EIN: 27-2760025
Mission Statement
To promote and support Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium as an accessible community resource for all people to learn, engage, and be inspired by the wonders of science and the universe.
Program Summary
The Friends raise funds to sponsor college scholarships, provide grants for teacher professional development, and support the licensing and creation of programming for the planetarium. As part of its ongoing public education mission, the organization also hosts a variety of science themed public events and screenings of full-dome video programs.
Impact Statement
Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium provides funding to support education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We have funded more than $56,000 in scholarships to Arlington Public School Students as well as grants to Arlington Public School teachers to attend classes, major educational conferences, and online learning. The program is administered jointly with APS and has benefited dozens of our teachers and – most importantly – their students
What ways can the public get involved?
The public is invited to become a member of the Friends. Members are part of a community of citizens who are concerned about the planetarium facility and science education. Members receive Advance notification of ticket availability for FOAP public programs, a subscription to the monthly FOAP digital newsletter, and invitations to special members-only events.
The public can volunteer at planetarium shows or other events, including the Arlington County Fair.
We welcome all donations. The public can donate to support general programs, the David M. Brown Memorial Scholarship, or the Alice G. B. Monet Teacher Grant Program.
How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?
100% of donations designated for the David M. Brown Memorial Scholarship are used to fund student scholarships. 100% of donations designated for the Alice G. B. Monet Teach Grant Program are used to fund teacher grants. Undesignated donations are used to fund student scholarships, teacher grants, planetarium programs, and enhancements to the planetarium facility.
All Board Members of the Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown planetarium serve as volunteers.
Information provided October 2024