AOPA Foundation Receives the Highest Rating from Charity Navigator

June 8, 2021

FREDERICK, Md., June 7, 2021—The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Foundation has been recognized by Charity Navigator, the world’s largest guide for philanthropic decision making and evaluating a sizable portion of the more than 1.5 million U.S. charities. In its in-depth, data-driven, and objective analysis, the organization singled out the AOPA Foundation for its best practices and for exceeding nonprofit industry standards.

The primary goal of the AOPA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is to enable opportunities for growth for AOPA members and the entire general aviation community.

Contributions to the foundation support important programs that membership dues don’t cover, including the AOPA Air Safety Institute and the You Can Fly program. The foundation also provides flight training scholarships to encourage students to achieve their aviation goals.

“Our mission is to ensure that AOPA programs continue to protect and enhance our passion to fly,” said Melissa Rudinger, executive director of the AOPA Foundation. “In doing so, we are strongly committed to the most principled and transparent practices. This prestigious rating from Charity Navigator reflects what our donors expect from us every day.”

The AOPA Foundation joined other well-known organizations that have received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, including the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and United Way Worldwide.

“The AOPA Foundation’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating.”

The AOPA Foundation invites those with a vested interest in the future of GA to support its mission. If you are interested in supporting the AOPA Foundation and its valuable programs, please learn about the various ways to give.