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. The Fund for WCU provides first-year access scholarships, supports impact grants, and ongoing stewardship efforts. 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. The 1889 Club encompasses those who make gifts in amounts ranging from $18.89 to $1,889 annually.
Impact Benefits
Community
Preserving regional historic traditions as they relate to contemporary traditions in Western North Carolina.
Campus
Encouraging growth and connection as a result of bringing people together through music.
Donor Benefits
-
Specialized thank you cards and welcome packet
- Annual 1889 Impact Grant Program update
- Invitation to 1889 Club events
- Collectible 1889 lapel pin*
- Collectible 1889 stickers (students and G.O.L.D. Alumni)
- Philanthropy Cords for senior student donors
Giving Levels
- $18.89 per year for current students
- $18.89 per year for G.O.L.D. Alumni (Graduates of the Last Decade, years 1-5)
- $188.90 per year for G.O.L.D. Alumni (Graduates of the Last Decade years 6-10)
- $1,889 per year for other alumni and friends*
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.