John Harvard StatueWe appreciate every gift and have many ways to demonstrate gratitude for donor generosity. It may be helpful to share how commitments are recognized during your conversations with peers:

Acknowledgments

Harvard places great importance on thanking donors in a timely and meaningful way for their support. Various University officials send letters of appreciation for gifts, pledges, and major pledge payments. Acknowledgments are signed by administrators such as the president of the University, the Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the FAS associate vice president and dean of development, and the executive director of the Harvard College Fund, as well as alumni volunteer leaders. Harvard aims to provide acknowledgments that truly recognize the remarkable generosity of our donors and convey the warmest appreciation on behalf of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. 

Alumni and Development Services issues tax receipts to the legal donor of the gift (that is, individual, foundation, donor-advised fund, or corporation). Tax receipts are mailed within approximately two weeks of Harvard’s recording a gift.

Communications

The Harvard College Fund Annual Report of Giving is the primary publication that highlights giving to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Gifts of $1,000 and above to the Harvard College Fund receive recognition in the Annual Report. Similarly, donors to the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are highlighted in donor lists communicated to fellow alumni. Donors may also receive recognition in various other print and electronic communications.

Giving Societies

The following societies exist to honor various kinds of generosity directed toward the Faculty of Arts and Sciences:

The 1636 Loyalty Society honors the Harvard College Fund’s most loyal donors who contribute every year. Membership in this special community begins with a donor’s second consecutive annual gift and continues with ongoing yearly support. Gifts, pledges, or pledge payments of any amount qualify a donor for the Society.

Associates Giving honors donors who have given $1,000 or more to the Harvard College Fund. (Recent graduates qualify with a lower amount.) Gifts at this level are the cornerstone of the Fund’s annual giving efforts, championing the need for consistent support from every class. Associates donors furnish leadership support on an annual basis, helping to provide steady funding for the College.

The Harvard Yard Society recognizes donors who choose to support Harvard annually by making flexible, immediate-use gifts of $50,000 or more to the Harvard College Fund, Graduate School Fund, or the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Annual membership includes listing on the Harvard Yard Society donor wall and communications illustrating how the FAS has benefited from this kind of support.

The John Harvard Society recognizes individuals who have made a life income gift or bequest provision (and notified Harvard of their intentions) for Harvard College, the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, or the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Events

We endeavor to honor donor generosity throughout the year in a variety of settings.