The Founders Society

Membership in The Founders Society* is bestowed to individuals who support the medical school through generous philanthropy and volunteerism. In this prestigious recognition program, we honor medical alumni, faculty, friends, and staff members who make annual and cumulative gifts to support our essential teaching and research missions. We also recognize volunteer service to the medical school. 

As members of The Founders Society, your leadership continues a long legacy of excellence. Since the medical school’s beginning in 1859, Feinberg’s history includes numerous founders who have established innovative medical education curriculum and high-impact research programs that are contributing to breakthroughs in care for patients across the globe. Many of these contributions to society have been made possible by our philanthropic partners who have likewise founded new scholarships, professorships, and fellowships and invested in state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities at the medical school. Your support today builds the foundation for tomorrow’s medical school.

*Formerly the Nathan Smith Davis Society.

Membership Groups

Membership in The Founders Society is based on the university’s fiscal year (Sept. 1 through Aug. 31).

Cumulative Giving

• Benefactor Society: Cumulative lifetime giving totaling $1,000,000 or more
• Lifetime Giving Society: Cumulative lifetime giving totaling $35,000-$999,999

Annual Giving – Northwestern University Leadership Circle

• Founders' Circle: Annual gifts totaling $50,000 or more
• President's Circle: Annual gifts totaling $25,000-$49,999
• Deans' Circle: Annual gifts totaling $10,000-$24,999
• Sustainer: Annual gifts totaling $5,000-$9,999
• Fellow: Annual gifts totaling $2,500-$4,999
• Member: Annual gifts totaling $1,000-$2,499
• Young Alumni Society (New Levels!): By years since earning MD, PT, and PA degrees
  • 5-9 years: $250
  • 2-4 years: $50
  • 0-1 year: Any amount

This membership group is for those who are actively engaged in volunteer activities benefiting the medical school, such as advisory and editorial boards, student mentorship, hosting regional events, and alumni-related activities such as board membership, reunion participation, and class giving efforts.