Carrying the Message Together: Understanding How We Sustain ACA

We’ve heard the question:

“If our fellowship brings in around $2 million a year, why does WSO still need contributions?”

It’s an important question – and one that deserves a clear, simple answer. As a global fellowship, we sustain ACA together. That includes producing our literature, supporting groups in more than 70+ countries, maintaining our website and translations, running our service office, and keeping the lights on for the structures that help carry the message to adult children everywhere.

Most of the income we receive comes from literature sales. These funds help cover the cost of printing, warehousing, shipping, staff, technology, website costs, rent, and the essential operations that keep ACA functioning day to day. After these expenses, we typically end the year close to break-even – sometimes slightly above, sometimes slightly below.

The Seventh Tradition invites us into something deeper than finances – it is a spiritual practice of gratitude, connection, and shared responsibility. Each contribution, whether from a group or an individual, helps keep ACA available to adult children everywhere, including those who have not yet found the safety and healing this fellowship offers. Our autonomous groups are still responsible to the entire fellowship, and our unity as a fellowship is what makes reaching others possible.

Because of this, all contributions play a vital role. They offer stability during uncertain times, help new groups form and grow, and make it possible to create tools that support recovery across the world. When more of us participate, even in small ways, we expand ACA’s ability to serve.

Together, we keep the doors open. Each Seventh Tradition contribution – at a meeting or individually – strengthens our capacity to carry the message with steadiness, clarity, and love.

In service,
ACA World Service Organization

FAQ: How We Sustain ACA (Clear Answers to Common Questions)

1. How much income does ACA WSO receive each year?

Year-to-date income through September 2025 is $1,768,344, which means we’re on track for about $2.3 million in revenue (before any expenses are taken out) for the full year if things continue at the same pace.

2. If revenue is around $2 million, why isn’t that enough?

Because running a global service structure costs nearly the same amount each year. After expenses, ACA typically ends close to break-even.Current YTD net income (January–September 2025):
–$74,143.

3. How is this revenue spent?

The biggest expenses include:

Printing and shipping literature
Warehouse and office rent
Staff payroll
Technology and IT support
Program initiatives and translations
Banking, merchant fees, and insurance

In short: the operating costs of carrying the message worldwide.

4. Why are contributions still needed?

Because literature income covers the cost of producing and distributing literature – not the full cost of sustaining a global fellowship.

Contributions provide:

Stability during slower sales periods
Support for emerging groups worldwide
Funding for translations and new materials
Capacity to develop tools for meetings and members
Breathing room to plan rather than react

5. How many groups support WSO through the Seventh Tradition?

Today, a minority of ACA groups forward a percentage of their Seventh Tradition to WSO (approximately 30% participate).

Because of this, only about 20% of WSO’s total annual revenue comes from contributions – far lower than what many 12-step fellowships experience, where group giving often represents 45-55% of their service structure’s income.

This contribution gap at the group level is a major reason WSO must rely more heavily on literature sales and individual member giving to remain stable and be able to carry the message where it is needed globally.

6. What would change if more groups participated?

Even a modest increase in group donations would allow us to:

Develop clearer guidance materials for meetings
Strengthen our service structure
Improve translations and international support
Invest in technology and fellowship-wide communication
Expand outreach to adult children who have not yet found ACA

7. How does ACA ensure responsible financial stewardship?

WSO meets all obligations without touching reserve funds and maintains lean operations with careful oversight. The September Treasurer’s Report reflects steady management of expenses and fellowship resources.

8. How can my group help?

If your group isn’t already forwarding a percentage of its Seventh Tradition to WSO, even a small monthly amount supports our shared service structure. Participation from more groups strengthens ACA far beyond any single meeting – it supports the entire global fellowship and the continued growth of ACA.

If you or your group feels called to support our shared service structure through the Seventh Tradition, you can do so through the online contributions page.

Thank you for your continued support of ACA’s shared service structure. Together, we make this work possible.