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Fly Compton Aeronautical Education Foundation Inc

EIN 85-3136532 · Compton, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood82 out of 100GovernanceGood70 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of Fly Compton Foundation is to EXPOSE youth to the full ecosystem of aviation and aerospaceincluding piloting, aircraft maintenance, engineering, coding, robotics, airport operations, design, and leadership. EDUCATE students through immersive training and real-world application, equipping them with tangible skills, industry-recognized certifications, and workforce readiness. ELEVATE students into careers with confidence, credentials, and competitive advantage through mentorship, apprenticeships, and long-standing industry partnerships.

Income
$1.0 million
Spending
$1.0 million
Spent on programs
70%
Reserves
3.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 77%
Employees
3
Volunteers
45
Highest pay
$74,500, president & ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 62% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 34% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    70% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 23% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 8 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $591,858 spent. Zero to Solo Fly Compton Foundation offers a comprehensive aviation and STEM pipeline beginning with Zero to Solo, which introduces students as young as 8 years old to aviation fundamentals through ground instruction, simulation, and in-air training, preparing them to pass the FAA Written Examination and advance to Solo Camp. Solo Camp is a free, intensive capstone for participants at least 16 years of age who have passed the FAA Written Examination, culminating in a supervised first solo flight. Students then progress to Solo to Private, a program fully funded by Fly Compton Foundation, where they complete FAA requirements and prepare for their check ride to earn a Private Pilot Certificate. In addition, the organization offers hands-on technical and STEM programming through the Torqued Up Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Workshop, which provides training in aircraft systems, maintenance, safety, and engineering fundamentals, and Fly High SkyLab, an immersive lab focused on robotics, coding, aerodynamics, and engineering, building workforce readiness through project-based learning and mentorship.
  2. $76,507 spent. Compton Air & Space Fair An annual community aviation and aerospace event that exposes thousands of youth and families to flight demonstrations, STEM activations, industry partners, and career pathways. The Fair welcomed over 5,000 attendees, featured 80+ vendors and exhibitors, and engaged more than 150 volunteersexpanding access to aviation and strengthening workforce development and economic opportunity in the community.
  3. $49,443 spent. Flight Suit Design & Engineering Camp A STEAM-based program integrating aerospace science, materials engineering, and design. Students explore flight suit functionality and develop prototype concepts that merge innovation, safety, and creative problem-solving.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since July 2021.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.