The UW Foundation recently invested in new technology in an effort to improve our platform and workflow. Due to this transition, we are not able to enroll new Society memberships at this time. We apologize for this temporary inconvenience, and we are working to restart enrollments as soon as possible.
Created in 2012, UW–Madison’s 1848 Society celebrates donors who provide cumulative annual support of $1,000 or more to high-priority discretionary funds for the University. Gifts directed to discretionary funds are essential because they are immediately accessible, ensuring that contributions are used to address the greatest needs within donors’ chosen areas of giving. This type of continuous donor support has the power to award life-changing opportunities to students, advance high-impact research, and ensure the ongoing recruitment and retention of exceptional faculty. To make a qualifying gift, or learn more, you can contact us, or read on below.
High-Priority Funds
Your affiliation with the 1848 Society is determined by gifts and pledges you make each year to high-impact discretionary funds like the ones listed below.
Campus Initiatives
- Chancellor’s Annual Fund
- Great People Annual Scholarship Fund
- Raimey-Noland Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Fund
Schools and Colleges
- CALS Fund
- College of Engineering Annual Fund
- College of Letters & Science Annual Fund
- Environmental Futures Fund
- Law School Annual Fund
- School of Education Annual Fund
- School of Human Ecology Annual Fund
- School of Nursing Annual Fund
- School of Pharmacy Fund
- School of Veterinary Medicine Fund
- Wisconsin School of Business Fund
Qualifications for Membership
Entry-level participation in the 1848 Society requires cumulative giving of $1,000 each calendar year. This may be achieved with one, or multiple gifts. Monthly gifts qualify when $1,000 in total annual giving is reached. For recent graduates (those who are 0–10 years out from graduation), entry level involves an annual investment of $500.
Benefits of Membership
The UW is grateful for the philanthropic leadership of 1848 Society members. As a token of gratitude, all 1848 Society donors receive special communications and exclusive opportunities throughout the year, including access to Grandparents University, Home Field Advantage, and WAA Travel experiences.