Due to the overwhelming generosity of our donors in 2025, the AMA Foundation surpassed its 2025 fundraising goal of $400,000! We cannot thank you enough for your support. Through your generosity, we raised $461,768.18!
Whether you found yourself donating to a fund you care about, sharing information about our new programs, talking to an interested community member about the hobby, or teaching a newcomer how to fly, your support and involvement truly did make an impact. Thank you for all that you do for the AMA Foundation, AMA, and the hobby of model aviation. You are the wind beneath our wings.
AMA Foundation Executive Director Steve Haston shares the following sentiment after reflecting on a successful 2025: "I want to share my heartfelt and sincere appreciation to all of the AMA donors and members who have shown the AMA Foundation so much support, encouragement, and inspiration. Without you, none of this success would be possible."
The AMA Foundation is looking forward to soaring into the New Year alongside each of you. With many exciting programs planned for 2026, we can't wait for you to see what's in store! In the meantime, we want to give you a sneak peek into some of the great initiatives that you'll hear more about throughout the year:
Club Training Day Starter Kits
Due to immense demand, we're excited to announce that Club Training Day Starter Kits will be available once again in 2026! Our 2025 launch was extremely impactful, allowing 55 AMA clubs across the country to share the joy of flight with those in their communities. We couldn't be happier with the training events held, the new hobbyists acquired, and the joy of flight that was spread!
While the 2026 iterations of these kits may look a bit different than our initial launch in 2025, the purpose remains the same: to assist AMA Introductory Pilot Program Clubs with their training efforts, ensuring that as many newcomers as possible are exposed to the joy of model aviation.
Copilot Recognition Program
As pilots, it's crucial that we remember to show thanks to our supportive copilots: those who serve as timers, cheerleaders, intrigued spectators, snack suppliers, and/or battery chargers. It's their support that allows us to focus on perfecting our skills in the air, learning new maneuvers, gaining the courage to enter a new competition, and more.
To better thank, recognize, and appreciate all of these supportive copilots, we're excited to announce that we'll be launching a brand-new copilot recognition program! This program will allow you to show thanks to those who support you in your hobby— whether it's a friend, spouse, or family member—in a variety of ways.
Flightline Founders Video Series
As we approach the 100th running of the AMA National Aeromodeling Championships, we want to take a moment to recognize 12 historical model aviation figures who helped our hobby become what it is today. Once per month throughout 2026, we will be releasing an informational video that highlights one of the 12 individuals we've deemed flightline founders.
These videos will be made available on our website and social media. We're looking forward to sharing the history of our hobbyists with you!
Company Torchbearer Program
We're excited to announce that our AMA Foundation Torchbearer Program will soon be taken to a new level! Although our most dedicated donors will continue to have the opportunity to share their support through monthly pledges, this program will be extended to companies across the globe starting in 2026.
With the Company Torchbearer program, interested companies will be able to show their dedication to growing and supporting our hobby by making monthly pledges, just as our current Torchbearers do. Much like our current program, participating companies will receive exclusive Company Torchbearer perks.
We at the AMA Foundation are looking forward to a high-flying 2026 alongside each of you. We're always just a phone call away for any questions, comments, or concerns. To contact us, email foundation@modelaircraft.org or call (765) 287-1256, extension 279.
