Why and
how to give
The U.S. Air Force Academy has been developing leaders of character for the Air Force and now Space Force since 1955, providing them with the skills and resilience required to defend freedom and, if called upon, fight and win our nation's wars. While government funding supports core programs at the Academy, it takes private philanthropy to offer cadets the best experiences, top programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Because of generous giving, the Academy can seize new opportunities, modernize facilities and enhance academic, athletic and military training.
Make a lasting impact through philanthropy
At the end of 2024, the Association & Foundation completed the seven-year Defining Our Future campaign in support of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Nearly 20,000 donors contributed more than $330 million to support the Academy, its programs and its cadets.
The Association & Foundation is committed to sustaining transformative support for the Academy, including increasing unrestricted funds for immediate priorities like cadet programs and operational needs.
Current fundraising priorities include:
- Academics
- Air Force Academy Fund
- Athletics
- Character and Leadership Development
- Hotel Polaris
- Institute for Future Conflict
- Kucera Legacy Center at Falcon Stadium
- Checkpoints Alumni Magazine
- Next-of-Kin Program
- Additional Programs
Ways to donate to the Academy
Give Online
Give your gift online now using our secure donation platform.
Send your check payable to Air Force Academy Foundation to:
Air Force Academy Foundation
ATTN: Gift Processing
3116 Academy Drive
USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475
Phone
Phone: 719-247-8714 to make a gift or ask questions about giving. Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time).
Stocks and securities
Gifts of appreciated securities provide financial support to the Air Force Academy and the Association & Foundation and may possess tax benefits for you.
Follow the instructions on our Stocks and Securities document to make sure your gift is properly counted and recognized.
Allotments
How to contribute through a government allotment:
- Log on to MyPay (page will open in new window to still view instructions below)
- Click "Allotments"
- Choose "Start Dependent Allotment"
- Block 17:
- Active Duty Air Force code: S965730
- Retired Members code: O85 (Alpha, Numeric)
- Block 18: Enter the desired fund to which you want to contribute
- Enter amount of monthly gift
- Allottee: Air Force Academy Foundation
- Is Allottee a Guardian: No
- Click "Save"
- Date should appear notifying when allotment will start.
- Click "Yes" to complete the process
Matching gifts
Double your impact with employer matching programs. Thousands of companies match their employees' charitable contributions. Matching gifts play a crucial role in supporting the Academy and the Association & Foundation.
Estate gifts
Leave a lasting legacy at the Academy with a planned gift. These contributions — made after ensuring the needs of your families and loved ones — will help the Academy prepare future leaders of character for the Air Force, Space Force and our nation. Your estate may also realize benefits, including tax advantages, from certain types of gift plans. Contact us to find out more: 719-472-2047, legacy@usafa.org or visit our Planned Giving website.
Donor-advised funds
Contribute through a DAF and direct the funds to support the Academy. Donors can make a contribution to a fund established with various firms or organizations and receive a charitable tax deduction in the year of the contribution. You, acting as the adviser, can then direct distributions from the DAF to the public charity of your choice. The Air Force Academy Foundation provides more details on its gift planning website, including a downloadable PDF.
Real Estate Trust
Giving a gift of real estateYour gift of real estate to the Air Force Academy Real Estate Trust is an investment in the future of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Whether it’s a home, vacation property, undeveloped land, farmland, ranch or commercial property, real estate can be a valuable asset and a sound investment that can provide property owners with immeasurable benefits.
By giving real estate, you can take advantage of many options without depleting your cash reserves:
- Receive substantial tax benefits such as lower capital gains taxes or estate taxes.
- Potentially receive a lump-sum, discounted payment for your property.
- Ensure an income stream through a charitable trust.
The Air Force Academy Real Estate Trust will work with you to ensure your gift not only benefits the Academy, but also works best for you in terms of tax and income considerations. The Trust may even consider retaining a performing real estate asset as a part of a donor-designated endowment supporting the Academy.
Contact us for more information