Message from the Chief Executive
Officer and Chair, Board of Directors

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a driving force behind what we do as a nation to prevent suicide. We know we can’t do this alone, so we actively engage with partners from many communities, such as businesses, schools, healthcare, faith, government, non-profit organizations, social and traditional media, entertainment and more.

We engage directly with the public through our chapters in all 50 states, tens of thousands of volunteers, the delivery of community-based programs, grassroots advocacy, public service campaigns, and our Out of the Darkness™ Walks.

AFSP’s expanding community engagement is creating greater awareness of the cause and the financial resources that make it possible for us to fund innovative research; advocate for polices and legislation that advance our mission; educate the public about suicide; and provide support to those affected. Together, through this growing engagement, we are creating a movement built on hope, which will save lives.

This past year, we remained hopeful about a future fueled by the involvement and support of millions of people across the country. This allowed us to:

• increase our investment in research by $1 million, to $6.3 million, which funded 26 new studies
• reach 300,000 people with prevention and Loss & Healing programs in schools, workplaces and community settings
• empower teens and young adults to help friends who may be at risk through the Seize the Awkward ad campaign, which has had 20 million views
• advocate for The National Hotline Improvement Act, which was signed into law and will strengthen crisis services for those in distress
• Red Flag Laws as a way to remove a firearm from someone who is at risk
• work with health care systems, emergency departments and corrections to improve care for those who struggle

While it was an inspiring and impactful year in the fight to prevent suicide, we were saddened by lives lost, as well as by the CDC’s report showing the suicide rate continues to increase in the U.S. These are vivid reminders of the importance of our work.

Therefore, we took steps to ensure AFSP continues to make a measurable impact by creating a Three Year Strategic Plan that will guide us in the work we do through 2022. The plan strengthens our bold project to reduce the U.S. suicide rate 20 percent by 2025. You can read more about our new strategic plan, including Project 2025, in this report.

Everything AFSP is doing to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide is a direct result of millions of people getting involved in our community. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of AFSP, or are new to our cause, we thank you for sharing your dedication, expertise, passion and generosity with us.

We raised more than $41.1 million this past year, keeping our combined administrative costs and fundraising costs below the industry standard 25%, at only 18%. We have also earned a top rating of four stars from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest independent charity evaluator, thanks to sound fiscal management and the strength of our programs and other activities.

Please look through the following pages to learn more about our important work. We invite you to join us as we continue to lead the fight against suicide.

Robert Gebbia Chief Executive Officer

Steve Siple Chair, Board of Directors