The Westlands Society is an exciting network of alumni, past parents, faculty, staff, and friends who provide leadership support to The Fund for Sarah Lawrence. Every day the steadfast generosity of these essential donors drives our annual giving efforts while inspiring others to follow their lead. Their yearly contributions—representing all levels of leadership annual giving—are put to immediate use funding the College's highest priorities, enabling Sarah Lawrence to attract and retain exceptional students and faculty and continue its unique approach to education. All gifts to the Fund for Sarah Lawrence have always been used to fund the most pressing needs of the College.
We’ve named this group of philanthropic leaders the Westlands Society, in honor of the iconic building that is so emblematic of the College. Just as that structure represents the heart of our campus, the Westlands Society represents the heart of our fundraising community.
In appreciation for their generosity, members of the Westlands Society receive unparalleled access to the vibrant life of the College, with invitations to exclusive events and unique communications from College leaders.
Levels & Benefits
Associate's Circle ($1,000-$2,499)
Undergraduate alumni 11 years after graduation, graduate alumni, past parents, faculty, staff, and friends ($1,000–$2,499)
Undergraduate alumni 6–10 years after graduation ($500–$2,499)
Undergraduate alumni 1–5 years after graduation ($250–$2,499)
- Invitation to an annual cocktail event
- Quarterly updates from College leaders
- Invitation to a special reunion event
Scholar's Circle ($2,500-$4,999)
- Invitation to an annual cocktail event
- Quarterly updates from College leaders
- Invitation to a special reunion event
- Sarah Lawrence signature gift
- A special invitation to a student performance or athletic event
Don's Circle ($5,000-$9,999)
- Invitation to an annual cocktail event
- Quarterly updates from College leaders
- Invitation to a special reunion event
- Sarah Lawrence signature gift
- A special invitation to a student performance or athletic event
- A special invitation to a faculty presentation
Dean's Circle ($10,000-$24,999)
- Invitation to an annual cocktail event
- Quarterly updates from College leaders
- Invitation to a special reunion event
- Sarah Lawrence signature gift
- A special invitation to a student performance or athletic event
- A special invitation to a faculty presentation
- An autographed book by Sarah Lawrence faculty or alumni
President's Circle ($25,000 or more)
- Invitation to an annual cocktail event
- Quarterly updates from College leaders
- Invitation to a special reunion event
- Sarah Lawrence signature gift
- A special invitation to a student performance or athletic event
- A special invitation to a faculty presentation
- An autographed book by Sarah Lawrence faculty or alumni
- An invitation to a special event hosted by President Cristle Collins Judd
Donors may join the Westlands Society or renew their annual membership through any combination of a one-time gift, a corporate matching gift, and/or a monthly recurring gift. A circle threshold must be reached annually between June 1 and May 31 to qualify for the following year.
For households with multiple donors to Sarah Lawrence, individual gifts may be combined to fulfill a leadership level giving requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Westlands Society?
The Westlands Society is an exciting new network of alumni, past parents, faculty, staff, and friends who provide leadership annual support to The Fund for Sarah Lawrence. Yearly contributions from members play a vital role in supporting our students and the College’s mission, and members receive a variety of benefits.
How does the College use my gift to the Fund for Sarah Lawrence?
Gifts to The Fund for Sarah Lawrence are put to immediate use funding the College’s highest priorities. They empower Sarah Lawrence to enroll and retain exceptional students regardless of socioeconomic background, enable the college to attract and retain talented faculty, insuring our unique approach to education, and invest in our technological and environmental infrastructure.
What are some of the benefits of being a member in the Westlands Society?
Benefits vary by membership level. In appreciation for their generosity, members receive unparalleled access to the vibrant life of the College including invitations to events, unique communications from College leaders, and expressions of gratitude throughout the year.
Can I make multiple gifts throughout the year and/or include employer matching gifts to fulfill my Westlands Society membership?
Yes, many donors fulfill their membership by giving more than once a year and some have set up a monthly sustaining gift to the College to make their annual membership contribution more convenient. Matching gifts from employers also count toward membership. Often donors will use a matching gift to increase their support to Sarah Lawrence. Cumulative gifts must be received within the College’s fiscal year of June 1 through May 31 to qualify for membership in the following year.
My partner and I are both alumni. Do we both need to give at a leadership level to be members of the Westlands Society?
Great news…a leadership annual gift split between the two of you will count toward fulfilling your household membership in the Westlands Society.
What if I am not able to meet the threshold giving level of the Westlands Society?
Though we have launched the Westlands Society to develop leadership support, alumni participation at all levels is still critically important. All gifts, regardless of the amount, are essential to helping us to fulfill the College’s mission and to support each and every student.
Who can I speak with to get more information about the Westlands Society?
All members of the Fund for Sarah Lawrence staff are happy to speak with you about the Westlands Society. They can be reached at 914.813.9220 and at annual@sarahlawrence.edu.
