Giving Societies

Loyalty Giving Societies

Bell Society

The Wren Bell has stood for centuries as a testament to William & Mary's longevity. Even when the university was forced to close its doors for lack of funds from 1881 to 1888, President Benjamin Stoddert Ewell ensured the Wren Bell rang every day to signal William & Mary's resilience. In the spirit of this bond, the Bell Society recognizes individuals who make gifts to the university in consecutive fiscal years. Consistent loyal support for William & Mary provides students and faculty the tools they need to thrive. There are four levels of Bell Society membership, depending upon years of consecutive giving:

  • Cornerstone - Two to four years of consecutive giving
  • Cobblestone - Five to 14 years of consecutive giving
  • Milestone - 15 to 24 years of consecutive giving
  • Bell-Ringing - 25 or more years of consecutive giving

Learn More


Lifetime Giving Societies

James Blair Society

William & Mary's premier giving society, the James Blair Society recognizes individuals, corporations, and foundations that have made cumulative lifetime gifts of $1 million or more to the university.

Royal Charter Society

The Royal Charter Society recognizes cumulative gifts of $500,000 up to $1 million.

The Honorable Robert Boyle Legacy Society

This society recognizes those who have made future provisions for William & Mary in their estate plans, in any form or amount.


Annual Giving Societies

Wren Society

The Wren Society recognizes gifts of $100,000 or more annually.

Chancellor's Society

The Chancellor's Society recognizes gifts of $25,000 or more annually.

Green & Gold Society

The Green & Gold Society recognizes donations of $10,000 annually.

President's Society

The President's Society recognizes gifts of $5,000 or more annually to any area of the university. Alumni who have graduated during the past 5 years are afforded President's Society membership as Young Guarde members with a gift of $2,500.

Fourth Century Society

The Fourth Century Society recognizes gifts of $2,000 or more annually to any area of W&M. Current students and alumni who have graduated during the past four years are afforded Fourth Century Society membership as Young Guarde members with a gift of $250, and alumni who have graduated during the past five to nine years are afforded Fourth Century Society membership with a gift of $500.

Society of 1918

The Society of 1918 is comprised of women who commit $10,000 or more to the Alumnae Initiatives Endowment ($5,000 for Young Guarde/Faculty/Staff/Miltary) which will enrich programming and enhance opportunities for women across the W&M community. Payments of $2,000 (or $1000 as noted above) annually may be made over a five-year period.