Two students walking inside a lobby of a building at Spalding

Donor Societies

Give Today, Inspire Tomorrow

Since our founding, faithful donors have impacted the greater good in the heart of the city by supporting Spalding University. We are profoundly thankful for their generosity and commitment to nurturing the mind, body and spirit of each student that calls Spalding home. Your gift directly  educates and empowers students who care about their communities and want to make the world a better place.  

The following donor societies acknowledge and honor Spalding’s generous supporters.

Blue outline of a pelican with the text: Pelican Society

Pelican Society: $1–850

Yearly gifts at this level compose the foundation of Spalding’s annual giving. The Pelican Society honors donors whose support is vital to the university’s efforts to promote peace and justice while delivering excellent education.

Benefits to members:

  • Appear in the Pelican Society Honor Roll of Donors in the Spring edition of Spalding Magazine
blue outline icon showing a person wearing a graduation hat with text that reads: recent alumni 851 society

New Graduate Club ($100-$850)

New alumni will receive special benefits, including recognition and event invitations, for making gifts starting at $100 in their first year after graduation, with the minimum gift threshold increasing by $100 each year until their eighth reunion year.

blue outline of a dial showing the numbers 851

The 851 Society

851 Society members help transform our community with their leadership support. Annual donors who give $851 or more are celebrated at this level in honor of the address of Spalding’s historic Tompkins-Buchanan-Rankin Mansion, our original home in downtown Louisville.

  • Spirit Circle – $851-2,499
  • Service Circle – $2,500 – 4,999
  • Peace Circle – $5,000 – 9,999
  • Justice Circle – $10,000 – 24,999
  • Compassion Circle – $25,000 – 49,999
  • Nazareth Circle – $50,000 – 99,999
  • Mother Catherine Spalding Circle – $100,000 +

Membership Benefits include:

  • Appear in the 851 Society honor roll of in the Spring volume of Spalding Magazine
  • Invitation to special events
  • Special acknowledgement during on-campus events
blue pencil outline of a poplar tree with text that reads: Tulip Poplar Society

Tulip Poplar Society

Legacy gifts are recognized by membership within the Tulip Poplar Society, named after the historic Tulip Poplar tree donated to the university by the first graduating class of 1924. The majestic tree is still in the center of campus and stands for the lifelong commitment alumni, family and friends have made to the university.

Consider reaching out to learn how you can create a planned gift that will forge a legacy and sustain Spalding’s mission for years to come. Contact Karen George, Vice President of Advancement at 502-873-4327 or karen.george@spalding.edu to learn more.