DAF Form 3571: USAF Heritage Program Gift Agreement 2025 – If you’re a veteran, retiree, family member, or aviation enthusiast with historical US Air Force artifacts, documents, uniforms, photographs, or memorabilia, you may want to preserve them for future generations. The DAF Form 3571, officially titled DAF Heritage Program Proffer of Gift Agreement, is the key document used to donate items unconditionally to the United States Air Force Heritage Program.
This form ensures a clear, legal transfer of ownership to the Department of the Air Force, supporting the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF) and broader heritage activities.
What Is DAF Form 3571?
DAF Form 3571 (revised 20250508) is prescribed by DAFI 84-103, USAF Heritage Program. It serves as a formal proffer of gift agreement—a legal document where a donor offers property as an unconditional gift to the U.S. Air Force for use in its heritage program.
The form documents the donor’s intent, provides essential details about the item(s), and includes the donor’s acknowledgment that the gift is made without restrictions or conditions. Once accepted by a museum representative, it transfers full title, rights, and ownership to the U.S. government for the benefit of the USAF Heritage Program under 10 U.S.C. § 2601.
The form is two pages (with continuation sheets for detailed property descriptions) and collects basic donor contact information while including a Privacy Act statement.
Why Use DAF Form 3571?
The USAF Heritage Program, managed primarily through the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, collects, preserves, and displays artifacts to tell the story of U.S. Air Force history—from early Army aviation (1860–1946) through the modern USAF, including the Air National Guard, Reserves, and Civil Air Patrol.
Donations via DAF Form 3571 help fill gaps in the collection, support exhibits, educational programs, and research. The museum does not accept unsolicited donations; all offers are reviewed individually by the Collections Committee to ensure they align with mission needs.
Key terms of the gift (direct from the form):
- The donation is unconditional and made freely to the United States of America.
- The donor transfers the property free and clear of all encumbrances, including all rights, title, interest, and (where applicable) copyrights worldwide.
- The donor and their heirs relinquish all future claims.
- No special concessions or privileges are granted in return.
- The gift supports the “establishment, operation, or maintenance” of the USAF Heritage Program.
Who Can Donate and What Items Are Accepted?
Any individual or organization with legal ownership can offer items. The donor must certify they have full authority to dispose of the property.
The National Museum seeks artifacts such as:
- Uniforms and flying clothing
- Equipment and memorabilia
- Photographs, documents, and archival materials
- Digital files
- Other items related to USAF and predecessor organizations
Check the museum’s current Donation Wish List for priority items. Common donations help enrich exhibits and the study collection.
Note: The museum does not purchase items, perform appraisals, or accept gifts with conditions/restrictions.
Step-by-Step: How to Donate Using DAF Form 3571?
- Contact the Museum First — Do not mail or drop off items unsolicited. Email [email protected] or write to:
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Collection Management Division
Attn: Donation Offers
1100 Spaatz Street
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433Provide photos, background information, and a description of the item(s). - Await Review — The Collections Committee evaluates whether the item fits current needs.
- Complete DAF Form 3571 (if approved) — Fill in:
- Donor name, full street address, city, state, ZIP code
- Detailed Description of Property (use continuation sheet if needed)
- Your signature and date (YYYYMMDD format)
- Telephone number and email address
The form includes standard legal language confirming the unconditional nature of the gift.
- Museum Acceptance — A designated museum representative signs to accept the gift on behalf of the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
- Shipping/Transfer — Follow instructions provided by the museum. Do not ship until approved.
- Tax Considerations — You are responsible for obtaining your own appraisal for tax purposes. The museum and its staff do not provide appraisals. Consult a qualified appraiser and tax professional. Your name and address will be kept on file for records (this is not considered an invasion of privacy per the form).
Download the official DAF Form 3571 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_ho/form/daf3571/daf3571.pdf
Related Forms in the USAF Heritage Program
- DAF Form 3572: Heritage Program Loan Agreement (for temporary loans)
- Other supporting forms exist for volunteers, maintenance logs, etc., all under DAFI 84-103.
Important Reminders for Donors
- Donations must be unconditional — No “on loan” status or strings attached once accepted.
- The process protects both the donor (clear transfer) and the Air Force (clear title for preservation and display).
- Record-keeping is required; the signed form becomes part of official collection documentation.
Preserve Air Force History Today
Your donation through DAF Form 3571 helps ensure that the stories, sacrifices, and achievements of Airmen are preserved for education, research, and public inspiration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and other heritage sites.
Start the process by reaching out to the museum’s donations team. Every approved artifact strengthens the nation’s understanding of airpower history.
Official Resources:
- National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Donations Page: nationalmuseum.af.mil/Collections/Donate-an-Item/
- DAFI 84-103 (USAF Heritage Program instruction)
- e-Publishing (for the latest form): e-publishing.af.mil
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice. Always consult official .mil sources and professionals for your specific situation.