Founder’s Society

Founder's Society logo of the lamp at the top of the Wheeler entrance gates with the 1889 in script

Outstanding charitable support is an important tradition at Wheeler that began with our school’s founder, Mary C. Wheeler. The continued vibrancy of her legacy on our campuses today is possible only thanks to the significant, ongoing support of a group of champions committed to her ideals. Therefore, we recognize donors whose yearly gifts to Wheeler total $1,000 or more ($100-$250 for alumni who graduated within the last ten years) as members of the Founder’s Society.

The loyalty and investment of this special group of approximately 260 leadership supporters each year remain central to our success. Together, Founder’s Society donors provide the majority of the philanthropy to Wheeler, whether by establishing endowed funds that ensure Wheeler’s long-term health, underwriting capital projects that transform the campus, or, critically, setting an example with their generous commitments to the Wheeler Fund.

Wheeler shows its gratitude for the commitment of its Founder’s Society donors through invitations to special events, opportunities to deepen their connection to Wheeler’s leadership, and recognition in the Founders Society section of the yearly honor roll of donors.

  • Head of School Circle ($25,000+)
  • Hope Street Circle ($10,000-$24,999)
  • Meeting Street Circle ($5,000-$9,999)
  • Angell Street Circle ($2,500-$4,999)
  • Founder ($1,000+)
  • Young Founder ($100 for alumni with 5 years of graduation, $250 for alumni 6-10 years after graduation)
    Founder’s Society membership is based on total tax-deductible cash gifts by individuals to The Wheeler School during our fiscal year of July 1 to June 30.

If you would like to learn more about the Founder’s Society and how you could join this group of leadership donors, please contact Grace Lehan at gracelehan@wheelerschool.org or (401) 528-2151.