Where Our Resources Go

Last month we reported information on our 2025 March Fund Drive. This month we thought we’d share a bit about how your contributions are spent.

Every year, the Ohio Attorney General requires a percentage breakdown of Administration and Program expenses. In 2024, as well as so far in 2025, 40% is spent on Administration (Operating + Office Expenses = 39%). Program Expenses came to 60% (Literature + Outreach/Public Information = 61%). This is in line with prevailing non-profit reporting and expenditure standards.

The above pie chart, covering the first five months of 2025, is a general breakdown of how our just-over $400,000 per year budget is allocated. On the     following page  is a description of each program category. We’ll try to spare you the boring details.

Literature Expenses, at 34% of all expenses, encompasses everything related to literature. This includes the cost of the inventory itself and the two staff-members to stock, ship and sell literature. It also includes shipping cost to customers, as well as from vendors (like AA World Services or Hazelden). As mentioned last month, 38% of our 2024 income came from Literature, essentially paying for itself with a little padding.

Office Expense is what it costs for the office and shop space itself, at a mere 11% of expenses. Rent is the main cost here, which is reasonable  given the location, size and provided parking. This category also includes any utilities, repairs, and cleaning costs associated with the office itself.

Operating Expenses constitutes 28% of our yearly expenses. These are the cost of operating and managing the office, such as copiers/printers, computers, office supplies, accounting, mailing, and software expenses. It also covers the salaries of two staff-members who handle operations (the Secretary/Treasurer, and Admin/Bookkeeper).

Outreach / Website / Public Information is   another significant expense when the website is considered. The website guides members to more than 950 meetings in Northeast Ohio. The Central Bulletin you are holding is also part of this expense category. Outreach expenses include the Outreach Coordinator staff member, literature and event   expenses.

So there you have it. If you’ve read this far and haven’t fallen asleep, congratulations. Without your generous contributions, none of these programs would be possible. Thank you all for your continued support of your central office.