History and mission

Formed in 1940, the ADA was founded by 28 physicians.^[3] During its first 30 years, the Association limited its membership to physicians, health professionals and corporations. In 1970, the Association underwent a reorganization during which membership was expanded to include general members. Now the ADA is a volunteer-driven organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, with about 90 local offices across the United States.^[4]
The mission of the ADA is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.^[1] To fulfill this mission, the Association funds research, publishes scientific findings, provides information and other services to people with diabetes, their families, health professionals and the public. The Association is also actively involved in advocating for scientific research and for the rights of people with diabetes.^[1] The Association acts on its mission through a number of critical programs and activities that are directed to a broad range of constituents, including consumers, research scientists, health care professionals, corporations and communities.
In 1994, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, an industry publication, study showed that the American Diabetes Association was ranked as the 18th "most popular charity/non-profit in America" from over 100 charities researched with 33.8% of Americans over the age of 12 choosing Love and Like A Lot for the American Diabetes Association.^[5]
On June 1, 2015, the Association welcomed a new CEO, Kevin L. Hagan. Hagan came from the international relief organization Feed the Children, which he had led for about three years.
The ADA is America's leading 501(c)3 nonprofit charity providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.^[6]
The ADA raises most monies themselves and their overall fundraising expenses are 26%, with 74 cents of every dollar raised being used for research and programs.^[7] However, in the past the organization has engaged telemarketers at very large costs. In one instance, the ADA entered into contract with InfoCision, a telemarketing firm that works closely with nonprofits, whereby only 15% of the expected funds raised would be given to the ADA with the other 85% being kept by the telemarketing firm. Furthermore, the telemarketers were instructed to lie to prospective donors regarding how much of their donation will go to the ADA.^[8][9] When questioned by NBC's Lisa Myers about this campaign, a representative from the ADA expressed no regrets saying in part that "this program is a teenie weenie part of what they do; it's about bringing more people into the organization," and stating that the program was not misleading despite the fact that prospective donors were being lied to regarding what percentage of their donation will be going to the ADA. As for what the ADA's response would be to donors who feel duped, the representative said that the ADA would say "thank you for the gift, it's making a difference, every single penny makes a positive impact." ^[10]