This keeps A.A. free of outside influences that might divert us from our primary purpose — to help the alcoholic who still suffers. The amount of the contribution is secondary to the spiritual connection that unites all groups around the world.
Supporting A.A.’s services
While contributions cover each group's rent and other expenses, the Seventh Tradition is essential to all areas of A.A. service. It is both a privilege and a responsibility for groups and members to ensure that not only their group, but also their intergroup/central office, local services, district, area, and the General Service Office remain self-supporting. The General Service Conference suggests that individual groups, through an informed group conscience, adopt a specific contribution plan tailored to meet the group’s financial situation. Once the group’s expenses have been taken care of the group may decide to further carry the message by sending money to the following A.A. service entities.
- The local district, which communicates directly with the groups, providing the district group conscience for the area assemblies, and serving as a link between the area delegates and the G.S.R.s.
- The area committee, which coordinates vital A.A. activities over a broad geographic area; sends a delegate to the annual General Service Conference; holds area assemblies to determine the needs of the Fellowship; and provides information at all levels of service.
- The local intergroup or central office, which may provide phone service for Twelfth Step calls and other inquiries; coordinates group activities; and facilitates A.A. literature sales, institutions work, public information, and cooperation with the professional community activities.
- A.A.’s General Service Office, which functions as a storehouse of A.A. information, communicating with members and groups around the world; publishes A.A.’s literature; and supplies information and experience to professionals and others interested in A.A.
Self-Support
“Self-support begins with me, because I am part of us — the group. We pay our rent and utility bills, buy coffee, snacks and A.A. literature. "
"We support our central office, our area committee, and our General Service Office.
If it were not for those entities, many new people would never discover the miracles of A.A."
A.A. and Contributions
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make a contribution for myself or my group?
Individual A.A. members and A.A. groups may make a contribution to benefit GSO online or by mail. In keeping with A.A.’s tradition of self-support, GSO does not accept contributions from non-A.A. members. Individual A.A. member contributions to GSO are limited to $7,500 per year; there is no limit for A.A. groups.
To make a secure one-time or recurring contribution online, please visit the Contributions portal.
Contributions may also be sent by mail.
Checks in U.S. dollars payable to “General Service Board” may be mailed to:
Post Office Box 2407
James A Farley Station
New York, NY 10116-2407
Checks in Canadian dollars payable to “General Service Board” may be mailed to:
Post Office Box 459
Grand Central Station
New York, N.Y. 10163
Is there a limit on how much an individual can contribute to GSO?
Yes. That limit is $7,500 a year.
Can I leave money to A.A. in my will?
Bequests in wills are acceptable only from A.A. members, with a maximum of $10,000 from any one person, and only on a one-time basis — not in perpetuity. For specific information about bequests, please contact the Administrative Coordinator at GSO In keeping with A.A.’s tradition of self-support, we do not accept bequests from non-A.A. members. For information on bequests to local central offices/intergroups, please contact them directly.
When our group contributes to a central office or intergroup, does our money get distributed to the area, district and GSO as well?
No. Each A.A. entity — group, district, area, central office and GSO — provides a specific service and is autonomous. Contributions should be made directly to each entity.
Related Information
Quarterly Report from GSO
Activities of the General Service Board Including A.A. World Services, Inc., A.A. Grapevine, Inc.