1889 Club
About the Society
Named in honor of Western Carolina University’s founding year, the 1889 Club recognizes donors for gifts made to the Fund for WCU on an annual basis. Supported through gifts to the Fund for WCU (unrestricted private gifts) within the Western Carolina University Foundation, the program is designed to provide a consistent source of funding for colleges and other units at WCU in support of initiatives that enhance the engagement of alumni and community stakeholders to the philanthropic activities of the university. Members of the 1889 Club are among the donors to the Fund for WCU.
The 1889 Club encompasses those who make gifts in amounts ranging from $18.89 to $1,889 annually.
Impact
The 1889 Impact Grants Program, launched in 2021, helps WCU colleges, departments, and units to support initiatives that align with WCU’s philanthropic priorities and further enhance the engagement of alumni and stakeholders to the philanthropic life of the university. Each year, all donations to the Fund for WCU are divided into three buckets – the 1889 Impact Grants Program, 1889 Fund Scholarships, and ongoing stewardship initiatives by the Division of Advancement. Read the FY23 1889 Impact Grant Report.
Giving Levels and Benefits
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Specialized thank you card
- Annual 1889 Impact Grant Program update
- Collectible 1889 stickers
- Philanthropy Cords (seniors only)
- Invitation to the Senior Toast (seniors only)
-
Specialized thank you card
- Annual 1889 Impact Grant Program update
- Collectible 1889 lapel pin
-
Specialized thank you card
- Annual 1889 Impact Grant Program update
- Collectible 1889 stickers
-
Specialized thank you card
- Annual 1889 Impact Grant Program update
- Collectible 1889 lapel pin
-
Specialized thank you card
- Annual 1889 Impact Grant Program update
- Invitation to the WCU Foundation's Annual Scholars Showcase
- Invitation to the WCU Foundation's Annual Planting Day
- Collectible 1889 lapel pin
Memberships are based on the university's academic year, which runs July 1 - June 30.
WCU Giving Societies
The generosity of our donors and friends highlights the philanthropic spirit that drives our growth and propels our vision. To exemplify this reciprocity, WCU has four Giving Societies—two for lifetime giving and two for annual giving. WCU believes in the transformative power of building relationships, and we welcome you to join us.