This website uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some of these cookies are used for visitor analysis, others are essential to making our site function properly and improve the user experience. By using this site, you consent to the placement of these cookies. Click Accept to consent and dismiss this message or Deny to leave this website. Read our Privacy Statement for more.
Donate to ACE

American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to our mission to:

  • Foster and promote the conservation, appreciation, knowledge and enjoyment of the classic wooden roller coaster and the contemporary steel roller coaster;
  • Create fellowship among its members; and
  • Promote the continued operation of roller coasters.
 
Thank you for your interest in donating to American Coaster Enthusiasts, Inc. (ACE). Your support will help ACE's mission to foster the conservation, appreciation, knowledge and enjoyment of roller coasters for current and future generations.

ACE Archives Fund

The ACE Archives Fund supports the acquisition, storage, cataloging, and preservation of historic roller coaster and amusement park artifacts, as well as documenting ACE’s history. One of our priorities is cataloging thousands of items for future online research in a searchable database.


ACE Preservation Fund

The ACE Preservation Fund supports donations dedicated to preserving roller coasters. Thanks to this fund, Leap The Dips , the world’s oldest roller coaster, was restored and reopened in 1999. Other beneficiaries include Bay Beach Amusement Park’s Zippin Pippin and Margate Dreamland’s Scenic Railway .


National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives

Donations to ACE support the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) in its mission to establish a permanent museum. Contributions help fund storage for large artifacts, maintain facilities, acquire historic items, and create educational roller coaster exhibits.


FAQs

(click each question to see its answer)
How do I determine the value of my collection?

Donors should find a qualified appraiser to examine their objects prior to donation. Any information concerning the value of any object donated or a potential donation cannot be provided by ACE, as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers such activity by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to be a conflict of interest.

Is my collection donation tax deductible?

IRS statutes require that household items and clothing contributed to ACE must be in at least good used condition to be deductible. This requirement does not apply to contributions of paintings, antiques, other art objects, jewelry and gems, or collections, and does not apply to the contribution of an item for which a deduction of more than $500 is claimed if the taxpayer obtains a qualified appraisal of the item.

What if I change my mind about donating my collection?

Please note that all donations become a part of ACE's archives collection and cannot be returned.

How will my items be used?

Donated items can be used at the club’s discretion to best serve the mission and goals of the organization.

Is there anything ACE will not accept?

The ACE Archives will not accept materials that are illegal, edible or caustic; that present a danger to the collections or to the archive facility; or that require a means of storage or preservation that is beyond the financial or physical resources of the archives to provide.

Can I donate money to ACE?

Monetary donations are always welcome and appreciated. ACE maintains separate donation fund accounts earmarked for specific purposes, and donations may be made to any of these funds.

Is ACE compliant with donation regulations in my state?

Further information regarding ACE's fundraising compliance is available here.
Monetary donations are accepted anytime. ACE also accepts financial donations of securities, wills and estate planning.

How is my gift sent to the NRCMA?

Funds collected on behalf of the NRCMA are forwarded by ACE to its partner organization on a quarterly basis.

Do you accept corporate gift matching?

Employee matching gift programs are corporate giving programs in which the company matches donations or volunteer time worked by employees to benefit eligible nonprofit organizations. An employer matching donation is an easy way to increase your contribution to ACE. Requesting a matching gift is normally a short process that must be initiated by the donor. You can do this by filling out and submitting a paper match form provided by your employer or through an electronic submission process. ACE’s contact information is listed below.

IRS Fine Print

In compliance with IRS regulations regarding charitable contributions, ACE affirms that no goods or services are provided to you in consideration for your gift. ACE is an exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and your donation may qualify as a charitable deduction for tax purposes