Donations? To Whom?

Lilly

Lilly

10-Year Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2008
Messages
69
Asking for a little help from the group, old heads and cadets alike.

At orientation there were several groups that could benefit from outside donations, but of course, I'd like the biggest bang for the buck for the cadets and their supporting programs.

Any suggestions or opinions?

Thanks.
 
Lilly,

I'm not sure of the organizations to which you refer, but at the Association of Graduates table they handed out past copies of "Checkpoints," the quarterly magazine of the AOG. In the, I think Dec. 08, issue was an article by Gen. Regni talking about the Vision 2020 effort, but mentioning there were 7 different foundations supporting the Academy and that it was a problem. Mr. Thomson, the new AOG CEO also has an article in that issue mentioning the same thing. You may recall he was one of the presenters at the Orientation who mentioned something to the effect that "I'll be honest; I'll ask you for money." Both articles mentioned the foundations and how they split the support and made the effort inefficient and both said they needed to "fix it." Are these the organizations you mean?
 
RaptorDad, thanks for response.

I was vague as to which organization on purpose. Seems like the two big ones are the parent's clubs and the AOG. Yes, I do remember Mr. Thompson, and I thought he did a great job in his presentation. I've been on their site quite a bit, like what I see, but don't want to overlook anyone.

I'm sure I'm not aware of all of all the supporting groups so I wanted to flush out some that may not have been at orientation.

From your post and the articles cited, it sounds like consolidation to eliminate duplication of efforts might be in order.

So, still the question stands, what organization gives me the biggest bang for the cadets?
 
Are you the parent of an Appointee?

Are you looking for something that would benefit:

Cadets in need? (The Rando Fund)

A particular cadet class? (each class has a Yahoo group that will raise money to support that class - Recognition, Rando fund, Ring Dance, etc.)

All the cadets/USAFA in general? - (AOG, the foundation you mentioned, etc.)
 
Yes, I am the parent of a class of 2013 Appointee.

Thanks for the heads up on the Rando fund and the Yahoo group, will monitor those.

I like the idea of helping out disadvantaged cadets...:thumb:

Any other suggestions out there?
 
I think RoleoMom is giving a great example -- although she may not have meant to. According to the Regni article, it is the fact that there are so many of the different groups doing, in essence, the same thing so it causes confusion. The groups' focus may be either in a broader (AOG, Falcon Fund -- and I think these are the "two big ones" in actuality) or narrower (Rando Fund, the Yahoo class groups, etc.) focus -- but all with either the Academy or the Cadets at the heart of their efforts!

This seems like the proverbial onion-- the more you get into the USAFA "community," the more groups you find -- and right off the bat I think that, like you, it would be great to see if there is any one place where you can learn about them all -- a 'clearinghouse' so-to-speak.

One interesting point that got my attention, Thompson points out that the assets of the West Point AOG and the USNA Foundation are the primary groups for their academies, and they have ten+ times the assets of USAFA AOG, much less any of the other USAFA associated groups.

Good point you have raised. Please keep us posted!
 
Thanks, Raptordad, that's exactly what I was trying to express. I sent a private message with some details to Lilly.

But for other Appointee parents considering this subject, please know there will be plenty of opportunities to donate that you will discover during the first year - and beyond. There will be individual cadets & their families, your cadet and his element and squadron, the Rando fund, the AOG, the Foundation. And I'm sure there's plenty more...

I've always felt that our cadets are getting such a priceless education, it's so worthwhile to give back. I think you will find there are plenty of tugs at the heartstrings to choose from!
 
If you choose to donate to the AOG, there is a great way to give the AOG money, and also give your cadet something. When our son was a 4-dig, we bought him a life membership in the AOG. I think it cost about $700. The AOG is happy to get the money up front, and your cadet won't ever have to worry about paying dues for membership in AOG after graduation. The AOG sends the cadet a very nice card announcing the gift. If for some reason your cadet does not graduate, the gift will be refunded if you request it.

I know this isn't for everyone, but we felt it was a great way to help both the AOG and our cadet.

Stealth_81
 
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