Planned Parenthood Donations in 2017: A Year of Support and Impact
In 2017, Planned Parenthood continued to be a beacon of reproductive health care, education, and advocacy, thanks in large part to the generous donations from individuals, organizations, and foundations. This article delves into the donations received by Planned Parenthood in 2017, their impact, and the initiatives they supported.
Donations Breakdown: Where the Money Went
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its affiliates received a total of $532.7 million in donations in 2017. Here's a breakdown of how these funds were allocated:
- Health Care Services: $414.4 million (77.7%) was used to provide essential health care services, including contraception, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and abortion services.
- Education and Outreach: $34.1 million (6.4%) was dedicated to sex education, outreach, and advocacy efforts to promote reproductive health and rights.
- Administrative and Fundraising Costs: $84.2 million (15.8%) was spent on administrative and fundraising expenses, ensuring the organization's smooth operation and future sustainability.
Impact of Donations in 2017
The donations received in 2017 allowed Planned Parenthood to serve more than 2.4 million patients across the United States. Here are some key impacts of these donations:

- Birth Control Access: Planned Parenthood provided birth control to 1.5 million patients, helping to prevent unintended pregnancies and enabling individuals to plan their families.
- Sexual Health Education: The organization reached more than 1.2 million people with sex education programs, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
- Abortion Services: Planned Parenthood provided abortion services to 321,384 patients, ensuring that individuals have access to safe and legal abortion care.
Notable Donors and Initiatives in 2017
Planned Parenthood received donations from a diverse range of individuals, organizations, and foundations in 2017. Some notable donors and initiatives include:
- MacKenzie Scott: The philanthropist and former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos donated $4 million to Planned Parenthood in 2017, supporting the organization's efforts to provide affordable health care to low-income individuals.
- Ford Foundation: The Ford Foundation awarded Planned Parenthood a $1 million grant to support its advocacy efforts to protect and advance reproductive rights and health care access.
- #IStandWithPP Campaign: In response to increased political attacks on the organization, Planned Parenthood launched the #IStandWithPP campaign, which raised millions in donations from individuals across the country.
Planned Parenthood's Financial Health in 2017
In addition to donations, Planned Parenthood also receives government funding, primarily through Medicaid reimbursements for providing care to low-income individuals. In 2017, government funding accounted for 37% of the organization's total revenue, while donations made up 42%. The remaining 21% came from other sources, such as grants and investment income.
Planned Parenthood's strong financial health in 2017 allowed the organization to continue providing essential health care services, education, and advocacy, despite facing political challenges and attempts to defund its programs.
