Investors Circle: we asked, you responded, we listened

May 20, 2021 - Shannon Duvall

The School of Business recently surveyed 510 current and recent Investors Circle members as we considered changes to the donor society levels and benefits. Thanks to all who participated. Respondents included alumni, friends, and corporate donors from regions throughout Virginia as well as out of state. They represented the diversity of our donors with regard to age, class year, and giving level.

In general, we asked about types of preferred benefits, increasing minimum giving levels, and using unrestricted giving to qualify – a practice similar to all other annual giving societies on the Monroe Park campus. You told us now was not a good time to increase giving level minimums, counting unrestricted gifts makes sense, and you like the current events but want more opportunities for engagement.

We heard you! The minimum level to qualify for Investors Circle will remain $1,000 ($500 for graduates of the last decade, and faculty/staff). We will grandfather in all donors with existing pledges. Moving forward, only gifts to School of Business unrestricted funds (annual fund, general School of Business merit or opportunity scholarship funds, and dean’s Impact Fund) will count toward Investors Circle membership. The donor honor roll may now be found on our website. Opportunities for engagement, both in-person and virtual, increase with each additional Investors Circle level.

Please visit the Investors Circle page for a list of benefits including c-suite level speakers, networking receptions, opportunities to interact with students, a ‘season pass’ of events and activities, and exclusive opportunities with VCU Business leadership. If you have questions about these Investors Circle changes, please contact Chief Development Officer Shannon Duvall at skduvall@vcu.edu or your VCU Business fundraiser.

Your continued support has a direct, positive impact on VCU Business students, faculty, and programs. On behalf of all who benefit, we are truly grateful.