Engage with us

We welcome all who want to make the world a better place

By contributing to the Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council (WPLC) Fund, your donation doesn’t just support one specific cause or program at IU; it fuels a community of change-makers who are collectively working to drive positive transformation across all areas of the university.

When you give, you are investing in innovative projects and initiatives that empower students, faculty, and staff—ensuring their ideas and contributions help shape IU’s future.

Women’s Philanthropy Circle Member benefits

  • Founding membership opportunity: Become an inaugural member of the Women’s Philanthropy Circle by making a minimum gift of $1,000 by June 30, 2026. Membership levels and more details can be found below.
  • Grantmaking: Participate in community-driven grantmaking decisions, influencing the direction of funds to initiatives that align with the Women’s Philanthropy’s mission.
  • Connections: Engage with other members from the circle and leadership council for valuable networking opportunities. Mentorship potential exists both as a mentor or mentee.
  • Exclusive invitations and opportunities: Women’s Philanthropy events foster learning, personal growth, and connection with other like-minded individuals, and receive all Women’s Philanthropy communications, including newsletters and updates.

To learn more about the circle, please contact us at wpiu@iu.edu.

Effective philanthropy means knowing that sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow, but you always commit to the greater good of the cause. The causes we serve demand nothing less.

Maureen Hackett, philanthropist, co-founder and president, Hackett Family Foundation in Houston, Texas

Join our work at one of our Women’s Philanthropy Circle member levels

Elinor Ostrom

An IU professor from 1965 to 1991, Ostrom became the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Economics.

For anyone who makes a minimum annual gift of $1,000 to the WPLC Fund.

Frances Marshall

IU's first female African American graduate, Marshall was named "an exceptional woman" in 1919.

For recent alumni (received an IU degree within the last 10 years) who make an annual gift of $100-$999 to the WPLC Fund.

Sarah Parke Morrison

The first woman admitted to IU in 1867 and the first female IU faculty member, Morrison later made the first gift on record from a woman to IU.

For currently enrolled IU students who make an annual gift of at least $25 to the WPLC Fund.