Giving Societies: More Than a Name in the Honor Roll

Leadership donors are among the most influential champions of a school’s mission, yet too often, their experience is limited to seeing their names printed in an annual honor roll. A leadership giving society should be far more dynamic: a relationship-building engine that deepens belonging, communicates impact, and keeps your most committed supporters meaningfully engaged.

Why Leadership Giving Societies Matter

At their best, leadership giving societies create a sense of community and shared purpose. Members receive personalized recognition, thoughtful stewardship, and consistent communication that reflects their importance to the school’s future.

Leadership donors consistently say they want four things:

1. Timely, meaningful acknowledgment
2. Clear communication about the impact of their gift
3. Opportunities to be involved beyond writing a check
4. Regular contact with school leadership

For schools striving to strengthen annual giving, major gifts, or campaign pipelines, focusing on these priorities is essential.

Stewardship Starts with Acknowledgment

A leadership gift deserves leadership-level gratitude. This includes:

• A gift receipt or thank you within 48 hours
• Personalized notes that reference gift specifics
• A phone call from a staff member or school leader
• Recognition that matches the donor’s preference (public, anonymous, or low-key)

This is also a powerful moment to offer updates, ask questions, and build rapport.

Show the Impact - Often

Impact communication is where giving societies shine. Schools can reinforce the value of these donors by:

• Sharing annual impact reports
• Sending letters or videos from students, faculty, or coaches
• Offering behind-the-scenes updates on projects and initiatives they’ve funded
• Keeping them informed with no surprises and no gaps

Leadership donors want to see how their generosity moves the mission forward. When that story is told consistently, generosity increases.

Create Meaningful Opportunities to Engage

Leadership donors want connection. Not just solicitation. Consider invitations such as:

• Speaking with students about their career, faith, or personal journey
• Serving as thought partners on new initiatives
• Helping connect the school to prospective donors
• Hosting small gatherings or pre-event meetups
• Participating in annual leadership donor forums where school updates are shared and feedback is welcomed

These touch points strengthen donor loyalty while elevating the role of school leadership and staff.

Make Leadership Accessible

Even without a full stewardship infrastructure, schools can begin building and refining their leadership societies right now:

• Use existing board reports to develop donor communications
• Start with pre-event or pre-Mass gatherings as opportunities for connection
• Partner with admissions templates to design on-campus visit experiences
• Invite leadership society members to meet students or faculty during school hours

Small steps, executed consistently, can transform a basic donor list into a vibrant, mission-aligned community.