Charity of the week: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide, which claims more than 36,000 lives a year in the U.S. Since its founding, in 1987, the AFSP has invested in research and public education to reduce the toll of suicide, which is often linked to mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder. It also funds the Survivor Outreach Program, which provides trained volunteers to meet with newly bereaved family members, and maintains a network of mental health professionals for those affected by suicide. Since 2000, the AFSP has awarded more than $10 million in grants to scientists studying neurobiological, genetic, psychological, and sociological aspects of suicide.

Each charity we feature has earned a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator, which ranks not-for-profit organizations on the strength of their finances, their control of administrative and fund-raising expenses, and the transparency of their operations. Four stars is the group’s highest ranking.

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