If you are considering making a contribution to the Saratoga Museum Foundation, we encourage you to read the GuideStar® Report on our organization. Select the link below to learn more.

While the project has the endorsement and support of a broad coalition within the community, it is important to raise the seed money to finance this venture. USS Saratoga Association has already committed to a fund-raising campaign with a goal of $10 million over the next year. However, tangible results from other sources may tip the balance in our favor by demonstrating financial support from all over the nation.

USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc. has received a determination letter from the IRS confirming our 501 (c) (3) status, meaning that contributions are tax deductible in accordance with federal law. The Foundation has filed IRS Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax), which is now in the public record. Form 990 is the financial and operating document that all nonprofit organizations with annual incomes of more than $25,000 must file with the Internal Revenue Service. This form is readily available for public inspection at GuideStar (http://www.guidestar.org/), the online database of Philanthropic Research, Inc. (PRI). You may access Form 990 directly by selecting this link.

The Saratoga Museum Foundation's tax-exempt status also allows you the opportunity to make your tax deductible contribution via the internet, via Helping.Org and the AOL Foundation. You can find out more about this service by selecting this link. If you have any questions, please consult a tax professional.

Until recently, this project has been funded by the individuals and families of the organizers -- all regular people with regular jobs. To go on, we need others to help shoulder the financial load.

At one extreme we will be forming "The Sixty Club," commemorating Saratoga's hull number, CV-60. Sixty Founding Membership, or Plank Owner designations, will be solicited at $16,667 each. Through this means we intend to raise $1 million.

Our grass roots campaign will be the "Lend A Hand" program, through which we hope to raise a second $1 million. As you read this, Saratoga is only 33,500 feet away from her proposed mooring at the carrier pier. Each $30 donation will bring her one foot closer to her final home.

We also recognize that many of you are not in a position to make monetary contributions. For that reason support will be broadly defined, to include in-kind donations of products and/or services, and also volunteer labor.

We hope to kindle your enthusiasm and enlist your support. Please be as generous as you can with your contributions, and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Last Updated:
6/9/06