The Alzheimer's Association was created in 1980 by a small group of caregivers, researchers and activists, led by Jerome H. Stone. These extraordinary people united to change the future of Alzheimer's at a time when few dared talk about dementia in public. These men and women were often told there was no hope, and they chose to take action over silence. Their work launched the Alzheimer's Association and inspired our mission symbol, a tribute to bringing people and science together for generations to come.

Today, the same spirit and shared values fuel everything we do. Science, medicine and care have advanced, yet caregivers and families still face a challenging and often isolating journey.

The Founders Society honors the extraordinary people who have chosen to include the Alzheimer's Association in their legacy plans, continuing hope, funding advancements and building toward our vision of a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

There are several ways to make a legacy donation to the Alzheimer's Association:

• Gifts in a will or living trust.
• Charitable trusts.
• Charitable gift annuities.
• Gifts of life insurance.
• Beneficiary designation in financial accounts and IRAs naming the Alzheimer's Association as a beneficiary.

You are invited to become a member of our Founders Society. We look forward to welcoming you as one of our newest members.

Founders Society benefits

Founders Society members hold a special place at the Alzheimer's Association. Your generous gift entitles you to these exclusive benefits:

• News about advances in Alzheimer's research, prevention, caregiving and advocacy efforts to make the Alzheimer's crisis a national priority.
• The opportunity to take an active role in awareness and advocacy campaigns.
• Personalized assistance from a Planned Giving Donor Advisor.
• Complimentary annual subscription to ALZ Forward, our philanthropy publication.

Inspiration from Founders Society members

Andy and Ricci Sanchez

"We hope there are more promising breakthroughs while we're still here, and we want to be part of this battle even when we're gone. We'll never stop!"

Read Andy & Ricci's Story

John Strader

"With the dire necessity to improve the situation for the people that are living with this disease and the people that are caring for them, I decided this is the best place to invest our estate after Lisa and I are gone."

Read John's Story

Diane Young

"I want to help the Association continue its work on research, clinical trials and free resources for caregivers. Without money, they can't do those things. That's going to be a part of my legacy to my mom."

Read Diane's Story

Anjanette Kichline

"I'm so proud to be able to honor my father and other family members who lost their fights to Alzheimer's. My dad was an inspiration to me, and I hope, through my gift, I can inspire others to join the fight to end Alzheimer's."

Read Anjanette's Story

JJ and Tim Jordan

"A world without Alzheimer's is the legacy we would like to leave behind. Hopefully, whatever we end up leaving will help support other families like ours. We would not have survived without the Association. We just never felt alone."

Read JJ & Tim's Story

Pat and Dave Krebs

"We want to play an active part in the vision of the Alzheimer's Association — that one day, there will be a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia."

Read Pat & Dave's Story

Russ and Katy Wing

"I chose to create a charitable gift annuity to benefit the Alzheimer's Association — a meaningful way to give back while receiving lifetime income. It's a win-win."

Read Russ and Katy's Story

Have you already included us in your plans?

We appreciate the time and consideration it takes when deciding to make a legacy gift. The Alzheimer's Association has a planned giving team ready to assist you in discovering gift opportunities to help meet your financial and charitable goals.

If you have already included the Alzheimer's Association in your legacy plan, we would love the opportunity to thank you. You may choose how you would prefer to be contacted. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please notify us of your future gift to inspire others to give.