Contributions

Alcoholics Anonymous has helped millions of people worldwide find freedom from alcohol addiction. Meetings are free, and there’s no requirement to sign up or pay dues. Naturally, that raises a question: why does AA ask for donations?

The answer comes from AA’s 7th Tradition, one of the principles that keeps the fellowship strong, independent, and available to anyone who seeks help. It states: “Every AA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.”

In practice, this means AA doesn’t accept money from businesses, governments, or non-members. Instead, the costs of running a group—things like rent, coffee, and literature—are covered by members who choose to contribute. The idea is simple: AA exists because those who benefit from it want to sustain it.

The 7th Tradition applies at every level of AA, including:

• Local meetings

• Intergroup or district service offices

• Area committees

• The General Service Office (GSO)

At its heart, this tradition is a reminder that recovery is a shared responsibility. Members give back so others can find the same hope and help they once received.