Financial, Grant, Sponsorship, and Advertising Support Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (“ADAA”) from time-to-time enters into relationships with for-profit entities, professional associations, and nonprofit organizations for financial and in-kind support of ADAA to advance its mission through sponsorship, advertising, and collaborative initiatives. This policy (“Policy”), adopted by ADAA’s Board of Directors, governs all such relationships entered into by ADAA and applies to all ADAA programs, publications, conferences, digital content, and educational activities as to which support is provided.  ADAA reserves the right to change the terms and conditions of the Policy, effective no later than the date of its publication on its website.
 

2. Acceptable Sources of Support

Direct financial or in-kind support for projects, educational initiatives, and activities that are, in ADAA’s judgment, consistent with its mission, values, and strategic objectives are acceptable sources of support. Such support may include grants, sponsorships, advertising revenue, and other monetary or in-kind contributions and is subject to approval by ADAA’s Board of Directors or its designee on a case-by-case basis.

3. Independence and Conflict of Interest

ADAA shall accept support only when such relationships do not conflict with or compromise, or appear to conflict with the integrity, independence, or objectivity of ADAA’s governance, operations, or evidence-based educational offerings. ADAA is committed to avoiding conflicts of interest, apparent or otherwise.

4. Non-Endorsement

The acceptance of support by ADAA by reason of this Policy does not constitute or imply any endorsement whatsoever of any kind or nature of a sponsor’s or donor’s product (inclusive of products, medications, devices and the like) or service (inclusive of procedures, treatments, programs and the like). ADAA will add a conspicuous disclaimer of non-endorsement on all material associated with the support. See Website Disclaimer.

5. Use of ADAA Name and Logo

The use of ADAA’s name, logo, trademarks, or other intellectual property, registered or unregistered, is strictly prohibited without the express prior written authorization of ADAA. ADAA’s name, logo and other intellectual property may not be associated with specific branded products, and/or services.

6. Editorial Control

ADAA retains final editorial authority over all content whatsoever supported in whole or in part by external financial or in-kind support and will not accept funding or support conditions that could be perceived as influencing or promoting specific products or services. In no event shall the sponsor or advertiser amend, change or otherwise depart from the content approved by ADAA in any of the materials used or associated with the conference or educational program supported. For the avoidance of doubt, all advertising and sponsorship must align with ADAA’s evidence-based mission and may not imply endorsement. All arrangements are subject to ADAA approval.  If it is an advertisement, ADAA clearly states that it is an advertisement.

7. Support for Conferences and Educational Program Content

ADAA maintains full and final authority over all conference and webinar program content, including topic selection, speaker selection, and the educational format of all sessions. ADAA also retains sole discretion over the allocation and use of any funds provided in support of these activities.

Under no circumstances may a sponsor or advertiser influence, amend, direct, or otherwise alter the educational content, speaker selection, or program structure. Advertorial, promotional, or marketing-driven content is prohibited within any educational materials, sessions, or communications associated with ADAA conferences or educational programs, including webinars.

All materials and presentations must adhere strictly to the content reviewed and approved by ADAA. Sponsors and advertisers may not modify, substitute, or introduce content that departs from ADAA’s approved educational framework.

8. Disclosure and Transparency

ADAA discloses sources of financial and in-kind support unless prohibited by law.

This page was last updated March 3, 2026.