Lifetime Giving Program
While the annual giving program recognizes consistent annual support for programs by graduates and friends, generally funding recurring operating expenses of ongoing, established USMA programs; the lifetime giving program recognizes cumulative support to an array of programs and projects over a donor's lifetime. Both fundraising programs are very important to the Academy and our new plan will ensure that donors receive appropriate recognition for their generosity.
Giving Societies
Giving Societies allow WPAOG to recognize the generosity of long-standing donors and thank them for their support in a way that seeks to create a lasting bond between them and West Point. As a donor's lifetime giving increases, qualifying the donor for membership in the Henry H. (Hap) Arnold Society or higher, the donor will be inducted into the appropriate Society at an annual dinner held at West Point. These Societies allow the West Point Fund to appropriately recognize donors while maximizing tax benefits for donors and containing expenses for WPAOG.
Lifetime Giving Society Levels
The total of all gifts received by WPAOG for USMA during a donor's lifetime determines membership in the new giving societies. Corporate matching gifts will count toward society membership. Total lifetime giving will be recognized by society membership as described in the table below.
| Society |
Total Lifetime Contributions |
Recognition |
|
Thomas Jefferson
|
$10,000,000 or more |
Annual dinner at West Point to honor donors whose cumulative gifts total $100,000 or more.
Name on the appropriate lifetime giving plaque to honor donors whose cumulative gifts total $100,000 or more.
Society members listed in the Annual Report of Gifts.
Lapel pins designating Society membership.
|
|
Dwight D. Eisenhower
|
$5,000,000 to $9,999.999 |
|
MacArthur
|
$2,500,000 to
$4,999,999 |
|
Ulysses S. Grant
|
$1,000,000 to $2,499,999 |
|
Omar N. Bradley
|
$500,000 to $999,999 |
|
Henry H. (Hap) Arnold
|
$100,000 to $499,999 |
|
John J. Pershing
|
$25,000 to $99,999 |
Dual Membership for Cullum Society Members
While the Lifetime Giving Societies recognize donors for outright and irrevocable deferred gifts (the latter at "present value"), WPAOG’s Cullum Society recognizes donors who make deferred gifts of $25,000 or more for both revocable and irrevocable gifts. Therefore, an irrevocable deferred gift, such as a charitable remainder trust, charitable gift annuity, or gift of a life insurance policy, counts toward membership in both the Lifetime Societies and the Cullum Society.
Make an Impact
WPAOG has many opportunities for donors to support USMA's mission to graduate leaders of character. Direct gifts impact today's cadets while planned gifts leave a legacy for tomorrow's cadets.