Chancellor's Circle

Event at Chanccelor's house
Above: Members of the Chancellor’s Circle occasionally gather at the Kochs’ house for a special event.

Recognition for Giving

The Chancellor's Circle is a recognition program that honors donors who make significant contributions to the University of Illinois in a given fiscal year which begins on July 1 and ends June 30.

Established by the University’s three campuses and the University of Illinois Foundation in the fall of 2006, the Chancellor's Circle promotes the importance of high-end annual giving.

Almost All Gifts Count

  • one-time major gifts;
  • payments on open pledges;
  • gifts made through a payroll deduction plan;
  • annual fund gifts;
  • gifts to public radio, the arts, and athletics

And if your company has a matching program, the gifts your company gives will count toward your total.

The only gifts that don't count are grants, estate distributions, charitable trusts, and contracts, are recognized by the Chancellor's Circle.

Designate your gifts wherever you’d like. It's your choice!

  • Give to one or two or many units on any of the University of Illinois campuses.
  • Give when you make your usual gift during the year or give multiple times throughout the year.

Once your gifts reach a total of $2,500 in that fiscal year (July 1 - June 30), you are automatically a member of the Chancellor's Circle for that year.

What are the recognition levels?

The Chancellor's Circle includes four recognition levels:

  • Platinum: $25,000 or more
  • Gold: $10,000 - $24,999
  • Silver: $5,000 - $9,999
  • Bronze: $2,500 - $4,999

Frequently Asked Questions

I am already a member of the recognition/loyalty society for my college or the program(s) I support. What is different about the Chancellor's Circle?

Many of the donors at the Chancellor's Circle level are also members of a recognition society through their program, department, college, or campus.

The Chancellor's Circle recognizes you for your combined annual support of the University in addition to the recognition you receive from the many interests you support, and it acknowledges the full measure of your generosity to the University.

I’m a member of the Presidents Council, the University’s highest recognition group. Why would I want to be a Chancellor’s Circle member?

The Chancellor's Circle joins the Presidents Council as one of the University’s most prestigious donor recognition societies.

  • The Presidents Council honors individuals or couples who have cumulative lifetime outright gifts of at least $25,000 or a deferred commitment of $50,000 or more. Membership in the Presidents Council is granted for a lifetime.
  • The Chancellor's Circle honors individuals or couples who give a total of $2,500 or more during a fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Membership in the Chancellor's Circle is recognized on an annual basis. The Chancellors Circle offers the opportunity for donors to be recognized by the University each and every year as leaders in current giving.

My company matches my gifts. Will its matching gift count toward my membership?

Yes, matching gifts are included in your fiscal year total.

My company isn’t very prompt in sending its matching gift. What if my company’s matching gift isn’t received before June 30th?

Once we receive your gift and completed matching gift form, your company’s anticipated matching gift will be added to your fiscal year total. But remember, if your company’s matching gift is received during the next fiscal year, it will not be applied toward that fiscal year’s total too, since you will have already received credit for it.

What are the benefits of being a Chancellor's Circle member?

Chancellor's Circle members are recognized in an annual honor roll, published after the close of the fiscal year (June 30) and may receive correspondence from the Chancellor and invitations to and recognition at selected events throughout the year.

I don’t like to have my name published on donor honor rolls. Can I be a member of the Chancellor's Circle and not have my name listed?

Absolutely. Just let us know you prefer not to be listed in the Chancellor's Circle Honor Roll. You can also choose not to have your name published but still be recognized when attending regional and special events.

I still have questions. Whom can I contact?

Please contact Lisa Whelpley at 217.206.6058.