Pressured by ever-increasing rent costs, the AMA is preparing to build a permanent home in Reston, VA—on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. Read here about the project and how AMA members can help with the associated Building Fund Drive.
AMA Building Fund: Update
Background
This is an update to keep the membership informed on the most extensive project ever undertaken by the Academy.
The continuous use of ever-increasing amounts of membership dues to pay office rent for a National Headquarters is a waste of members' money. That waste becomes particularly distressing when one considers the alternative of ownership. Based on financial forecasts, the rent AMA can expect to pay in just a few short years could instead be applied to retiring debt on an owned facility. A real home for aeromodeling is possible — a home owned by AMA members.
That home would house Headquarters, include a visitors center for members, and host a national museum for aeromodeling. It would be a place to visit, share, and feel pride in: where members can view the inner workings of AMA, learn about its future goals in the visitors center, and reflect upon our aeromodeling heritage in the museum. It is possible. It is practical. It is the advantage.
Land purchase and timeline
At the direction of the Executive Council, 1.6 acres of land were purchased last December in Reston, VA, near Washington, D.C.
The task now before us is to construct aeromodeling's new home before AMA is forced to renegotiate a new rental lease in February 1983. A lease could mean five more years of even higher rent — years that could escalate construction costs beyond AMA's ability to have its own home.
Funding needs
AMA cannot invest the necessary dollars to cover the various fees and start-up costs of construction and still provide a full array of membership services from dues income alone. Because the Academy exists to serve its members, these start-up costs must be paid with dollars generated from other sources.
The amount necessary to cover pre-occupancy costs is $160,000 — only $2 per member. AMA can actually begin construction of the new headquarters once this amount is raised.
Contributions are tax-deductible.
If every AMA member contributed more, the entire building could be paid for in cash. For example:
- If every member were to donate $14.27, the entire building, including all furnishings and landscaping, could be paid for in cash.
- If every AMA member wore one of the recognition patches (see levels below), the building project could be paid for in cash.
How you can help
A fund-raising drive is underway to raise the required dollars. There are a variety of donor levels and recognition items available for those who support this project. Options range from the $5 AMA Brick pin (a buy-a-brick theme) up to sponsorship of walls and rooms in aeromodeling's new home. These options are designed so everyone can take part and feel pride in supporting the project.
Contribution levels and recognition
- $5 — AMA Brick pin
- $15 — Member Building Foundation Fund patch
- $25 — Silver Member patch
- $50 — Gold Member patch
- Sponsorships — Walls and rooms (levels available; contact AMA for details)
All of these items and recognition options are available from AMA Headquarters or from AMA vice-presidents and associate vice-presidents. For information on AMA club or industry support and recognition, write to AMA Headquarters.
Getting involved
- Purchase recognition items (pins and patches) from AMA Headquarters or AMA vice-presidents/associate vice-presidents.
- Consider personal or club donations at any level to the Building Fund Drive.
- For club or industry support and recognition opportunities, contact AMA Headquarters in writing.
Vince Mankowski Assistant Executive Director
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
