Over the years, Alcoholics Anonymous has affirmed and strengthened a tradition of being fully self-supporting and of not seeking, or accepting, contributions from non-members. When outside contributions are received at the General Service Office, they are returned with a note explaining A.A.’s position on the question of self-support.

Within the Fellowship, the amount that may be contributed to the support of movement-wide services by any individual member is limited to $2,000 a year.

Expenses at the group level for rental of meeting places, coffee and refreshments, literature, etc., are met by “passing the hat.” In a majority of groups, an amount is set aside regularly for the support of A.A. world services.

All contributions are voluntary. Membership in A.A. involves no dues or fees. All groups benefit from G.S.O. activities, although not all groups contribute to G.S.O.’s support.

Income from the sale of Conference-approved books and other literature has always been an important factor in the support of G.S.O. services, frequently insuring continuation of those services when contributions from local groups were inadequate.