Giving Societies

Consider how the world must appear to first-year students who first gaze upon Old Main and think about their future at the college. Every year, hundreds of young people experience these feelings as they begin their first semester of college. We are honored to introduce them to what a liberal arts education is all about. Through our Giving Societies, alumni and friends can share their personal success and help lead a new generation of students toward a life of excellence, leadership and service.

The President’s Circle

The President’s Circle is Franklin College’s leadership annual giving society. The President’s Circle is comprised of like-minded benefactors with similar philanthropic interests giving a minimum of $1,000 annually and demonstrating exceptional generosity for the benefit of all Franklin College.

Gold Key Circle $10,000 and above
1834 Circle $5,000 to $9,999
Ben Franklin Circle$2,500 to $4,999
Old Main Circle$1,000 to $2,499

*For purposes of recognition, the value of matching gifts is added to the donor’s personal contribution.
*Recognition is based on total cash received in a fiscal year. Unpaid pledges are not included.
*Married couples are recognized for the combined total of their contributions.
*This giving society runs on our fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).

The youngest alumni of Franklin College have a unique opportunity to join The President’s Circle at a reduced rate of giving but receive all the usual recognition of membership in The President’s Circle.

Franklin College graduates 1-9 years out are invited to join The President’s Circle for $100 per year out of school. For example, in the fiscal year 2022-23, a graduate from 2018 is 5 years out and can join for $500. Married alumni not of the same class year are invited to use the younger of the two alumni for the basis of giving.

Courtesies

Your generosity allows us to match our ambitions with goals, and our goals with resources. In addition to the satisfaction of knowing the impact your philanthropy has made at Franklin College and in recognition of your leadership support, you will be recognized for your leadership and support with special courtesies created to strengthen your connection with the college. The President’s Circle brochure outlines the courtesies offered at each level.

The Heritage Society

Through our lifetime giving club, The Heritage Society, we recognize the individuals who have made extraordinary commitments to Franklin College. These designations are based on one’s cumulative giving to both the Franklin Fund and to specific projects and may include deferred gifts (appropriately documented) and gifts in kind. Lifetime giving may also include contributions made in the member’s name through corporate gifts and matches and through private foundations, as well as by the member’s spouse.

The Heritage Society members will be listed in the donor honor roll. In addition, they will be added to our special invitation list for many lectures, special events and receptions.

Level of GivingCumulative GiftsDeferred Gifts
Leaders for Life Society$1,000,000 or more$1,000,000 or more
Chairman’s Society$500,000 to $999,999$750,000
Ambassador’s Society$250,000 to $499,999$500,000
Founder’s Society$100,000 to $249,999$250,000
Scholar’s Society$50,000 to $99,999$100,000
Wellhouse Society$25,000 to $49,999$50,000
Bell Tower Society$10,000 to $24,999$25,000