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Women’s Philanthropy Initiative

​As alumnae, we harness our collective strength to bolster leaders, students, and scholars at Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). By joining together and supporting the FAS with a gift to the Harvard College Fund, we make an immediate difference in the lives of students, catalyze research to address the world’s most pressing problems, and help FAS leaders achieve their visions. Through the visibility of our impact, we amplify the voices of Harvard women and inspire Harvard’s next generation of global leaders.

Throughout the University’s history, alumnae have forged paths that transform generations, both in Cambridge and around the world. Our entire community thrives when women leaders come together, and our shared generosity today empowers Harvard College for the future.​

Roles and Responsibilities Commitment Levels
Hopi Hoekstra

“Keeping the unique ecosystem of Harvard strong and vibrant has never been more important to the world around us. I’m excited for the opportunity to innovate as we imagine how best to ensure Harvard’s academic excellence for the generations to come.”

– Hopi Hoekstra
Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences,
C. Y. Chan Professor of Arts and Sciences,
Xiaomeng Tong and Yu Chen Professor of Life Sciences

Roles and Responsibilities

As part of the Women’s Philanthropy Initiative (WPI), alumnae leaders continue the Harvard College Fund tradition of collective generosity in action. They join a dynamic philanthropic and volunteer community dedicated to supporting Harvard students and faculty wherever they need it most. Founders and Members take an active role in strengthening alumnae ties and celebrating alumnae giving by connecting across their Harvard networks, asking their peers to join them as visible leaders, and securing leadership-level support for the FAS.

All WPI participants gain access to elite events with Harvard decision-makers such as deans, administrators, and faculty. These regional and on-campus gatherings are a chance to connect with the College, network with one another, and learn how their support drives the most exciting new ideas at Harvard. In turn, WPI participants galvanize fellow alumnae around the promise of their collective investment in these possibilities.

The menu below outlines a variety of ways to get involved through the WPI by strengthening the alumnae community and deepening its impact on behalf of today’s students. We invite you to connect with Harvard College Fund staff to discuss how you would like to engage depending on your personal interests and bandwidth.

Connect Through Philanthropy

  • Make your commitment to join the Women’s Philanthropy Initiative within the Founders or Members Circle.
  • Encourage your peers to support the Faculty of Arts and Sciences through a Harvard College Fund gift.
  • Ask fellow alumnae to join you as a visible leader of Harvard’s community of alumnae donors with their own commitment to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
  • Encourage fellow alumnae leaders across generations, backgrounds, and fields to participate through their own volunteerism, helping to foster an inclusive and diverse community.

Build and Convene Community

  • Host and participate in social get-togethers and roundtable discussions for alumnae in your region, in coordination with Harvard College Fund staff.
  • Encourage your own network of Harvard alumnae to participate in local and on-campus events for the Women’s Philanthropy Initiative.
  • Identify and engage emerging leaders for the next generation of Harvard women.
  • Serve as ambassadors for Dean Hopi Hoekstra and the impact of philanthropic support under her leadership.

 

Commitment Levels and Benefits

Founders’ Circle

Contribute a minimum leadership gift of $250,000 to the Harvard College Fund (may be payable over 5 years)*

  • Invitation to annual Founders Circle gathering
  • Special opportunities to connect with fellow Founders and Harvard senior administrators locally, virtually, and on campus throughout the year
  • Opportunities to help strengthen, shape, and elevate your local alumnae community by supporting and hosting WPI events
  • All benefits enjoyed by Members’ Circle

Members’ Circle

Contribute a minimum annual leadership gift of $25,000 to the Harvard College Fund ($10,000 for graduates of the last 15 years)*

  • Invitation to regional WPI events with Harvard administrators or faculty members
  • Invitation to the annual Women’s Philanthropy Summit on campus with an opportunity to connect with fellow alumnae leaders from around the world and hear from Harvard administrators, faculty, and students
  • Recognition as part of the host committee of regional events connecting your local alumnae community with Harvard administrators and faculty
  • Invitation to the annual President’s Associates Dinner with the University president
  • Inclusion in alumnae leadership roster

* Please note, a gift to the Harvard College Fund may be designated to the following areas: Unrestricted, Financial Aid, SEAS, Faculty Support, Library Support, Graduate Fellowships, and Student Experience.

The Women’s Philanthropy Initiative is open to any FAS-degree holder who makes a qualifying gift to the Harvard College Fund.

Contact Us

Kelsey TruebloodSenior Associate Director of Development 
Jessica KiddDevelopment Coordinator