about alm: frequently asked questions

About ALM

Tell me about your Christian beliefs. What denomination are you? Do you witness to the patients?
ALM strives to present the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ by word and deed to those with leprosy, without regard to race, nationality, creed, age, or sex. ALM is a Christian, non-denominational organization.
How do you find the patients that you treat?
ALM trained healthworkers travel by foot, van, jeep, motorbike, bicycle, and boat going out into remote areas and villages to find, diagnose, and treat leprosy affected individuals. They also visit schools, clinics, churches, and neighborhoods spreading the word that leprosy is curable. Some projects have hospitals where patients may come in for testing and treatment.
How many employees do you have? How many doctors do you employ?
Our Greenville, SC location’s current personnel include 15 full time and 1 part-time positions. We currently have 4 full time International staff positions with three of those being medical professionals, one of which is ALM's Medical Director. Each ALM sponsored project also has health professionals on staff to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate those we serve who are affected by leprosy and Buruli ulcer.
How old are you?
Established in 1906, we celebrated our 100 year anniversary in 2006.

How much of my donation reaches the field?
ALM's most recent annual audit shows that 65.1 percent of income was spent on program.
Can I sponsor a particular patient?
ALM does not link specific donors with specific children. Donor gifts benefit many different projects and many different people. (You may, however, ask us to designate your gift for a special project or country).
Can I have my donation automatically deducted from my checking account or credit card?
Your charitable gifts can be automatically deducted each month from your checking account or automatically charged to your credit card. Email amlep@leprosy.org for details.
Where do the majority of your donations come from?
Individual contributions, legacies, grants, foundations, churches, government agencies.
Can you give me an update on a featured child?
Many times we are able to request and receive patient updates and forward this information to donors. However; many times patients are cured, they return to their villages-often far away from the hospitals where they were treated. We're unable to stay in touch with them unless they return to our clinics for further treatment.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Gifts are tax-deductible; receipts are issued.
Can I control how much mail I receive?
We can adjust mail schedules to meet your needs.
How do I know you are good stewards of my money?
ALM is a member of ECFA. Visit their website for more information.

American Leprosy Missions is in compliance with Better Business Bureau standards for charitable accountability.