Donations to the NIA

Can the National Institute on Aging (NIA) accept donations?

Yes. Although the NIA is a federally funded organization and not a fundraising organization, the U.S. Congress has granted the NIA authority to accept donations and bequests to support its mission. Donations to the NIA are deposited in a gift fund account which is separate from the funding the NIA receives from Congress. We do not solicit funds or participate in fundraising activities.

How are donations used?

For decades, NIA has supported many different projects through its Gift Fund. The following types of activities may be supported through the Gift Fund:

• Research studies, including clinical research in our laboratories
• Purchase of equipment and supplies for laboratories
• Support of research workshops and conferences
• Producing informational materials about aging, including Alzheimer’s disease, for the general public and health professionals
• Funding of research grants

How can someone donate to NIA?

Individuals and organizations can donate to the NIA Gift Fund by sending a check or money order payable to "The National Institute on Aging" or to “NIA” with a letter stating that the money is to be used for research and related activities at NIA. Donations and letters should be addressed to:

National Institute on Aging
Budget Officer, Financial Management Branch
Building 31, Room 2C-06
31 Center Drive, MSC 2292
Bethesda, MD 20892-2540

If you would like your donation to be used specifically for Alzheimer’s disease research and educational activities, please state this in your letter.

If you are considering leaving money to NIA in your will, please provide the address of the National Institute on Aging (above) in the will and indicate that the bequest is to be used to support the mission of the NIA.

How are donations acknowledged?

We acknowledge all donations with a thank you letter to the donor. If you wish to donate money in memory or in honor of someone, please include the name of the person in the accompanying letter. If you wish to have an acknowledgement sent to a third party (such as a family member of the memorialized or honored), please provide all the necessary information including the mailing address.

If someone wishes to leave money to the Institute in their Will, he or she should provide the address of the National Institute on Aging in the Will and indicate the bequest is to be used to support the mission of the NIA.

Are gifts deductible?

Gifts made to NIA are tax deductible as charitable contributions under section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). Potential donors should, however, consult with their tax advisors. For tax filing, the NIA tax exempt number is 53-0196960.

Who can I contact for additional Information?

If you have any further questions, please feel free to write to the NIA Office of Financial Management at the address above or call (301) 496-9147.