Teen Aircraft Factory of Manasota (TAFM)
The EAA180 Teen Build Program
Support TAFM
The Teen Aircraft Factory of Manasota (TAFM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Sarasota, Florida. We operate 100% on volunteers and donations. Each week, our aviation volunteers dedicate not only their Saturdays to help guide students throughout the airplane build process, but also several hours per week in planning work, seeking grants, prepping the shop, inventorying parts, and marketing.
The Vans airplane kit, engine and instruments cost approximately $80,000. Hangar/shop space is nearly $6,000 per year. No labor costs for mentors or students is incurred. A minor amount of administrative costs exist for business registration, insurance, etc.
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The time from initial kit purchase until airplane completion presents an ongoing cash outlay challenge. It is important to have enough cash flow in order to purchase all the kit components to make them consistently available to the teens for build. Delays disrupt work momentum and cause students to lose interest. 100% of donations will go for airplane components and hangar/shop rent. The program has no cost for students.
Interested in Helping Us?
There are a variety of ways you can support your the TAFM organization.
Charitable Contribution
Your charitable contribution will be able to help us continue our program and is greatly appreciated. Click the following button to make a donation.
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Or you can mail your donation using the following instructions:
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1. Make check payable to “Teen Aircraft Factory of Manasota".
2. On the memo line of the check, please indicate who the donation is from so we can thank you!
3. Mail your check to:
Teen Aircraft Factory of Manasota
c/o Jim Faix at Polaris
8437 Tuttle Avenue #376
Sarasota, FL 34243
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Corporate Sponsor
By becoming a corporate sponsor, you can help TAFM expand further into the community. To learn more about advertising on our website, sponsoring events, or donating to our program, contact us.
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Tools or Equipment
We are always looking for additional tools and equipment to help share more work among our teens. If you have a compressor, shop vac, pliers, rivet guns, etc. that are in good condition and you are not using, contact us.