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3% Cover the Fee

Why Give?

When you support American Institutional Restoration (AIR), you're doing more than making a donation—you are investing in the preservation of America's institutional heritage and the people who help protect it. Every contribution helps restore historic artifacts, expand educational programs, and preserve collections that tell the story of our nation's hospitals, schools, public institutions, and communities.

Your generosity also helps create meaningful job training and employment opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness and others facing barriers to employment. Through restoration work, participants gain valuable skills, hands-on experience, and a pathway toward greater stability while contributing to a mission that benefits future generations.

Together, we can preserve our shared history, educate the public, create opportunities, and ensure that America's institutional legacy continues to inspire for years to come. Every gift—regardless of size—makes a lasting impact.

At American Institutional Restoration (AIR), we believe that preserving history is about more than protecting artifacts—it is about preserving the stories, values, and lessons that define our nation. Every artifact restored helps safeguard America's institutional heritage, while every opportunity we create empowers individuals to rebuild their lives through meaningful work, education, and purpose. By honoring the past and investing in people, we are preserving a legacy that will inspire, educate, and strengthen future generations.

Make a donation
3% Cover the Fee 
Frequently Asked Questions

  • AIR is currently working toward recognition as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Until the Internal Revenue Service approves our application, donations may not be tax-deductible. Once our 501(c)(3) status is granted, we will update our website and notify our supporters. We encourage donors to consult their tax advisor regarding the deductibility of any contribution.

  • Every donation directly supports AIR's mission to preserve America's medical and institutional history while creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals experiencing or transitioning out of homelessness in San Diego County. Your generosity helps fund the acquisition and restoration of historic artifacts, museum development, educational exhibits, restoration equipment and supplies, volunteer and workforce training, and the operational costs necessary to grow our programs. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps preserve history, expand educational opportunities, and provide pathways toward stable employment and brighter futures.

  • Absolutely! AIR welcomes individuals who are passionate about preserving history, supporting their community, and making a lasting impact. Volunteers may have opportunities to assist with artifact restoration, museum development, historical research, community outreach, fundraising events, educational programs, and other organizational initiatives. Whether you can give your time, share your expertise, or help spread awareness of our mission, your involvement plays an important role in preserving America's institutional history while helping create meaningful employment opportunities for people experiencing or transitioning out of homelessness in San Diego County. We invite you to contact us or join our mailing list to learn about current volunteer opportunities and upcoming projects.

  • Yes! AIR welcomes many types of in-kind donations that help support our mission and reduce operating costs. Depending on our current needs, we may accept historic medical and institutional artifacts, restoration tools and supplies, museum display materials, office equipment, archival storage supplies, and other goods or professional services that directly support our preservation, education, and workforce development programs. Because our storage space and project needs vary, we ask that you contact us before donating items so we can determine whether they are a good fit for our collection or operations.

  • Yes. AIR gratefully accepts tribute gifts made in honor or in memory of a loved one, friend, colleague, or someone who inspired a passion for history, preservation, education, or service to others. Tribute donations are a meaningful way to celebrate a life, recognize a special occasion, or honor someone's lasting legacy while supporting AIR's mission to preserve America's medical and institutional history and create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals experiencing or transitioning out of homelessness in San Diego County. If you would like your gift to recognize someone special, please include their name and any dedication message during the donation process or contact us for assistance.

  • Yes! AIR gratefully accepts donations of historic medical, institutional, and related artifacts that align with our mission of preserving America's healthcare and institutional history. Donated items may be restored, researched, displayed in future museum exhibits, or used to support educational programs. Because we carefully evaluate each potential donation based on its historical significance, condition, provenance, and our collection needs, we ask that you contact us before sending or delivering any artifacts. Our team will work with you to determine whether your donation is a good fit for AIR's collection and ensure it can be properly preserved for future generations.