Air Force Museum Foundation

Air Force Museum Foundation
Name	Air Force Museum Foundation
Founded	0 1960
Location	Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, United States
Key people	John D. W. Corley (Chairman Emeritus), David T. Buckner (President & CEO)
Focus	Support for the National Museum of the United States Air Force
Website	https://www.afmuseum.com/

Air Force Museum Foundation. The Air Force Museum Foundation is a private, non-profit organization established to provide critical financial and advocacy support for the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Chartered in 1960, its primary mission is to enhance the museum's educational outreach, fund major capital expansions, and develop new exhibits that preserve the heritage of United States Air Force and its predecessor organizations. Through strategic partnerships and public fundraising, the foundation has been instrumental in transforming the museum into a world-class institution visited by millions annually.

History

The foundation was chartered in 1960 by a group of Dayton, Ohio civic and business leaders, recognizing the need for private support to augment federal funding for the then-United States Air Force Museum. Its early efforts focused on securing donations for the museum's first major expansion, which opened in 1971. A pivotal moment came with the successful capital campaign for the Modern Flight Gallery in the late 1980s. The foundation's most ambitious undertaking was the "Campaign for the National Museum," a multi-year drive that raised over $30 million to fund the construction of the massive fourth building, which opened in 2016 and houses the Presidential Aircraft Gallery, the Space Gallery, and Global Reach Gallery. Throughout its history, the foundation has worked closely with the United States Air Force, the United States Department of Defense, and Congress to advance the museum's stature.

Mission and activities

The organization's core mission is to support the development and growth of the National Museum of the United States Air Force as the service's official national institution. Key activities include financing the construction of new museum buildings and galleries, underwriting the creation of interactive and immersive exhibits, and funding educational programs like STEM initiatives and traveling exhibits. The foundation also manages the museum's membership society, publishes historical and educational materials, and supports the acquisition and restoration of significant aircraft and artifacts, such as the B-2 Spirit and XB-70 Valkyrie. It actively collaborates with organizations like the Air Force Historical Foundation and the Civil Air Patrol to broaden its educational impact.

Governance and organization

The foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of directors composed of business executives, retired United States Air Force generals, and community leaders from across the nation. Notable past and present leaders include John D. W. Corley, former commander of Air Combat Command, who serves as Chairman Emeritus. Day-to-day operations are led by a President and Chief executive officer, such as David T. Buckner, a retired Major General. The organization maintains its headquarters adjacent to the museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and operates with a professional staff that manages development, finance, and member services. It coordinates closely with the museum's director, a senior United States Air Force officer, to align its priorities with the institution's strategic plan.

Fundraising and financials

The foundation raises funds through a diversified strategy encompassing major gifts from corporations and individuals, membership dues, planned giving, and revenue from museum store operations. Significant corporate partners have included The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. It conducts periodic capital campaigns for large projects, such as the one for the fourth building, and annual giving programs for ongoing needs. Financial operations are audited annually, and the organization is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable entity by the Internal Revenue Service. Funds are meticulously allocated between endowment, specific exhibit projects, and general operating support for educational outreach.

Affiliated museums and exhibits

While primarily supporting the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the foundation also provides assistance to the network of Air Force Heritage Program museums across the country, including the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Nebraska and the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base. Its funded exhibits span the entire history of military aviation, from early pioneers like the Wright brothers to the Space Age, featuring iconic aircraft such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, SR-71 Blackbird, and the F-22 Raptor. The foundation was crucial in establishing the Korean War and Vietnam War galleries, as well as the Missile Gallery and the Holocaust exhibit featuring the Buchenwald camp liberator aircraft.

Recognition and awards

The foundation and its leaders have received numerous accolades for their philanthropic and preservation work. It has been honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and received the Department of the Air Force’s prestigious Civic Leader Award. The museum itself, supported by the foundation, has consistently been rated as one of the top attractions in Ohio by platforms like TripAdvisor and has received awards from the American Alliance of Museums. Individual board members and donors have been recognized with awards such as the Air Force Distinguished Civilian Service Award and the Air Force Association’s Citation of Honor for their sustained contributions to aerospace heritage.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Ohio Category:Museum fundraising organizations in the United States Category:Organizations associated with the United States Air Force