The Citadel Foundation plans, coordinates, and implements fundraising programs on behalf of The Citadel. Private gifts allow the college to fund scholarships, technology enhancements, faculty salary enhancements, facility renovations, and a variety of other campus priorities.

The Citadel Foundation recognizes donors for their gifts to the college through each of its affiliated foundations, including The Citadel Brigadier Foundation and The Citadel Alumni Association as well as The Citadel Foundation.

When you give to The Citadel, you enhance the cause of the unique military education at the college, which is so vital to our nation’s future, especially today. You join a group of individuals who are gratified by being part of The Citadel family of supporters. Depending on the amount or designation of your gifts, you can earn membership in The Citadel Foundation Giving Societies.

Annual Giving Societies

The Citadel Foundation's annual giving societies recognize individuals who make outright annual gifts to The Citadel of $2,500 or more. All gifts and qualifying matching gifts made to the college through The Citadel Foundation, The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, and The Citadel Alumni Association in a calendar year count toward annual giving recognition at one of three levels: Esprit de Corps ($10,000 or more), Gold Stars ($5,000-$9,999), and Dean's List ($2,500-$4,999).

Annual benefactors are recognized each year in the online Honor Roll of Donors to The Citadel.

Esprit de Corps ($10,000 or more)
Donors at this level receive three cadet miniatures.

Gold Stars ($5,000-$9,999)
Donors at this level receive two cadet miniatures.

Dean’s List ($2,500-$4,999)
Donors at this level receive one cadet miniature.

Lifetime Giving Societies

Members of the Lifetime Giving Societies have made a substantial commitment of personal resources to ensure The Citadel’s success in achieving excellence in the education of principled leaders. These societies recognize four levels of individual lifetime cumulative giving, beginning with a total of $100,000. They are named in honor of leaders or significant events that have shaped The Citadel’s history: Society of 1842, Mark Clark Society, Star of the West Society, and Summerall Society.

Individuals become members of the Lifetime Giving Societies based on their cumulative giving over time to The Citadel through one of the college’s affiliated foundations: The Citadel Foundation, The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, and/or The Citadel Alumni Association. Cumulative giving is based on gifts pledged or received through the fiscal year ending December 31, and totals include employer-matching gifts. Qualifying gifts include confirmed commitments of cash, securities, real estate, or gifts-in-kind.

Society of 1842 ($1,000,000 or more)

The Society of 1842 recognizes lifetime support of $1,000,000 or more in outright gifts. Since its founding in 1842, The Citadel has molded individuals into citizen-soldiers who put into action the guiding principles learned in the barracks, in the classroom, and on the parade field as they serve their families, their communities, their professions, and their country with distinction. The Society of 1842 is The Citadel’s most prestigious giving society.

Mark Clark Society ($500,000-$999,999)

The Mark Clark Society recognizes lifetime support of $500,000 or more in outright gifts. General Mark W. Clark (1896-1984) became president of The Citadel after a career seldom equaled in the United States Army. During his tenure (1954-1965), The Citadel achieved international recognition and the Corps of Cadets increased to the maximum capacity of the barracks. One of General Clark’s most enduring accomplishments was the founding of the Cadet Honor Code, whereby a cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.

Star of the West Society ($250,000-$499,999)

The Star of the West Society recognizes lifetime support of $250,000 or more in outright gifts. Citadel graduates have served their country in every conflict since the Mexican War. Named for the historic Civil War action led by a detachment of Citadel cadets, the Star of the West Monument on Summerall Field commemorates all Citadel cadets and graduates who have died in defense of their country and recognizes the strong call to service demonstrated by Citadel men and women.

Summerall Society ($100,000-$249,999)

The Summerall Society recognizes lifetime support of $100,000 or more in outright gifts. General Charles Pelot Summerall (1867-1954) assumed the presidency of The Citadel in 1931 after retiring as Chief of Staff of the United States Army. During his 22-year tenure as president, the campus was greatly expanded to include many of the buildings that shape The Citadel footprint today, including Summerall Chapel, Capers Hall, LeTellier Hall, and McAlister Field House.

Deferred Giving (Bequests and Other Planned Gifts)

Citadel Legacy Society (Planned giving)
The Citadel Legacy Society recognizes alumni and friends who support The Citadel with deferred gifts. Through their generosity and foresight, Legacy donors help to secure the future of the institution through a variety of estate planning tools. The Citadel Legacy Society is open to individuals who have included The Citadel in their estate planning and who provide the college with documentation of their gift.