Since 1949, the American Heart Association has spent more than $3.5 billion on research to increase our knowledge about cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In 1948-49, the American Heart Association’s National Center and affiliates contributed $700,000 to research; in the 2011-12 fiscal year, we contributed more than $116.9 million.

At least 28 cents of every publicly donated dollar to our seven affiliates is channeled into research. For each dollar, 13 cents supports the association’s National Research Program, and at least 15 cents supports the affiliate research program.

In the 2011-12 fiscal year, research program administrative costs were $5.6 million, representing only 4.6 percent of the total research expense.

The association's research dollars support the most worthy projects that we select from a substantial pool of applications. 

A comparison of the most recent information available demonstrates that the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association compares favorably with other health organizations.

Our financial contribution to research is impressive. But so is the percentage of our budget spent for research.  In the 2011-12 fiscal year, we contributed more than $116.9 million.   See graph for AHA Research Commitments, 1949-2012:

Distribution of new research awards in 2011-2012