Recognition Societies

The NDSU Foundation’s accumulative giving societies recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary generosity in their gifts to NDSU over the years.

The principal benefit of membership is the satisfaction of supporting the students, faculty, and staff at NDSU as it maintains a leadership role in higher education. The critical support of our membership provides the University an extra measure of strength and flexibility.

1862 Society

The 1862 Society is the highest form of public recognition for private support given to NDSU. Established in 1990, the society gets its name from the year Congress passed the Morrill Act, creating the America’s land-grant universities. In 2012, the 1862 Society was expanded to recognize increased levels. We will honor donors as they reach the following Legacy levels. For cumulative gifts and pledges over $1 million, the donor will be recognized for the 1 Million Legacy Level. For cumulative gifts and pledges over $10 million, the donor will be recognized for the 10 Million Legacy Level. For cumulative gifts and pledges over $25 million, the donor will be recognized for the 25 Million Legacy Level.

Founders Society

The Founders Society is named after the group of North Dakotans who were instrumental in the establishment of NDSU in 1890.

Membership is accorded to those who: (1) have made an outright gift of $500,000 or more, (2) have made accumulated gifts totaling $500,000 or more, or (3) have made a pledge to give $500,000 or more.

Old Main Society

The Old Main Society is named after NDSU’s most recognized landmark.

Membership is accorded to those who: (1) have made an outright gift of $250,000 or more, (2) have made accumulative gifts of $250,000 or more, or (3) have made a pledge to give $250,000 or more.

President's Society

Membership is accorded those who: (1) have made an outright gift of $25,000 or more, (2) have made accumulated gifts totaling $25,000 or more, or (3) have made a pledge to give $25,000 or more.

Membership in each society is also offered to all individuals and couples who let us know, via written documentation, that they included NDSU in their estate plans or as a beneficiary of another type of planned gift, regardless of the amount and regardless of its binding status. Gift commitments that qualify include:

  • A bequest in a will or living trust
  • A charitable gift annuity
  • A charitable lead trust
  • A charitable remainder trust
  • A remainder interest in a home, farm, or other property
  • Designation of NDSU as the beneficiary of a retirement plan or insurance policy

Membership for each society is based on lifetime cumulative giving including current and deferred gift commitments.