Series 1: Organizational Files, Subseries 4: Finances (1933-1995) consists of correspondence, financial statements, spreadsheets, and reports. It documents the financial workings of the AAIA, including fund raising efforts, budgetary planning, allocation of funds, and auditing of accounts. This subseries includes official treasurer's reports as well as the annual and semi-annual reports of the Association's auditors Zeller & Goldschmidt. Together, they offer a precise measure of the fluctuating fortunes of the AAIA, stretching from the 1930s, when general receipts and disbursements could total $3,244 and $4,415 respectively, to the 1990s, when general revenue and expenses could stand at $1,597,703 and $1,504,704 respectively. The essential role played by Zeller & Goldschmidt in furnishing financial guidance to the Association is reflected in letters admonishing the AAIA for not improving its internal bookkeeping. Under the heading of "Budgets" can be found the financial outlines for the annual discussions of the AAIA's program and budget. Additional information on the budgetary process is contained in the files on these discussions in Series 1, Subseries 1 (Administration). Also contained in this subseries is material relating to the AAIA's exemption from various types of taxation and its understandable concern over changing tax laws and their effect on its non-profit status.

A significant component of this subseries documents the AAIA's endeavors to raise money by a diversity of means, including direct mail solicitations, luncheons, benefits, personal contacts, the use of development consultants, and the establishment of funds such as the American Indian Fund and the Oliver La Farge Indian Fund, which was created as a memorial to the AAIA's long-serving president. These files illustrate the Association's reliance on well-to-do and well-placed board members for contributions and contacts; the importance to its financial welfare of major donors, many of whom remembered the AAIA posthumously; and its creativity in capitalizing its programs. Examples of direct mail solicitations can be found in files designated "Fund Raising Appeals" in Series 2, Subseries 6 (Publications and Circulars).