Celebrating the Impact of Your Generosity
At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, philanthropy fuels innovation, empowers students, supports faculty excellence, and advances discoveries that shape the future. Our Giving Societies recognize and celebrate the donors whose generosity strengthens the Institute and helps propel RPI’s mission forward.
Whether through annual support, sustained giving over time, or a lasting legacy commitment, every gift makes a difference. We are proud to recognize our donor community through three distinct societies that honor exceptional commitment to RPI.
The Annual Patroon Society
Recognizing Annual Philanthropic Leadership
The Annual Patroon Society honors donors whose gifts to RPI during a single fiscal year (July 1-June 30) demonstrate a meaningful commitment to the Institute’s success.
Annual membership is based on cumulative giving within the fiscal year and includes the following recognition levels:
| Giving Level | Annual Contribution |
|---|---|
| President’s Circle | $100,000+ |
| Founder’s Circle | $50,000 – $99,999 |
| Discovery Circle | $10,000 – $49,999 |
| Patroon Circle | $2,500 – $9,999 |
Young Patroons
Recognizing the generosity of RPI’s newest alumni and current students:
| Young Patroon Level | Annual Contribution |
|---|---|
| Current Students & Graduates (1-4 years out) | $100 – $999 |
| Graduates (5-10 years out) | $1,000 – $2,499 |
Recognition is based on gifts made during a single fiscal year (July 1-June 30).
The Lifetime Patroon Society
Recognizing Transformational Lifetime Giving
The Lifetime Patroon Society honors donors whose cumulative philanthropy has made an extraordinary impact on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Through their enduring generosity, Lifetime Patroon Society members have helped provide scholarships, advance research, enhance facilities, support faculty excellence, and strengthen the student experience. Their commitment reflects a deep and lasting investment in RPI’s mission and future.
Lifetime membership is based on cumulative giving to RPI and is recognized at the following levels:
| Recognition Level | Lifetime Giving |
|---|---|
| 1824 Society | $10,000,000+ |
| Stephen Van Rensselaer Society | $1,000,000 – $9,999,999 |
| George M. Low ’48 Society | $500,000 – $999,999 |
| Livingston W. Houston ’13 Society | $250,000 – $499,999 |
| Amos Eaton Society | $100,000 – $249,999 |
| Palmer C. Ricketts Society | $50,000 – $99,999 |
| B.F. Greene Society | $20,000 – $49,999 |
Lifetime Patroon Society membership is based on cumulative lifetime giving to RPI.
The Catalyst Society
Honoring Consistent Support
The Catalyst Society celebrates the power of sustained philanthropy.
Membership recognizes donors who make gifts and/or pledge payments of any amount for three consecutive fiscal years or more. By supporting RPI year after year, Catalyst Society members provide the stability and momentum that help move important initiatives forward and create lasting opportunities for students and faculty.
Consistent giving strengthens every aspect of the RPI community, making loyal donors an essential part of the Institute’s continued success.
Eligibility: Gifts and pledge payments of any amount for three consecutive fiscal years.
The Heritage Society
Building a Legacy for Future Generations
The Heritage Society recognizes individuals who have chosen to create a lasting impact at RPI through a planned gift.
Members of the Heritage Society have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to future generations by including RPI in their estate plans or by establishing a life income gift. Their foresight helps ensure that future students, faculty, and programs continue to thrive.
Examples of planned gifts may include:
- Bequests through a will or trust
- Charitable gift annuities
- Charitable remainder trusts
- Retirement plan beneficiary designations
- Life insurance beneficiary gifts
The Heritage Society honors those whose vision and generosity will influence RPI far into the future.
Benefits & Recognition
Members of RPI’s Giving Societies may enjoy opportunities such as:
- Special campus tours and experiences
- Invitations to select events
- Early registration opportunities
- Exclusive engagement opportunities
- Recognition among RPI’s community of supporters
Benefits and offerings may vary by society and throughout the year.