Donate
The Mason Observatory is financially supported by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and donations from people like you! Donations, in particular, help us to purchase everything from imaging equipment for professional grade research to play-dough for making solar system models with kids in our tours. That is why even a few dollars can make an impact.
Patrons of the Observatory are a distinguished group of philanthropists, community members, and educators in the field of astronomical science. Contributing a minimum of $50 will officially make you a "Patron of the Observatory." Your tax-deductible donation* provides critical support for the Observatory activities as well as for curious students, seeking to explore our universe.
Join today at any level listed below and enjoy advance notice of special events and updates from our faculty. Special events for members of different levels will be held throughout the year:
⭐ Star - $50 / year – Individual Membership
✨ Cluster - $75 / year – Family Membership
🌟 Nova - $100-$499 / year
💫 Supernova - $499-$999 / year
🌌 Galaxy - $1,000-$4,999 / year
💥 Big Bang – Lifetime membership ($5,000 and up)
To make a financial contribution and become a Patron of the Observatory, please click the button below (for credit cards) and enter the donation amount to Astronomy Observatory and Educational Activities.
You can also mail a check, made payable to ‘George Mason University Foundation, Inc.’ with the memo ‘Astronomy Observatory,’ and mail to:
ATTN: Audrey Kelaher
3251 Exploratory Hall
MSN: 5C3
Fairfax, VA 22030
If you are interested in making a planned or estate gift, please contact Audrey Kelaher (akelahe@gmu.edu) for more information.
A big Thank You to our Patrons of the Observatory:
💥Big Bang:
Dr. Shalom Fisher
Nicole Geller
James Hamill
Armand & Lauren Mancini
John & Elaine Whalan
Long and Foster, Inc.
Eileen Kragie
Dark Sky Friends
🌌Galaxy:
Dr. Robin Ericson & Dr. Rebecca Ericson
Dr. Bernard J. Lieb & Frances Lieb
Northern Virginia Astronomy Club
SPEC Innovations
💫Supernova:
🌟Nova:
Jessica M. Baillie
Steven A. Barrigar
Vonda Delawie
Dr. Susan W. Durham & John Durham Jr.
Friends of the Observatory
Harold A. Geller, D.A.
Dr. Nancy M. Holincheck & Anthony Holincheck
Virginia Babin McDonald
Elizabeth M. Lipari
Rebecca L. Nokes & Jason Merchant
Dr. J. Robert Parks
Cub Scout Pack 1540
Judy Bassett
✨Cluster:
Stacey Bechdolt
Kevin I. Collins & Samantha D. Collins
Keow Essig
Theresa A. Cancro & Dominic Chan
⭐Star:
Robert Drach
Miriam Morse & Adam Hill
Dagoberto Vega
We are also generously supported by a team of volunteers who do everything from sharing their excitement about astronomy at public events, to minor maintenance of our facilities behind the scenes.
*The George Mason University Foundation is a registered 501 (c)(3), EIN: 54-1603842 . Your gift is tax deductible to the full extent allowed by the law.
Many thanks to our community of supporters!
Contact Us
For questions regarding a public tour visit, please visit the Public Outreach page. Otherwise, please visit the Contact Us page for more information.