There's certainly no doubt that the Ice Bucket Challenge is one of the most successful social media campaigns all of time, generating millions of shares, likes, and views across a variety of platforms. Best of all, it boosted the donations to ALS Association by more than $200 million. But where did the money go?
The Ice Bucket Challenge is turning one year old, and ALS Association is giving us updates on how they used or are using the contributions.
Prior to the challenge, the association would receive $20 million annual budget, a bulk of which went into research. ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis still doesn't have any cure.
Since last year, they have considerably increased their funding on this category, spending at least $77 million. One of the companies that have received funding is Cytokinetics Incorporated, which is currently developing a drug that should boost the function of the lungs of patients. ALS Association has given them $1.5 million. The trial is currently in its late stages.
Meanwhile, CNN reports that another $10.5 million has been provided to test a medication that is meant to normalize the rhythm of cardiac function and see if it can also provide stability for nerve cells. It may also be examined for its ability to control brain inflammation.
The next bulk goes to community services to meet the needs of patients across the country. As a federated organization, ALS Association has 39 chapters, all of which have their respective budget and thus need for funding. These chapters got $23 million collectively.
At least $10 million went to education, $2 million to external processing fees, and $3 million for fund-raising.
Currently, the association is urging everyone to continue with the newly started tradition, which should be carried out every summer until a cure has already been found.