Frequently Asked Questions

Membership in the Caltech Associates is open to individuals 21 or older.

No, you do not need sponsorship from a current member to apply. However, if you were referred by a current member, please let us know.

1. Complete a membership application by applying online or by downloading and returning the application form.
2. Make your annual membership gift online with a credit card or by mailing a check to us. See the application form for our mailing address.
3. To make your annual membership gift using appreciated securities, via electronic transfer, or through a donor-advised fund (DAF), please contact us for assistance.
4. Corporate matching gifts may also be applied toward your membership. Please contact us for more information.

Two levels of renewable Associates membership are available. Ambassador members make an annual tax-deductible gift of $4,000. President's Circle members make an annual tax-deductible gift of $10,000 or more. Please visit our Membership page for a detailed overview of Associates membership levels.

Yes, you may make your annual membership gift in up to four quarterly installments.

Yes, all gifts of cash and appreciated securities are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Yes, your Associates membership includes your spouse or domestic partner.

We no longer offer a life membership. However, members who began a life membership when the option was available may continue contributing to complete their commitment.

An Associates Wedding membership is available to those who wish to host their wedding at the Athenaeum but are not affiliated with Caltech. This membership is valid for one year to allow time to plan and host the wedding ceremony. While this membership confers the same courtesies as an Ambassador membership for one year, it is not renewable. Wedding members may choose to continue at the Ambassador or President's Circle levels when their Wedding membership concludes.

You can renew your membership online or contact us for assistance. Members receive renewal reminders each year before the renewal date.

Please visit our Membership page for a detailed overview of Associates membership levels, annual membership gifts, and the courtesies that membership confers.

Associates events are exclusively for Associates members and their guests. Occasionally, alumni and other members of the Caltech community may be invited.

Yes, most Associates events require a registration fee.

Associates events are held on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California, and at notable venues across the greater Los Angeles area, as well as near our regional chapters in Orange County, Northern California, and New York.

Associates members receive invitations to our events via email. If you are a member and are not receiving invitations or need assistance, please contact us.

Most Associates events begin with a cocktail reception and social hour, followed by dinner and a program featuring a Caltech faculty member who presents their latest research and discoveries. These events offer opportunities for learning and networking.

Approximately 20 Associates events are scheduled each year. Most are open to all members, though some are reserved for President's Circle members only.

Please visit our Events page to see our upcoming programs. Our schedule is updated twice a year for our fall/winter (September through December) and winter/spring (January through June) seasons.

The Associates travel program is exclusively for Associates members and their guests. Occasionally, alumni and other members of the Caltech community may be invited. President's Circle members receive priority registration, and some trips are reserved for President's Circle members only.

Each of our trips features one or more Caltech faculty guides who enrich the experience with their expertise. We also frequently enjoy special access to locations and facilities that aren't open to the public.

We offer two to three trips each year, featuring a mix of domestic and international destinations.

Please visit our Travel section to view our upcoming and previous trips.

Although the Associates and the Atheneum share a historical connection—Associates members funded its construction—and are both part of Caltech, they are separate organizations with distinct management and membership requirements.

Yes, Associates members are eligible to join the Athenaeum.

No. Athenaeum membership is optional and requires a monthly fee set by and payable to the Athenaeum. This fee is in addition to your annual Associates membership gift and, unlike your Associates membership, is not tax-deductible.

Once your Associates membership is active, you may apply for membership at the Athenaeum. The Athenaeum staff will verify your Associates membership. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact us.

No. If you discontinue your Athenaeum membership, your Associates membership will not be affected.

Maybe. Athenaeum membership requires affiliation with Caltech. If you discontinue your Associates membership, you will be automatically resigned from Athenaeum membership unless you have another qualification for Athenaeum membership eligibility, such as being faculty or staff at Caltech or JPL. See a list of eligible affiliations.

Please contact the Athenaeum at (626) 395-8200 or [email protected] for assistance with your Atheneum membership.

Please visit the Athenaeum website to learn more about its facilities and membership features, including fine dining, lodging, private events, recreation, and reciprocal clubs.

Yes, Associates may join the Braun Athletic Center.

No. Braun Athletic Center membership is optional and requires an annual fee set by and payable to the Center. This fee is in addition to your annual Associates membership gift and, unlike your Associates membership, is not tax-deductible. See current membership rates.

Once your Associates membership is active, please contact us before visiting the Braun Athletic Center so we can notify the Center's staff of your eligibility. After we complete this verification, you may visit the Center in person to enroll and begin your membership.

No. If you discontinue your Braun Athletic Center membership, your Associates membership will not be affected.

Maybe. Membership at the Braun Athletic Center requires affiliation with Caltech. If you discontinue your Associates membership, you will be automatically resigned from membership at the Center unless you have another qualification for Center membership eligibility, such as being faculty or staff at Caltech or JPL. See a list of eligible affiliations.

For assistance with your Braun Athletic Center membership, please contact the Center's front desk at (626) 395-3253.

Yes. Associates may access the Library's collections on-site Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, excluding holidays.

Before your first visit, you will need to complete a visitor form. Please contact us for assistance. A government-issued ID must be presented upon your visit to the Library.

No. Associates may access the collections on-site, but do not have checkout privileges.

No. Access to the Library is complimentary.

Yes, Associates members may join CEFCU and use its services, including savings accounts, real estate and vehicle loans, personal loans, credit cards, and more. Visit the CEFCU website for more information.

No. Once established, your CEFCU membership and accounts are independent of your Associates membership.

For assistance with your CEFCU membership and accounts, please visit the CEFCU website or call toll-free at (800) 592-3328.

Associates members may request VIP seating at Watson Lectures and other Caltech public events, subject to availability. Please contact us at least a week before the event to reserve your seats. Please note that Caltech public events frequently sell out, so we recommend reserving your seats well in advance.

Yes, Associate members are eligible for a 10% discount at the Caltech Store, except on textbooks, photo processing, and event tickets.

Yes, Associates members are eligible to join the Caltech Women's Club, which offers activities, events, and volunteer opportunities. Visit the Club's website for more information.