We deliberately structure our membership dues and fees to cover only core operating expenses – like payroll, minor routine maintenance, utilities, and insurance – so that belonging to BIAC remains as affordable and accessible as possible.

However, maintaining the baseline is just the beginning. Charitable donations account for 20% of our annual budget and serve as our engine for growth. Consistent and generous community giving is what empowers us to continually raise the bar on what BIAC offers – allowing us to upgrade our fleet, modernize facilities, and deliver impactful community programs. Dues keep our doors open and the lights on, but donations are what will elevate the entire member experience and make BIAC extraordinary.

As a result of last year’s fundraising success, we pulled forward some planned purchases from 2027 into 2026, ultimately spending $110,000 on equipment and facilities, compared to $61,000 originally budgeted.

• New boats: We purchased a double, two singles, a triple, sculling and sweep oars, and an ocean kayak.

• Land equipment: To enhance our land training programs, we added 2 rowErgs, 2 bikeErgs, 1 skiErg, and 1 strengthErg, as well as several RP3 ergs.

• Facility improvements: We continued with boathouse renovations, including windows on the water-side wall and festive outdoor lighting. Additionally, we added safety railings to the kayak launch area.

Your donation will help fund several key investments planned for the current year, including:

• New safety launch: We are purchasing a new, larger capacity launch, which is critical to ensure safety as our teams grow. This launch and engine alone will cost over $35,000.
  
• New boats: We plan to purchase at least 2 new quads and 2 new doubles to refresh and fill gaps in our fleet.
• Land equipment: We will continue to acquire more ergs and bikes for the boathouse to enhance our land training programs.
• Boathouse improvements: We will continue with boathouse renovations, likely to include more windows, new mirrors, additional lighting, and new paint.
  

BIAC is committed to keeping our programs affordable. Our annual dues and fees (membership and equipment usage) total $845 for most members. Comparable local clubs such as Los Gatos Rowing Club, Marin Rowing Association, and East Bay Rowing Club have fees that range from similar to more than double the fees we offer at BIAC. In addition, some clubs have one-time initiation fees of $200-300, whereas BIAC has none.

For participants of coached teams, the all-in cost of dues, equipment fees, and coaching fees is approximately 15-50% higher at these neighboring clubs relative to BIAC.

For members who store their personal watercraft at the club, BIAC’s annual rack rental rates range from $110 to $330, depending on type of watercraft and rack accessibility. Members of LGRC and Marin pay fees that are typically 2x to 3x BIAC’s.

We welcome and appreciate all forms of contributions!

• Online: Donating with your credit card is fast and easy on BIAC’s donation page.
• Check: Writing a check is the most cost effective way to donate, as it allows us to avoid the ~3% processing fees associated with online donations. Please make checks payable to "Bair Island Aquatic Center" and either:
• • Mail it to: 1450 Maple St., Redwood City, CA 94063
  • Drop it off: Place an envelope with your check in the locked green mailbox inside the BIAC boathouse, located on the wall next to the coaches’ office.
• Donor-Advised Fund (DAF): If you have an established DAF, you can support BIAC in a simple and tax-efficient way. Simply log into your DAF sponsor account (e.g., Fidelity Charitable, Vanguard Charitable) and recommend a grant to "Bair Island Aquatic Center." Our EIN is 94-3343961, and our address is 1450 Maple St., Redwood City, CA 94063.
• Stock: Donating securities can have significant tax benefits and maximize your gift to BIAC. If you are interested in donating stock, please contact us at donations@gobair.org.

If you are donating via check, DAF or stock, we encourage you to fill out a pledge form. This helps us track contributions and ensures your gift counts toward campaign challenges, even if the donation arrives after the challenge has ended.

The main difference is the timing of the gift. A donation is an immediate transfer of funds (e.g., a credit card gift). A pledge is a commitment or promise to make a donation in the future.

We encourage you to fill out a pledge form if you are committing to a contribution that won't be immediately transferred, such as a donation through a donor-advised fund or a mailed check. This helps us track the campaign's progress and allows your commitment to be counted toward fundraising goals and challenges right away.

Yes. BIAC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your donation receipt as your official record for tax purposes.