The Benjamin Franklin Society (BFS) is the University of Pennsylvania’s leadership circle of annual fund donors.
The Wharton School recognizes donors who generously contribute $2,500 or more annually to The Wharton Fund. Recent Wharton graduates, up to four years after graduation, can join at the Young Franklin Society level with gifts of $1,000 or more.
Wharton thrives on the generous leadership support of its BFS members.
FY23-24 Investor’s Report
Benjamin Franklin Society members have an outsized impact on the Wharton School. We invite you to view The Wharton Fund’s FY23-24 Investor’s Report, which provides insight into how your leadership support powers Wharton.
Join the Benjamin Franklin Society today
Choose the leadership level that’s right for you
Dean’s Circle
The Dean’s Circle represents a small, elite group of the School’s most generous leadership donors who make up less than 1% of all Wharton Fund donors. Their contributions account for the largest portion of the Fund’s total giving.
Make a sustaining impact in the Dean’s Circle through a $500,000 commitment over five years.
Benefits
- Recognition in the Donor Honor Roll
- Recognition at alumni events
- Exclusive Wharton-branded giveaways
- Invitations to special events, including a BFS Reception at Reunion Weekend and one in New York City
- Early access to Lifelong Learning opportunities, including webinars
- Early access to The Wharton Fund’s Investor Report
- Special acknowledgement from Dean Erika James
Anvil Society
The Anvil Society is named after the symbol of the Wharton School in homage to Joseph Wharton’s contributions to the metal industry.
Make a sustaining impact in the Anvil Society through a $250,000 commitment over five years.
Benefits
- Recognition in the Donor Honor Roll
- Recognition at alumni events
- Exclusive Wharton-branded giveaways
- Invitations to special events, including a BFS Reception at Reunion Weekend and one in New York City
- Early access to Lifelong Learning opportunities, including webinars
- Early access to The Wharton Fund’s Investor Report
- Special acknowledgement from Dean Erika James
Joseph Wharton Society
Named for the School’s founder, the Joseph Wharton Society is one of the most impactful levels due to the number of members and the generosity of their contributions.
Make a sustaining impact in the Joseph Wharton Society through a $125,000 commitment over five years.
Benefits
- Recognition in the Donor Honor Roll
- Recognition at alumni events
- Exclusive Wharton-branded giveaways
- Invitations to special events, including a BFS Reception at Reunion Weekend and one in New York City
- Early access to Lifelong Learning opportunities, including webinars
- Early access to The Wharton Fund’s Investor Report
- Special acknowledgement from Dean Erika James
Founder
The Founder Level is the society’s most rapidly growing level of membership.
Make a sustaining impact at the Founder level through a $50,000 commitment over five years.
Benefits
- Recognition in the Donor Honor Roll
- Recognition at alumni events
- Exclusive Wharton-branded giveaways
- Invitations to special events, including a BFS Reception at Reunion Weekend and one in New York City
- Early access to Lifelong Learning opportunities, including webinars
- Early access to The Wharton Fund’s Investor Report
- Special acknowledgement from Dean Erika James
Fellow
The Fellow Level is for donors who wish to take their commitment to the next level.
Make a sustaining impact at the Fellow level through a $25,000 commitment over five years.
Benefits
- Recognition in the Donor Honor Roll
- Recognition at alumni events
- Exclusive Wharton-branded giveaways
- Invitations to special events, including a BFS Reception at Reunion Weekend and one in New York City
- Early access to Lifelong Learning opportunities, including webinars
- Special acknowledgement from Chief Advancement Officer, Bill Bole
Associate
The Associate Level is the entry point to membership in the Benjamin Franklin Society.
Make a sustaining impact at the Associate level through a $12,500 commitment over five years.
Benefits
- Recognition in the Donor Honor Roll
- Recognition at alumni events
- Exclusive Wharton-branded giveaways
- Invitations to special events, including a BFS Reception at Reunion Weekend and one in New York City
- Early access to Lifelong Learning opportunities, including webinars
- Special acknowledgement from Chief Advancement Officer, Bill Bole
Young Franklin Society
Eligible for Wharton graduate alumni who are 0-4 years since graduation, the Young Franklin Society is for recent graduates who want to be philanthropic leaders immediately after graduation.
Benefits
- Recognition in the Donor Honor Roll
- Recognition at alumni events
- Exclusive Wharton-branded giveaways
- Invitations to special events, including a BFS Reception at Reunion Weekend and one in New York City
- Early access to Lifelong Learning opportunities, including webinars
- Special acknowledgement from Chief Advancement Officer, Bill Bole
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a Benjamin Franklin Society member?
Become a member by giving $2,500 or more to The Wharton Fund within a single fiscal year.
You can support The Wharton Fund through one or more gifts or pledge payments. Gifts from donor advised funds, private foundations, matching gifts, or spousal credit all qualify towards your BFS membership.
If you are a recent graduate of Wharton (0-4 years from graduation), your membership can start at $1,000 or more.
How are Benjamin Franklin Society members recognized?
Donors retain the right to be anonymous at any time. This does not affect their membership status.
BFS members receive recognition at University and School events and in publications such as Wharton’s annual Donor Honor Roll. View the School’s most recent Honor Roll.
BFS members have the opportunity to be featured in a Benjamin Franklin Member Spotlight.
What funds qualify for Benjamin Franklin Society membership?
While the Wharton School is grateful for support of any kind, only those gifts designated to The Wharton Fund are eligible for BFS membership at the Wharton School.
Gifts toward any annual fund across the University qualify for membership in the University-wide Benjamin Franklin Society.
Contact Us
If you wish to speak to someone about making a leadership gift to The Wharton Fund, please contact Diana Paterno at +1.215.898.1612 or email her at dianapat@wharton.upenn.edu.
Ways to Give
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact The Wharton Fund at +1.215.898.7868 or whartonfund@wharton.upenn.edu
The University's fiscal year is July 1 - June 30. Penn's Tax ID/EIN is 23-1352685.
Make checks payable to: “The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania”
Please include your name (and your spouse’s name if applicable), affiliation(s) and how to allocate your gift (ex. The Wharton Fund).
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