The Lupus Foundation of America: a Profile
Thursday, April 30th, 2009
Established in 1977 to bring national attention to lupus, the Lupus Foundation of America has become the foremost nonprofit lupus organization that is committed to developing medical research and technology. It provides support to and gives hope to people affected by lupus.
It has five program objectives in order to address lupus: financial support, advocacy, research development, public awareness and services. It has expanded to a grassroots base of more than 300 supports groups and organizations in 32 states all over the US.
In 2007, it accomplished fundraising campaigns to develop research leading to safer and more effective treatment of the diseases. It funded over $3.1 million for lupus research and awarded over $5 million in grants for research on lupus biomarkers. Its public education campaigns extended to professional education, conducting trainings and developing handbooks to assist health professionals in diagnosing and managing the disease as well as patient education to assist both patients and families in coping. It also spent a hefty sum of $2.3 million for a three-year educational drive.
Moreover, it has formed alliances with international organizations to boost its fundraising efforts. It is one of the featured charities in the Giving is Good website, which makes donations made to any of the BBB accredited charities. Giving is Good is an initiative of Feed the Children, an international relief group.