Heart Group’s Giving: Only Half the Story

To the Editor:

We would like to clarify the total amount of funding provided by the American Heart Association to research institutions in fiscal year 1997 (“Top 10 Public Charities Gave $677-Million,” June 18).

The figure attributed to the American Heart Association in the article (and in the Foundation Center study on which the article was based), $51,103,362, reflects only the money granted by our national organization. Thus, it tells only part of our story.

In fiscal year 1997, the American Heart Association had 51 affiliate offices nationwide that awarded another $50,768,973 to research institutions. Combined, the American Heart Association provided over $100,000,000 in direct funding for the study of heart disease and stroke in fiscal year 1997.

Edward F. Hines, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
American Heart Association
Dallas