Aerospace Museum of California Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Aerospace Museum of California (AMC) serves as a dynamic hub for discovery, where visitors of all ages can engage with the past, present, and future of aviation and space exploration. AMC provides immersive, hands-on experiences that ignite curiosity and foster a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). With a world-class aircraft and engine collection, interactive exhibits, and innovative educational programs, the museum creates opportunities for learners to explore groundbreaking technology, dream of new possibilities, and discover the limitless potential of aerospace and engineering.
- Income
- $2.0 million
- Spending
- $1.7 million
- Spent on programs
- 71%
- Reserves
- -27.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 44%
- Employees
- 26
- Volunteers
- 353
- Highest pay
- $191,250, 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
Weak: 45 out of 100.
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 124% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 17% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 38% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1571% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 21 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: 85 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2517 of 17 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (1)
- $1.2 million spent. The Aerospace Museum of California is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a leading STEM education hub in Northern California, providing immersive, hands-on learning experiences that connect visitors to the past, present, and future of aerospace. With a 40,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 4.5-acre outdoor Air Park, and more than 40 historic aircraft and aerospace artifacts, the museum serves as a dynamic center for discovery, innovation, and inspiration. In 2025, the museum significantly expanded its reach and community impact, welcoming 143,149 visitors and engaging 65,133 students through field trips, summer camps, and educational programming. This growth reflects a 29% increase in visitors over the prior year and demonstrates the museums continued momentum as a regional leader in STEM education and access. The museum remains deeply committed to removing financial barriers to participation. Through donor-supported access initiatives, schools are able to attend at reduced cost and every student receives a scholarship, ensuring that 100% of students can participate regardless of financial circumstances. This commitment allows the museum to reach underserved communities across the Sacramento region and inspire students who may not otherwise have access to STEM opportunities.STEM Education and Student ImpactSTEM education remains the museums highest priority and the foundation of its mission-driven work. In 2025, 13,859 students participated in structured, standards-aligned museum tours, while 2,649 youth engaged in hands-on summer camp programs designed to build technical skills, creativity, and confidence. Across all programs, more than 65,000 students were reached through immersive STEM learning experiences aligned with California State Academic Standards. These programs are intentionally designed to spark curiosity, strengthen critical thinking, and introduce real-world career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By combining hands-on activities with exposure to aviation and aerospace innovation, the museum helps students see themselves as future engineers, pilots, and problem-solvers.Signature Program We Can Do It TogetherThe museums flagship We Can Do It Together Women in STEAM initiative continues to serve as a powerful driver of equity and opportunity in STEM education. In 2025, the program hosted its fifth annual event, building on a legacy that has now served more than 5,000 girls since inception. In 2025 alone, more than 1,200 girls participated in hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship experiences with women leaders in STEAM careers. Participants explored career pathways, built confidence, and gained exposure to opportunities they may not have previously considered. The program directly addresses gender and access gaps in STEM fields and stands as a signature example of the museums commitment to empowering underserved and underrepresented students across the region.Exhibitions and Public EngagementIn 2025, the museum delivered high-impact exhibitions and immersive experiences that attracted record audiences and elevated public engagement. The Snoopy and the Red Baron traveling exhibition premiered in October and drew 50,012 visitors, making it one of the highest-attended exhibitions in the museums history. This highly interactive experience combined aviation history, storytelling, and hands-on STEM activities, including scavenger hunts and family-focused learning experiences that engaged visitors of all ages. The exhibit created meaningful entry points for young learners while reinforcing the museums role as a place where imagination and education intersect. In addition to this featured exhibition, the museum continued to offer a dynamic mix of rotating and permanent exhibits showcasing aerospace innovation, rare artifacts, and historic aircraft, reinforcing its national recognition as one of the top space and aviation museums in the United States.Scholarships and Workforce DevelopmentThe Aerospace Museum of California continues to build pathways into aerospace careers through targeted scholarship and workforce development programs. In 2025, the museum awarded Private Pilot License scholarships of $12,500 to aspiring young aviators, providing life-changing access to flight training and professional development. These scholarships are designed to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for students who demonstrate passion, dedication, and potential in aviation. By connecting education to real-world career pathways, the museum plays a critical role in developing the next generation of aerospace professionals.Community Engagement and PhilanthropyCommunity support and philanthropic investment are central to the museums success and growth. In 2025, the museum strengthened its network of supporters through initiatives such as the Emeritus Trustees Program, which brought together more than 50 leaders from corporate, civic, education, and philanthropic sectors. These leaders provide essential support that expands access to STEM education, enhances exhibits, and sustains long-term program growth. Through leadership recognition events and community partnerships, the museum continues to deepen engagement, increase visibility, and inspire investment in its mission. This collaborative model ensures that the museum remains a vibrant and accessible resource for the entire region.Volunteer ImpactVolunteers play a vital role in delivering the museums programs and extending its reach into the community. In 2025, 386 active volunteers contributed 17,188 hours of service in support of museum operations, educational programs, and visitor engagement. Their dedication enhances the visitor experience, supports program delivery, and strengthens the museums ability to serve a growing and diverse audience.Growth and Organizational ImpactThe Aerospace Museum of California continues to demonstrate strong, measurable growth in both reach and impact. With a 29% incr
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
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.
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 October 13, 2026.
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.
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.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 1982.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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 October 21, 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.