Financial Contributions

Direct contributions are accepted, and naming opportunities are also available. We are a tax-deductible IRS code 501(c)(3) organization.

Annual Fund - Bringing the Excitement of Flight to Life

Annual Fund gifts provide vital support for the development of quality exhibits and innovative educational programs that define the Museum and serve local, national and international audiences.

We invite you to share our pride in the Museum’s mission by supporting the Annual Fund. Gifts at all levels are greatly appreciated.

With an annual contribution of $500 or more, Mercury Club Members have the opportunity to participate in programs such as:

• Private receptions with noted aerospace leaders
• Invitations to our Lecture Series

Become an active part of the Museum. Help us expand our exhibits and add new interactive experiences—or choose to help us make new educational opportunities available to children seriously lacking in science, technology and math skills. There is so much more to be done…and we need your help to continue. You’ll make a permanent impact on a unique Museum.

For further information, please contact the Museum’s President, 619.234.8291, extension 101

Endowment Campaign

The San Diego Air & Space Museum is the premier aviation and aerospace venue in the southwestern United States and one of the leading Museums of its kind within the entire country.

But we’re not content to sit still! We’re on the move and we need your help! We’re expanding our educational programs, launching an ambitious lecture series focusing upon space exploration and adding important new additions to our exhibits! For example, in spring 2004, a reproduction World War I Sopwith Pup fighter, built by Museum volunteers to exacting original standards, will join our exhibits. We’re also bringing you a new opportunity—learn to fly at the Aerospace Museum—a comprehensive course based upon the popular King Schools® curriculum and augmented by our extensive resources, including FAA-Certified flight instructors, interactive applications and cockpit experiences in vintage aircraft.

One of the most exciting new exhibits west of the Rockies is also coming your way. In late January 2004, the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., notified us that we will receive the Apollo 9 command module! While in earth orbit, this historically significant spacecraft helped astronauts pioneer the Lunar Lander concept—or Lunar Excursion Module—so necessary for landing on the Moon. Both new exhibits, the Sopwith Pup and Apollo 9, each representing beginnings in our century-long love affair with flight, will be on display soon in the newly renovated Rotunda.

We were chosen to exhibit the Apollo 9 spacecraft because of our commitment to excellence. This same commitment has brought us recognition from the local and national media. The History Channel features the Museum regularly and the local media seeks our staff and volunteers as recognized experts in a host of topics.

Please Join Us!

An endowment of $10 Million is being raised to support exhibitions, education programs, a world-class aerospace research center and film archives and annual expenses. Donors may choose to designate their gift to a variety of funds.

For further information, please contact the Museum’s President, 619.234.8291, extension 101

Planned Gifts - A Lasting Legacy

Planned gifts allow you to share your future and that of your loved ones while also supporting the Museum in areas important to you.

Giving opportunities can be tailored to meet your specific financial and estate planning needs. Planned gifts provide financial support in a wide range of activities at the Museum. One of the easiest and most popular giving methods is to include the San Diego Air & Space Museum in your will. Planned giving means that you can often make a larger gift than you may have thought possible while also benefiting yourself.

A planned gift offers many advantages, including the opportunity to:

• Increase current income to yourself and/or your spouse or family.
• Convert low-yielding or non-income producing assets into lifelong income.
• Reduce or eliminate capital gains costs and/or estate tax liability.
• Enjoy a significant income tax deduction.
• Make a significant donation to the Museum.

Assets that can be used to fund a planned gift include:

• Cash.
• Stocks or bonds.
• Real estate.
• Retirement funds.
• Closely held stock or business interests.

Please consult with your attorney or financial advisor or contact the Museum’s President for information about including the San Diego Air & Space Museum in your estate planning. We can be reached by phone, 619.234.8291, extension 101.