Giving Societies

The Simmons University Giving Societies were created to convey our gratitude. Through generous financial support, alumnae/i and friends bring Simmons University to life, every day.  

Cupola Society

Investing in Simmons students, today and always

Established in 2019, the Cupola Society celebrates all those who have contributed to The Simmons Fund, in any amount, for two or more cumulative years. 

This special community includes alumnae/i and friends from every graduating class and field of study and provides reliable, annual support to Simmons students, through scholarships and student aid, great learning facilities, outstanding faculty, and a diverse and vibrant campus culture.

Benefits for Cupola Society members

Benefits include: your name in the Cupola Society roster, listed by graduation year (for alumnae/i); special event invitations; for 15 or more years of giving, an invitation to an annual community webinar; and for 25 or more years of giving, a hard copy of the incoming first-year reading list. 

1899 Society

A Simmons Tradition

In 1899, Simmons University (then Simmons College) was founded with a bequest from John Simmons. His generosity changed history and, today, that tradition continues through the 1899 Society, recognizing alumnae/i and friends who contribute $1,899 or more each year to The Simmons Fund. 

Gifts made by 1899 Society members are vital to the success of our students and provide an inspirational example of generosity to the Simmons community. 

1899 Society giving levels

President's Circle, $25,000 and above    
Deans’ Circle, $10,000 - $24,999         
Centennial Circle, $5,000 - $9,999
Founding Member, $2,500 - $4,999    
Member, $1,899 - $2,499

Benefits for 1899 Society giving levels

Each giving level offers unique benefits such as recognition in donor listings;  Simmons note cards; invitations to VIP events; and opportunities to meet with Simmons leadership. 

John Simmons Society

Celebrating History. Building our Future.

The John Simmons Society (JSS) honors alumnae/i and friends who have remembered Simmons University through a planned gift. 

Planned giving choices include gifts made through a will (bequests), charitable gift annuities, and beneficiary designations on a retirement account. Many planned gifts offer benefits to donors as well, such as income and potential tax savings, as well as the joy of creating a personal legacy.

Benefits for JSS members

Benefits include a personalized letter from President Lynn Perry Wooten; invitations to special events including a Reunion VIP reception; inclusion in JSS members listing (alumnae/i only); and copies of the incoming first-year summer reading list and faculty publication list.

Simmons Fund Scholars

A Simmons Fund scholarship opens doors and empowers dreams.

Simmons Fund Scholars are students who are deeply committed to their education, engaged in the classroom and on campus, and display the learning and leadership potential to succeed at Simmons and in the world. 

Sponsoring a scholar for one or more years as well as establishing named scholarships (e.g., the Jane Smith Scholarship) are inspiring ways to ensure a lasting impact for Simmons students. 

Benefits for supporters of the Simmons Fund Scholars program

Scholarship giving starts at $10,000 and benefits include: 1899 Society membership; invitations to special, scholarship donor events; and donor impact reports. 

For more information regarding these giving opportunities and societies, please email Sarah Cormier ’05. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Giving Circle

Advancing Simmons as the most inclusive academic community in New England

Established in 2021, the DEI Giving Circle is a learning community of dedicated alums, friends, parents, faculty, and staff who join together in inclusive philanthropy. Membership includes an annual vote within selected institutional priorities to direct where DEI Giving Circle contributions make an impact.

• Founding Partner Level - starting at $1,000
• GOLD (graduates of the last decade) Founding Level - starting at $500
• Faculty and Staff Founding Level - starting at $500

January 2021- DEI Giving Circle is opened to our community
March 2021 - Community Kickoff event
April 2021 - Voting on impact area to direct philanthropy
June 2021 - Annual status report

• Read the FY21 DEI Giving Circle Impact Report.

For more information on the DEI Giving Circle, please contact [email protected].

Benefits for DEI Giving Circle members

Benefits include access to the following community resources:

• Exclusive invitations to virtual events, with access to faculty and senior leadership.
• Simmons Network group dedicated to DEI goals.
• Opportunity to create community goals that align with Simmons' DEI priorities.
• Annual vote within selected institutional priorities to direct where DEI Giving Circle contributions make an impact.
• Annual status report on how philanthropic efforts impact Simmons students.