Walter and Jean Boek Global Autoimmune
The Walter and Jean Boek Global Autoimmune Institute is a private foundation based in McLean, Virginia (EIN: 54-1075268). The organization funds clinical research, education, and awareness for autoimmune diseases while supporting multidisciplinary approaches to wellness. The institute originated in the mid-1960s as a research institute for public health, founded by Dr. Walter E. Boek and a board of distinguished community leaders.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$15.5M
-6.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$964K
+59.8% YoY
Grant Count
5
-28.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$193K
+123.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The institute's mission centers on advancing autoimmune disease research and empowering patients through scientific progress and community engagement. Primary funding focus areas include:
- Clinical research in autoimmune diseases
- Education and awareness initiatives
- Community engagement and support for the autoimmune disease community
- Multidisciplinary approaches to wellness
The organization maintains a comprehensive website (autoimmuneinstitute.org) that serves as a resource for the international community, including COVID-19 timelines, disease information, peer-reviewed studies, original articles, and resource lists.
Grantmaking
Based on recent IRS filings, the institute demonstrates active grantmaking:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The institute's grantmaking focuses primarily on California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
- Total assets (2023): $16,610,745
- Total assets (2024): $15,518,222
- Total expenses (2023): $1,313,443
- Total revenues (2023): -$171,303
- Number of employees: 2
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $15,518,222 | $16,610,745 | $18,081,248 |
| Revenue | $643,030 | $-171,303 | $598,257 |
| Expenses | $1,743,504 | $1,313,443 | $899,220 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,597,647 | $1,141,593 | $735,719 |
| Net Investment Income | $495,593 | $199,153 | $428,848 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,149,126 | $1,025,404 | $1,019,475 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 5 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
30 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Sandra Boek Werness serves as Founder and Executive Director of the Global Autoimmune Institute. She is the eldest daughter of Walter and Jean Boek and was hired by the organization's Board of Directors to lead the institute into a new era following Dr. Walter Boek's death.
The organization was founded by Dr. Walter E. Boek, who previously served as an assistant to the Commissioner of Health of New York State during the 1950s and later worked for the Health Information Foundation. Dr. Jean K. Boek conducted important public health research studies, including early demonstrations of the association between cigarette smoking and heart disease and the life-saving benefits of seatbelt use. The couple co-authored the seminal book Society and Health and published numerous academic papers.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANDRA BOEK WERNESS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 50 | $260,000 |
| ALFREDA JONES MD | TREASURER | 3 | — |
| MARLENE BEKEY | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| MARICA V MAYO | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| ELIZABETH LOFTUS | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In September 2024, the Global Autoimmune Institute announced a major partnership milestone with La Jolla Institute for Immunology, investing over $800,000 in strengthening autoimmune disease research and patient resources. This investment includes the establishment of The Walter and Jean Boek Seminar Series, which provides a platform for in-depth discussions on immunology throughout the academic year.
Global Autoimmune Institute invests over $800,000 in La Jolla Institute\In March 2025, the institute supported LEAD Day (Lectures, Empowerment, and Awareness for Autoimmune Disease), held at La Jolla Institute for Immunology. This inaugural event brought together experts, researchers, and the autoimmune disease community to foster scientific progress and raise awareness. The event featured the awarding of the first Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Award, presented to Dr. Georg Schett for his groundbreaking studies exploring potential long-term cures for autoimmune diseases without immunosuppressive drugs.
Global Autoimmune Institute invests over $800,000 in La Jolla Institute\Related Funders
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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