American Lung Association Receives New Endorsement; Offers Unique Ways to Give

Organization upgraded to a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member based on organizational effectiveness, dedication to mission
The American Lung Association, one of the longest-running patient advocate organizations in the country, is proud to announce that it was recently awarded the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. This is the highest recognition from one of the most notable organizations that reports on U.S. nonprofits. 

“During this time of year, many people give to nonprofit organizations to support the important work they do and to take advantage of charitable tax benefits before the end of the year. GuideStar is an important organization that finds out where nonprofits’ money comes from, where it goes and why it matters,” said Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “We thank GuideStar for recognizing our tireless work to prevent lung disease and help people who are living with lung disease.”

To achieve a Platinum-Level GuideStar designation, an organization must provide evidence of organizational financial efficiency, impact of their mission and a clear goal and objectives. Looking at the operating efficiency of an organization shows the percentage of funds that go to programs and services, versus management and administration. The Lung Association ranks well in this area, with 90 cents out of every dollar going to program services nationwide.

This year, the American Lung Association has made important strides on their mission, including:
  • Improved the lung cancer 5-year survival rate to 25%. While there is a long way to go, this is promising and shows a 21% increase in recent years.
  • Increased research funding to $13.2 million this year alone, funding over 110 grants. In May, it began accepting study participants in the first-ever Lung Health Cohort study. 
  • Helping all Americans to better understand COVID-19 and protect themselves from it. People came to the Lung Association looking for accurate information.
  • The Lung Association also has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance Accredited Charity.
Ready to give? While direct donations are always welcome, there are some other unique ways to give back to the American Lung Association this giving season: 
  1. Donate Your Car: Donate your old car to the Lung Association to create new hope for those living with lung cancer and lung disease. Visit LungCars.org or call 1-888-300-LUNG (1-888-300-5864), fill out a quick form, and a tow truck will pick up your car within 48 hours. Your car donation will help fund research and programs to help people who are living with lung disease. Your donation will also count as a deduction on your 2022 taxes.
  2. Skip the Coffee Once a Month and Support Lung Health: Skip purchasing your coffee just one day a month and make a lifesaving donation! When you sign up to give monthly, your tax-deductible donation will fund lung disease and lung cancer medical research, new treatments, screenings, lung health education and more. Sign up to make a monthly donation here. 
  3. Shop for A Cause: The Lung Association online store offers a variety of gift ideas, including clothing, hats, masks, travel mugs and more. A portion of every sale funds the work of the Lung Association. Visit the Lung Association store here. You can also select the American Lung Association as your charity of choice when shopping on Amazon Smile, Ebay and other retailers. Learn more here.
Lean more at Lung.org. 
For more information, contact:

Jill Dale
312-940-7001
[email protected]

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