Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Committed to finding a cure for myasthenia gravis and closely related disorders, improving treatment options, and providing information and support to people with myasthenia gravis through research, education, community programs and advocacy.
- Income
- $7.6 million
- Spending
- $7.1 million
- Spent on programs
- 78%
- Reserves
- 12.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 84%
- Employees
- 18
- Volunteers
- 500
- Highest pay
- $336,903, chief executive officer
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 81% of charities in its peer group (medical research, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 12.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 14% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 33% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1578% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (medical research, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2512 of 15 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $5.5 million spent. Evaluating, Funding, and Disseminating Critical Research: MGFA supports high-impact myasthenia gravis research at leading universities and medical institutions, often collaborating with strategic partners such as the American Brain Foundation and MGNet. Through these partnerships, it helps attract new researchers to the field by funding fellowships, pilot grants, and specialized research projects.The organization also maintains the only global MG patient registry, which has grown to nearly 3,500 participants, providing valuable data to advance research. MGFA hosts an annual scientific session in partnership with AANEM, drawing more than 250 attendees, and organizes an International Conference every three years that brings together leading MG researchers worldwide, with attendance reaching around 660 participants.In addition, MGFA keeps a broad audience of over 40,000 constituents informed about research initiatives and progress, ensuring the community stays connected to the latest developments in MG science.
- Awareness and Advocacy: MGFA offers a wide range of free educational brochures, available in multiple languages, covering topics important to individuals living with myasthenia gravis, and makes them accessible to both patients and the general public. It also provides a professional manual and other key educational resources tailored for healthcare providers.In addition, MGFA leads an annual awareness campaign each June for MG Awareness Month, engaging its network of support groups and equipping individuals with toolkits, press materials, posters, and social media resources to help raise awareness of myasthenia gravis within their communities. MGFA also hosted a Patient Advocacy Organization Summit that brought together 44 representatives from 17 countries, highlighting its global commitment to collaboration and advancing support for the MG community.
- Information, Education and Support: The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) delivers broad support for people living with myasthenia gravis and their caregivers through education, community programs, and direct services. It provides accessible information, referrals, and structured support through a nationwide network of about 43 support groups, its Partners in MG Care program, and other affiliated networks. Its website serves as a central, trusted hub for up-to-date educational content, news, and disease management resources.MGFA organizes a wide range of interactive learning opportunities, including nearly 20 wellness and research webinars and 14 Community Health Fairs across the U.S. and Canada. These events allow patients and caregivers to connect with medical experts, learn about the latest research and treatments, and engage with industry leaders. The organization's annual National Patient Conference is a key gathering for the MG community, featuring research updates, patient experiences, and in-depth educational sessions designed to help individuals better manage their condition.Beyond education, MGFA fosters community engagement and awareness through platforms like Facebook and provides personalized support via its Patient Helpline, where licensed counselors assist individuals navigating the challenges of MG. It also convenes an annual Stakeholder Roundtable that brings together patients, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives to identify and address critical unmet needs. One major outcome of this collaboration is the Myasthenia Gravis Lexicon, a tool designed to improve communication between patients and healthcare providers.In addition to these ongoing efforts, MGFA also develops targeted support initiatives, such as a food insecurity program which was piloted this year that provided assistance to families during the holiday season, reflecting its broader commitment to addressing both medical and quality-of-life challenges faced by the MG community.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 1954.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.