Where the Money Goes

The ALS Network, formerly ALS Golden West, exists to ensure that anyone facing ALS has someone to turn to for expert advice, access to treatments and clinical trials, essential equipment, and support to enhance the quality of life, community, caring conversations, and so much more.

Now and always, we are committed to meeting the needs of individuals and families facing ALS that we serve in California and Hawaii. Fueled by philanthropic support, the ALS Network funds global research, advances ALS advocacy, and provides professional care services free of charge. Everything we do is made possible by the generosity of the ALS community and those who care about them.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our mission. Learn more about the impact of your support below:

Ensuring Access to ALS Care and Research

We are here to ensure that no one is alone when facing ALS. Care Managers provide professional, expert assistance and connect people with ALS to the most current information, resources, equipment, and specialists in order to maximize the health and well-being of everyone in the household. We partner with multidisciplinary ALS clinics and centers and help match clients with clinical studies and trials.

Fueling ALS Advocacy by Sharing Your Stories

We drive important state and federal public policy initiatives to benefit the ALS community. We work year-round with a nationwide network of dedicated volunteer ALS advocates to address legislative issues and secure funding to improve the lives of thousands of people with ALS and their families. Our ALS advocacy efforts in California, Hawaii, and nationwide, inform and educate elected officials and the public about opportunities to facilitate access to services, accelerate drug development, and reduce barriers to care and research.

Empowering and Connecting Our ALS Community

Throughout the year, the ALS Network raises ALS awareness to educate, connect, and inspire our communities and the general public to take action in support of our mission priorities. Our website and social media channels serve as a vital source of information about the disease. We provide many opportunities for anyone touched by ALS to gather and connect with others, both online and in person. Each year, the organization hosts many memorable and spirited community outreach events like our Walks and Rides, Major League Baseball’s ALS Awareness Days, and other special events like our ALS Golf Classic and Champions for Cures and Care gala that empower, celebrate and motivate the community to get involved in support of people living with ALS and their loved ones.

The Hal Finney ALS/MND Research Fund

No less than 80% of all funds donated to the Running Bitcoin Challenge will help power the Hal Finney ALS/MND Research Fund. The fund will advance groundbreaking global research related to ALS and other motor neuron diseases.

The ALS Network’s Research Program, in collaboration with outstanding partners, provides innovation grants to fund novel yet scientifically rigorous ideas that can transform our understanding of ALS. Grant recipients are selected through a competitive process by our world-class Scientific Advisory Committee.

Our seed funding to establish proof of concept for new scientific approaches potentially positions these visionary projects for larger-scale funding in the future, such as government grants. In addition, our nimble “pitch session” approach to unique projects accelerates the application process, removing red tape and moving promising science forward faster.