In 2018, a student named Zachary Smith was awarded a Charles H. Grant scholarship and a Weak Signals scholarship, totaling $8,000 in funding assistance for his education. In 2023, Zachary wrote the following:
"Being awarded this scholarship was a huge help in alleviating some of the financial burden that accompanied my time at Cal Poly. Along with a rigorous course load that allowed me to finish my Biochemistry degree in three years, it enabled me to graduate debt free. The financial security and peace of mind this provided pushed me to continue pursuing my goals, and earlier this year, I was accepted to the UCSF School of Dentistry where I begin classes next week. 
"Thank you again for your support and belief in me. I couldn't be more excited to begin this next step in my education, and I feel very fortunate that these doors were opened for me to continue working towards my lifelong goal."
Through your support, individuals like Zachary have been able to learn, grow, and connect with fellow model aviation enthusiasts. His story highlights the importance of our shared passion and the power of giving smart to ensure the future of model aviation.
As tax season approaches, many donors seek ways to maximize their impact while benefiting from tax-smart giving strategies. At AMA, we believe that giving smart can create meaningful change—not just for you but for the entire model aviation community. Consider these powerful ways to give:
- Donating appreciated assets or cryptocurrency
- Making a grant from a Donor-Advised Fund
- Giving from an IRA (if you are 70.5 or older)
These giving methods not only strengthen the future of model aviation but also provide financial advantages for your 2025 tax returns. Your smart gift today will help others like Zachary pursue their passion for aviation and contribute to the thriving model aviation community.
Give now, and together, we can ensure that the future of model aviation remains bright.
