BrightFocus Foundation
Meets Standards
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
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Board Size
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Board Meetings
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Board Compensation
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Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
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Effectiveness Report
Finances
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Program Expenses
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Fundraising Expenses
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Accumulating Funds
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Audit Report
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
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Accurate Expense Reporting
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Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
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Annual Report
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Website Disclosures
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Donor Privacy
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
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Complaints
BrightFocus Foundation meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
"to fund exceptional scientific research worldwide to defeat Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma and provide expert information on these heartbreaking diseases."
Year, State Incorporated:
1973, DC
Also Known As:
Alzheimer's Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, National Glaucoma Research
BrightFocus Foundation (BFF) reports that it works to advance research and public information in Alzheimer's disease, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. The organization funds science investigations to better understand and find ways to diagnose, prevent, and treat these diseases. The organization utilizes the internet, print publications, email, social media, and television, as well as radio public service announcements to distribute information to the public, especially those affected by the disease. BFF also aims to educate people about risk factors, the latest research, treatments, and risk reduction. In 2026, BFF awarded over $16 million to 69 research projects across the globe. Some ($8,338,957 or 19%) of BFF's program activities are carried out in conjunction with fundraising appeals.
For the year ended March 31, 2025, BrightFocus Foundation's program expenses were:
| Research | $22,785,798 |
| Health information services | $21,278,055 |
| Total Program Expenses | $44,063,853 |
Chief Executive
Stacy Pagos Haller, President and Chief Executive Officer
Compensation*
$471,505
Chair of the Board
Patricia Stewart
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Retired. JP Morgan Financial Services
Board Size
14
Paid Staff Size
53
*2024 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Planned giving arrangements, Workplace Giving
BrightFocus Foundation incurred joint costs of $19,360,619 for informational materials and activities that included fund raising materials. Of those costs $10,038,775 was allocated to fundraising, $8,338,957 was allocated to program expenses, and $982,887 was allocated to administrative expenses.
Fundraising costs were 22% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $62,063,643, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on BrightFocus Foundation's audited financial statements - consolidated for the year ended March 31, 2025.
Source of Funds
| Contributions and grants | $43,495,393 |
| Donated services | $9,240,763 |
| Bequests | $9,161,660 |
| Gain from sale of rental property | $8,277,270 |
| Investment income, net | $1,824,514 |
| Other | $480,234 |
| Rental income, net | $385,959 |
| Special events, net | $165,827 |
| Total Income | $73,031,620 |
Programs: 71% Fundraising: 22% Administrative: 7%
| Total Income | $73,031,620 |
| Total expenses: | $62,289,890 |
| Program expenses | $44,063,853 |
| Fundraising expenses | $13,859,870 |
| Administrative expenses | $4,366,167 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $10,741,730 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $26,218,737 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $36,960,467 |
| Total Liabilities | $28,168,825 |
| Total Assets | $65,129,292 |
Note: According to the organization's audited financial statements -consolidated- for the year ended March 31, 2025, BFF reported in-kind public service announcements valued at $9,240,763.
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.
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Standards Not Met
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Review in Progress
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Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance