Northwestern University Leadership Circle

The Northwestern University Leadership Circle (NULC) is a University-wide recognition society that honors contributors who make cumulative gifts of $1000 or more to any area of Northwestern during the fiscal year. It connects the University's philanthropic supporters to one another locally and across the US through regional NULC events, and has a dedicated national board helping to shape the NULC's mission and impact.

There are many ways you can reach the leadership giving threshold and join the NULC, including through recurring gifts and company matching gifts.

Levels and Benefits

In recognition of their generous support, members receive a number of exclusive benefits:

Recent Undergraduate Alumni

Undergraduate alumni who graduated within the last nine years can take advantage of adjusted giving rates to join the NULC, gaining access to a powerful network of Northwestern supporters. Recent alumni receive benefits at the Member level.

• Undergraduate students —$120/year
• 2021-2024 graduates—$250/year
• 2016-2020 graduates—$500/year

Member ($1,000/year)

• Invitations to the Insider Series, which feature exclusive and interactive interviews with University leaders and faculty innovators
• Digital recognition in the NULC honor roll
• Virtual assistance from an NULC donor liaison who can answer questions about your giving
• Stories in our email newsletter about the the difference your philanthropy makes for Northwestern's students, faculty and programs

Fellow ($2,500/year)

• Printed recognition in the NULC honor roll
• Two one-day Evanston campus parking permits by request
• Invitations to regional NULC events
• Plus all Member benefits

Sustainer ($5,000/year)

• One-on-one access to an NULC donor liaison who can answer your giving questions and help you explore specific giving opportunities to make your philanthropy even more impactful
• Five one-day Evanston campus parking permits by request
• Plus all Fellow benefits

Deans’ Circle ($10,000/year)

• Invitations to exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at Northwestern venues and regional University events for you and a guest. Past tours have included The Block Museum of Art, Deering Library, the Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center, and Dearborn Observatory
• Plus all Sustainer benefits

President’s Circle ($25,000/year)

• Opportunities to attend select University events
• Plus all Deans’ Circle benefits

Founders’ Circle ($50,000/year)

• Personal VIP assistance
• Private campus tours of new buildings and special exhibits
• Access to small private gatherings with other donors and University Faculty
• Plus all President’s Circle benefits

Most NULC members also belong to NU Loyal, which recognizes donors who give to Northwestern for three or more consecutive fiscal years. The generosity and commitment of NULC and NU Loyal members help ensure Northwestern's place among the world's best universities.

Per IRS regulations, gifts from donor-advised funds or foundations may not be eligible for all NULC benefits. Please call the NULC office at 847-467-2384 or contact nu-leadership@northwestern.edu for more information.

To learn more about the Leadership Circle, regional offerings, and more, please select from the options below: