AOPA Foundation “Giving Back” Grant Opportunities Open

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation has announced that it will once again award 10 "Giving Back" grants to charities that are doing good work through general aviation.

Ten nonprofits will each receive a $10,000 grant. The AOPA Foundation, which is the charitable arm of AOPA, is committed to supporting the freedom to fly and to building a legacy for the future of general aviation. This is the third year for the foundation's Giving Back grant program.

"The Giving Back grants are the AOPA Foundation's way of recognizing and spotlighting charitable flying and humanitarian services provided through general aviation," said AOPA Foundation Vice President Stephanie Kenyon. "Our past recipients have provided a variety of services and benefits to their communities through aviation. Each is an outstanding example of how general aviation provides crucial support in unexpected ways, and we're pleased to be able to offer these grants to another 10 groups this year."

AOPA utilizes its far reaching communications network to publicize the work of these aviation charities. "The ripple effect is a tremendous multiplier to tell the heartening stories that are crucial to helping people understand the many benefits general aviation brings to our lives," said Kenyon. Grantees, in turn, publicize news of their AOPA Foundation grant award.

This year the application process has changed. Applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent. The AOPA Foundation will review the letters and ask only a select number of organizations to submit full grant proposals. The Letter of Intent is due by 5 p.m. EDT on Monday, June 1, 2015.

Nonprofits selected to submit a full proposal will be notified the week of June 22. The Letter of Intent requirements and instructions can be found at AOPA Foundation. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and have a current IRS Form 990.

The AOPA Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charitable, educational and scientific organization. The Foundation works to improve aviation safety through the Air Safety Institute, preserve community airports and encourages learning to fly for career and personal benefit--all in the interest of ensuring the future of general aviation in America.

To learn more about the foundation and charitable donation opportunities, visit AOPA Foundation. To make a tax-deductible donation to the AOPA Foundation, send a check to 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, MD 21701 or donate online.