2025 Annual Report

2025 brought new and exciting opportunities for the Cleveland District Office. In 2024, the Operating Committee decided to set aside funds for a technology development project which added much-needed updates to the website as well as the administrative panel and database used by the staff. In addition, new point of sale hardware and inventory software was introduced in the literature department.

Not only is the check-out process easier and more convenient for our members, it has also enhanced our ability to track inventory as well as sales.

The CDO also upgraded the accounting and bookkeeping software in 2025. This allowed for us to move from slow desktop software to online, continuously updating software, as well as upgrades to our reporting and tracking. The bookkeeper spent much of 2025 setting up and refining the account strings to better reflect reality on the ground as well as simplify how the data is reported.

The Numbers:

As in years past, the March Fund Drive was a meaningful expression of unity and support from the Fellowship. The generosity shown during that time helped sustain services throughout the year, and we are deeply grateful.

As reflected in the graph above, March and April were the two months in which income exceeded expenses. While 2024 saw four months operating in the black, in 2025 those two months carried much of the year’s financial support. Even so, the steady commitment of our groups and members allowed us to continue providing essential services.

A 4% decrease in contributions, planned technology improvements, and normal inflationary increases of approximately 3% resulted in a year-end deficit. This was anticipated and thoughtfully managed. Funds from the Prudent Reserve, built gradually over many years through the consistent generosity of AA members, were used to support operations in November and December.

We are thankful that the Prudent Reserve remains strong at approximately ten months of operating expenses. This careful stewardship ensures that the Intergroup can continue to serve the Fellowship reliably and responsibly.

Where did the income come from?

Much like last year, 58% of our annual income came from contributions either from AA groups or individuals. In keeping with the 7th Tradition, this office is self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

This year, 37% of our income came from the sale of Literature, Coins, Cards and other AA related items. 3% of our income came from interest earned on the Prudent Reserve, which was consolidated into one account in 2024. The remaining 2% listed as “Other Income” was for anything else, such as a quarterly loyalty point credit on the credit card, meeting room rent, and Central Bulletin Subscriptions.

How was the money spent?

As you can see, literature seemed to pay for  itself. Salaries for 2 staff, inventory, and supplies were the main expenses there. We’re hopeful that better inventory tracking and adjusting prices according to cost, will help it consistently keep itself going. 37 is the lucky number.

20% of our expenses went to services to the fellowship such as the website, outreach (including 1 salary), central bulletin, and the 24/7 answering service.

The remaining 43% was spent on the office operations, such as rent, utilities, maintenance, and 2 salaries. It also includes employer taxes, postage, and equipment to keep the office running.

So there we have it. We are hopeful that this year’s March Drive is as successful as previous years. We also intend to keep an even better eye on spending, utilizing the data that we have improved access to.

The Cleveland District Office is grateful for the continued support of the fellowship we serve. May we all continue to honor our primary purpose to remain sober and help others achieve sobriety.