Give the gift of science
You're invited…
Open the door to lifelong learning with a brilliant community that socializes, learns, dines, and travels together while supporting the pioneering science and engineering at the California Institute of Technology.
Caltech's mission to "expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education" has produced world-changing advances in biology and medicine, environmental health and safety, energy production, robotics, space exploration, computing, quantum science, and many other fields.
Your tax-deductible Caltech Associates membership gift helps propel this research and opens the door to the Caltech community, offering opportunities to learn, socialize, and travel with Caltech faculty and fellow members, as well as access campus amenities like the Athenaeum, the Institute's private club.
Member courtesies
Enjoy exclusive events and travel programs, as well as eligibility to access campus amenities.
Discover membership features.
Membership levels
Two tax-deductible membership levels, Ambassador and President's Circle, are currently offered.
Explore membership levels.
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Begin your membership in just a few clicks. Make your gift in full today or in quarterly installments.
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Begin a new journey
Embark on an adventure with new friends and exciting possibilities for travel, learning, and discovery. Our curated events and trips feature Caltech faculty and often include private tours and exclusive access not usually available to the public.
A passport to discovery
The Caltech Associates travel program is designed for the intellectually curious traveler who enjoys unique destinations and five-star amenities. Each experience is enhanced by a Caltech faculty guide whose expertise illuminates the journey.
We work with premier tour operators to prepare itineraries incorporating the destination's scientific, cultural, and historical highlights. Every detail is arranged so you can immerse yourself in the adventure. Recent excursions have included Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Vietnam, and Iceland. Two to three trips are offered annually to both international and domestic locations.
Connect and learn
The Associates host exclusive events throughout the year. These are lively social occasions featuring fine dining and presentations by Institute faculty on their latest research and discoveries.
Approximately 20 such events are planned annually. Events are held on campus in Pasadena and at private clubs, renowned research facilities, and noteworthy cultural venues across the greater Los Angeles area, as well as near our regional chapters in Orange County, Northern California, and New York.
Access campus amenities
Associates members enjoy eligibility to join the Athenaeum, the Institute's storied private club, which confers reciprocal admission to other premier clubs worldwide. The Athenaeum's stately building, designed by renowned architect Gordon Kaufmann, offers members and their guests elegant settings for dining, meetings, weddings, and celebrations. The Athenaeum includes a private hotel with 28 rooms and suites, the Hayman Lounge for cocktails and conversation, and three tennis courts for club members.
Associates members may also join the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union for exceptional financial services and the Braun Athletic Center, which offers over 3,500 square feet of weight and cardiovascular equipment, swimming pools, tennis and racquetball courts, and even a climbing wall.
Invest in innovation
Since 1926, the Caltech Associates have provided financial support through their membership gifts to help place the Institute among the most influential centers of learning and discovery, one that has redefined the outlines of the universe as we know it.
Founded by 100 visionary philanthropists, including railroad magnate and art collector Henry E. Huntington, the Associates helped secure the foundation for unprecedented breakthroughs in science and engineering.
Our faculty and students investigate the biggest ideas today, from environmental solutions to mapping our solar system and beyond, from quantum computing to life-saving medical technologies. You can be a part of this history, supporting visionary thinkers and educating future leaders through your membership.
Make new connections
By joining the Associates, you are investing in human progress. Your membership gift provides unrestricted funding to support Caltech's top research and educational priorities. You can also give a membership to a family member or friend.
Membership levels
All gifts of cash and appreciated securities are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Corporate matching gifts are gladly accepted. You may pay your membership gift in up to four quarterly installments.
Two renewable membership levels, Ambassador and President's Circle, are currently offered. Their features are as follows:
Ambassador ($4,000 annually)
- Invitations to programs and events featuring Caltech faculty, including luncheons, dinners, field trips, off-campus events, and regional events held in Pasadena, Southern California, Northern California, and the East Coast.
- Eligibility to join The Athenaeum, Caltech's Braun Athletic Facilities and recreation programs, the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union, and the Caltech Women's Club.
- VIP tickets for two at the Watson Lecture series and specific public events at Beckman Auditorium.
- $5 discount to CaltechLive special performances.
- A 10% discount at the Caltech Bookstore (some exclusions apply).
President's Circle ($10,000 or more annually)
All the features of Ambassador, plus:
- Invitations to the annual President's Circle Garden Party held at the home of Caltech's president and other special events.
- Priority registration for select Associates events.
- Priority registration for select Associates travel opportunities.
- VIP tickets for four at the Watson Lecture series and specific public events at Beckman Auditorium.
- VIP lounge access during specific ticketed Beckman Auditorium events.
If you have questions or would like assistance, call us at (626) 395-3919.
Be a part of our history as we help shape the future. We will be delighted to welcome you!