Philanthropic Giving Levels
AOPA President’s Council
$50,000 or more within five years. The AOPA President’s Council, chaired by John N. Nordstrom, is the upper echelon of aviation philanthropy. Membership to the President’s Council is extended with a commitment to give or raise $50,000 or more, within five years.
The AOPA President’s Council is comprised of pilots, aircraft owners and enthusiasts who want to impact an array of AOPA-driven programs, focusing on topics such as safety and education, airport preservation, improving the image of GA and increasing the pilot population. All President’s Council members receive special communications from the AOPA president, invitations to special events including Congressional meetings, receptions and dinners. In addition, they are recognized in the AOPA Annual Report, on the web site and in other promotional materials.
For more information on becoming a member of the AOPA President’s Council, please contact Sandi Terkelsen, Director of Donor Development, e-mail or phone 301/695-2038.
President’s Ambassadors
Satisfied initial $50,000 commitment to the President’s Council, continue at $10,000 a year over 5 years. The President’s Ambassadors are a committed group of pilots, aircraft owners and enthusiastic supporters of AOPA. As such, AOPA relies on them to be our Ambassadors and promote the ideals of AOPA wherever they are. President’s Ambassadors members receive all of the benefits attributed to the President’s Council. Additionally, each will receive special invitations to accompany AOPA CEO and AFI President on speaking engagements and major donor prospecting opportunities. The President’s Ambassador will receive a special recognition at one of the AOPA fundraising events.
For more information on becoming a President’s Ambassador, please contact Sandi Terkelsen, Director of Donor Development, e-mail or phone 301/695-2038.
The AOPA Societies
The AOPA Societies were created to honor the thoughtfulness and vision of those special donors who deeply care about preserving general aviation for future generations of pilots and have committed their time and resources in support of AOPA’s mission.
The AOPA Societies: Founder’s Society
Commitment to give or raise $100,000 - $499,999 over 5 years. Members of the Founder’s Society receive all of the benefits listed above. Additionally, each member will be recognized at a special annual AOPA Society Acknowledgement dinner tied in with the DC Board of Trustees meeting. All “Society” level donors are invited to special events organized for the Board of Trustees. Further, Founder’s Society members will be invited to AOPA special guest speaker series and will receive special invitations to Society events held at Summit and be recognized at the AFI Donor Dinner/Auction. In addition, the Founder’s Society members will receive enhanced VIP services including special hotel room upgrades; personal concierge service and a personalized schedule.
For more information on becoming a member of the Founder’s Society, please contact Harvey Cohen, Chief Development Officer.
The AOPA Societies: Leadership Society
Commitment to give or raise $500,000 - $999,999 over 5 years. Members of the Leadership Society receive all of the benefits listed above. Further, Leadership Society members will be invited to IAOPA meetings and other special events. Members will be invited to travel with AOPA staff as they attend conferences where they are representing AOPA and its Foundation. Finally, Leadership Society members will be recognized at an annual congressional reception and AOPA will arrange for special meetings with congressional representatives.
For more information on becoming a member of the Leadership Society, please contact Harvey Cohen, Chief Development Officer, email or phone 301/695-2078.
The AOPA Societies: New Horizon Founders’ Society
Commitment to give or raise $1,000,000+. Members of the New Horizon Founders’ Society receive all of the benefits listed above. Further, New Horizon Founders’ Society members will be inducted into the AOPA Hall of Fame.
For more information on becoming a member of the New Horizon Founders’ Society, please contact Harvey Cohen, Chief Development Officer, email or phone 301/695-2078.
AOPA Legacy Society
Commitment for estate planning and long-term gifting. Members of the AOPA Legacy Society are listed in the AOPA Annual report, receive special communications from AOPA, and VIP invitations to designated AOPA and AOPA Foundation activities.
Through membership in this society, AOPA recognizes individuals who include the AOPA Foundation, Inc. in their wills; establish a charitable gift annuity or trust to benefit the AOPA Foundation, Inc. or name as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy. These donors are establishing a precedent for assuring our freedom to fly for generations of pilots yet to come.
If you would like more information on ways to include the AOPA Foundation, Inc. in a will or on how to make a gift that would provide you with an income for life, please contact Gary Martin at aopalegacysociety@aopa.org or call 800/955-9115.
For more information, visit our Planned Giving site.
Please click here for our membership form.
AOPA’s Monthly Giving Program- "Friend of GA"
Join the AOPA Foundation's Monthly Giving Program and gain the satisfaction of knowing that you are at the forefront of keeping pilots safe and safeguarding the future of GA. As a participant in the monthly giving program, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that each and every month you are making a contribution to support the freedoms pilots like you hold dear. Plus, you will receive fewer solicitations and it's easy to budget since you can change your pledge amount or cancel at any time. Your monthly contribution will be charged automatically to your credit card. Donate now >>
AOPA Hat in the Ring
The AOPA Hat in the Ring is AOPA’s longest-tenured philanthropic cadre. This elite group recognizes members who contribute financial support of $1,000 or more in a calendar year. The Bronze Hat level recognizes gifts of $2,500 in a giving year, the Silver Hat level recognizes gifts of $5,000 in a giving year and Gold Hat Level recognizes $10,000 in a giving year. In addition to special communications from AOPA, Hat members receive VIP invitations to designated AOPA and AOPA Foundation activities. Members are also recognized in AOPA’s Annual Report. Donate now >>
AOPA Life Member
AOPA Life Membership can be purchased or given as a gift through a one-time donation of $2,500 which can be made in quarterly installments. Benefits include lifetime AOPA membership, a $2,000 tax deduction, framed certificate, label pin, and special membership card. Donate now >>
Honorary Donation
A tax-deductible donation to the AOPA Foundation is a unique way to honor a special occasion, such as a birthday, wedding, anniversary, retirement, or even to celebrate a new pilot certificate or rating. A letter acknowledging your donation will be sent to the recipient. You will receive a separate letter for tax purposes. Donate now >>
Memorial Donation
Give a gift in memory of a friend or loved one with a tax-deductible donation to the AOPA Foundation. A letter acknowledging your donation will be sent to the family of the person you wish to memorialize at the address you list below. You will receive a separate letter for tax purposes. Donate now >>
Donate Your Airplane
Consider donating your airworthy airplane to the AOPA Foundation and a representative will contact you to discuss your options. No obligation.
