A.A.’s Seventh Tradition states:  “Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.”  This means that only A.A. members contribute financially to A.A. – and even A.A. members are limited in the amount they can contribute. This keeps A.A. free of outside influences that might divert us from our primary purpose — to help the alcoholic who still suffers. The amount of the contribution is secondary to the spiritual connection that unites all groups around the world.