Donor Recognition
WSU Philanthropic Cougar Community
Private support helps Washington State University realize its full potential as a world-class center for education, research, and outreach. The WSU Foundation is honored to recognize the generous donors who support its mission and the work of its students, faculty, and staff. Through the WSU Foundation Donor Recognition Program, we cultivate a culture of philanthropy by fostering community, engagement, and gratitude among WSU’s most loyal supporters. With sincere appreciation, we recognize donors for their annual gifts, cumulative lifetime contributions, and planned giving commitments. Our personalized approach—including tailored acknowledgments, special events, publications, and ongoing communication—strengthens meaningful connections and deepens donors’ lasting impact on the university.
WSU Donor Recognition Groups
Butch’s Club
Butch’s Club consists of loyal supporters who have made cumulative annual gifts of $2,500 or more across the University. Alumni who have completed degrees within the last five years are recognized for their cumulative annual giving of $1,000 or more.
(Based on total gifts given in a single fiscal year, July 1–June 30)
- Induction Level – $2,500
- Recent Graduate (1-5 years) – $1,000
- All gifts made within the fiscal year
Contact us
For additional information or questions regarding Butch’s Club, please call 800-448-2978 or email annual.giving@wsu.edu.
Benefactors
Benefactors recognizes individuals and households starting at $100k. Silver Benefactor ($250k-$499k) and Crimson Benefactor donors ($500k-$999k) will be recognized as individual levels within the Benefactors group. Individuals and households will be recognized for crossing these thresholds.
Benefactor giving levels include:
- Benefactors are recognized for cumulative lifetime gifts of $100,000 – $249,999.
- Silver Benefactors are recognized for cumulative lifetime gifts of $250,000 – $499,999.
- Crimson Benefactors are recognized for cumulative lifetime gifts of $500,000 – $999,999.
Contact us
For additional information or questions on becoming a Benefactor, please call (509) 335-8881 or email WSUFstewardship@wsu.edu.
Laureates
Laureates is a standalone donor recognition group for individuals and households at $1M+. The Foundation will recognize individuals and households who cross the $5M and $10M thresholds with custom stewardship opportunities. We will not recognize corporations or foundations unless specifically informed they are family operated.
Laureate giving levels include:
- Laureates are recognized for cumulative lifetime gifts of $1 million or more.
- Laureates who reach the $5 and $10 million threshold in cumulative lifetime giving will be honored with custom stewardship experiences.
*We will not recognize corporations or foundations unless specifically informed they are family operated.
Contact us
For additional information or questions on becoming a Benefactor, please call (509) 335-8881 or email
1890 Legacy Society
The 1890 Legacy Society honors individuals who have made provisions for future gifts to support WSU through their estate plans. These gifts can include bequests through a Will or Revocable Living Trust, or designations as beneficiaries of retirement accounts or life insurance policies.
Members of the 1890 Legacy Society are thoughtful visionaries, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Their contributions provide a stable and perpetual source of support for WSU students, faculty, and programs, making a tremendous impact on the University.
Today, there are more than 1,800 active members of the 1890 Legacy Society. Planned gifts account for approximately one-fourth of all individual private support for WSU annually, and realized estate gifts represent approximately one-third of the WSU Foundation total endowment.
Even before my husband passed away, it was important to us to make sure our estate plan reflected our priorities. I went with my heart and bequeathed most of my estate to WSU—to what really means the most to me.
Beverly Dalstone Smith (’58 Psych.), 1890 Legacy Society member
Membership in the 1890 Legacy Society allows WSU to express gratitude and recognize donors for their commitment of future support. If you have already included the WSU Foundation in your estate plan, please let us know by filling out an intent form. However, we understand that many individuals prefer to keep their contributions confidential, and we fully respect the wishes of those who choose to remain anonymous.
Contact us
For additional information or questions regarding the 1890 Legacy Society, please call (509) 335-7883 or email gpoffice@wsu.edu.
Donor Recognition Events
Crimson Celebration
An annual donor recognition event that celebrates the generosity and impact of WSU’s newly welcomed honorees to the Benefactors, Laureates, and/or 1890 Legacy Society gift clubs within the previous fiscal year.
Fireside Chat
An exclusive virtual conversation that provides all gift club donors with direct access to university leadership and insights into WSU priorities, achievements, and opportunities.
Leaders in Philanthropy Newsletter
A donor-focused publication that highlights the impact of philanthropy, shares stories of student and faculty success, and keeps supporters connected to WSU and the impact their generosity supports.
Presidential Book Club
WSU System President, Betsy Cantwell, selects a book tied to leadership, innovation, or WSU’s mission, which is mailed to all Laureate households and discussed in an exclusive book club conversation.
Donor Recognition Group Benefits
Each of our four donor recognition groups offer unique benefits and access to exclusive events and communications. See the chart below for full donor recognition group offerings:
| Program/Benefit | Butch’s Club | Benefactors | Laureates | 1890 Legacy Society |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Packet | Magnet | Framed Water Color Painting Glassy Baby | Custom Silk Scarf & Tie | Welcome Lapel Pin |
| Crimson Celebration Recognition | YES! | YES! | YES! | |
| Leaders in Philanthropy Newsletter | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! |
| Fireside Chat | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! |
| Presidential Book Club | YES! |
