About
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in New York City, AFSP funds scientific research, educates the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocates for public policy, and supports survivors of suicide loss and people affected by suicide. AFSP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 13-3393329).
Mission
AFSP's mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. The organization pursues this through four core strategies: funding scientific research, providing public education about mental health and suicide prevention, advocating for suicide prevention policy at the federal, state, and local levels, and supporting people who have lost someone to suicide or are affected by suicide. AFSP notes that it does not itself provide crisis support services and directs people in crisis to call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
What they do
- Fund scientific research into suicide and its prevention — AFSP states that much of what is known about suicide comes from studies it has funded
- Deliver public education programs on mental health and suicide prevention in local communities
- Advocate for suicide prevention policy at the federal, state, and local levels, supported by a public policy office in Washington, DC
- Support survivors of suicide loss, connecting tens of thousands of people who have lost a family member to suicide
- Run nationwide programs and events through local chapters
History
AFSP was founded in 1987 by families who had lost loved ones to suicide, working in partnership with scientists to establish a national organization focused on understanding and preventing suicide.
Scale and impact
AFSP has local chapters in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Through its programs, the organization reports it has mobilized and connected tens of thousands of people who have lost a family member to suicide, reached thousands of individuals at risk for suicide, and educated hundreds of local communities about suicide prevention.
Financials
According to the organization's IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending June 2025 AFSP reported total revenue of $43,784,023, total expenses of $48,711,144, and net assets of $72,242,136. Contributions made up roughly 96.6% of total revenue (approximately $42.3 million).
Governance
AFSP is led by Chief Executive Officer Robert Gebbia. Its executive team includes Chief Medical Officer Christine Yu Moutier, M.D., as well as a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Communications Officer, and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer. The organization is headquartered in New York City with an advocacy office in Washington, DC.