Leading Fibromyalgia Charities and Organizations

Fibromyalgia has a long way to go when it comes to research, treatments, diagnostics, and public awareness. While research institutions, both public and private, are crucial to our progress, they're not the only players on the field.

Charitable organizations are working hard behind the scenes and in the public eye to further research and awareness. Their lofty goals are to help all of us with this complex and debilitating condition to lead better lives. The top fibromyalgia charities in the U.S. and others from around the world are listed here so that you can learn more about these important groups and the critical work they do on our behalf.

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National Fibromyalgia Association

The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) is probably the best-known fibromyalgia charity in the U.S. It's been a major force behind May 12 fibromyalgia awareness day events around the country for many years. It has also published the magazine Fibromyalgia AWARE as well as hosting educational conferences.

The NFA website provides a wealth of information on the condition as well as a continuing medical education program for doctors and other health-care providers who treat fibromyalgia.

Quick facts on the NFA:

Founded: 1997
Charity status: 501(c)3 non-profit
Location: Orange, California

Resources for you:

Free membership includes eNewsletters, online educational presentations, updates on research, information about studies looking for participants, and discounts on some items in the NFA online store

Ways to contribute:

Donate money via PayPal
Buy educational and awareness products in the online store
Create a fundraiser
Help with fundraising and awareness efforts, including the Giving Tuesday campaign and awareness day events
Select NFA in Amazon Smile

Fibromyalgia Coalition International

On its website, Fibromyalgia Coalition International (FCI) says it wants to be "a beacon of hope for millions of FM/CFS sufferers around the world." It hosts conferences and other educational events in the Kansas City area and pays special attention to non-medicinal approaches, such as diet, that are supported by medical research.

Quick facts on FCI:

Founded: 2000
Charity status: 501(c)3 non-profit
Location: Mission, Kansas

Mission statement:

FCI's mission is to give hope to everyone suffering with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome through extensive research and reporting of natural, proven, and effective therapies that focus on root causes.

Resources for you:

Directory of fibromyalgia support groups
Directory of fibromyalgia health-care providers

Ways to contribute:

Shop for books, CDs, and awareness products through the online store
One-time or on-going monetary donations
Workplace Giving
Select FCI in Amazon Smile

National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association

The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association (NFMCPA) says its goal is to promote early diagnosis, drive scientific research for a cure, and facilitate research into appropriate, accessible, and affordable treatments for fibromyalgia. It organizes and promotes May 12 awareness day events and also offers an honor and celebration wall and in memory tributes on its website.

Quick facts on NFMCPA:

Founded: 2008 (as CURE FM, became NFMCPA in 2010)
Charity status: 501(c)3 non-profit
Location: Logan, Utah

Mission statement:

The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association unites patients, policy makers, and healthcare, medical, and scientific communities to transform lives through visionary support, advocacy, research, and education of fibromyalgia and chronic pain illnesses. It also offers a newsletter on new research and advocacy efforts.

Resources for you:

Articulos en Espanol

Ways to contribute:

Select NFMCPA on Amazon Smile

American Chronic Pain Association

The American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) offers "peer support and education in pain management skills to people with pain, family and friends, and healthcare professionals." It has helped establish several hundred ACPA support groups in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, and other countries.

While it's not specifically a fibromyalgia-focused organization, people with fibromyalgia can benefit from the support groups, information, and advocacy it provides. It also has a newsletter called The Chronicle.

Quick facts on ACPA:

Founded: 1980
Charity status: 501(c)3 non-profit
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Resources for you:

Listing of chronic pain support groups
Information on numerous pain conditions, treatments, and pain-management tools

Ways to contribute:

Donate money via PayPal

International Organizations

Outside of the U.S., numerous charitable organizations are working hard to improve the lives of people with this condition. Some of them are:

A Word From Verywell

For those who are able to donate, you may find a worthy recipient of your generosity. For those who can't, perhaps you can find other ways to help or promote these organizations. Regardless, you may be able to directly benefit from the information and services they provide, in addition to the indirect benefit we all get from their efforts.

Moreover, donations to charitable organizations such as these can make great gifts for people in your life who are chronically ill or can serve as a way to remember someone who battled fibromyalgia symptoms during their life. You can also write charitable contributions into your will. However, before donating to any charitable organization, make sure to research it so you know your money is actually being spent how you want it to be.