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The primary goal of this fundraising strategy is to secure financial support for our organization through a diversified giving model. We aim to establish a general membership program and introduce five additional giving circles to boost existing endowments. Supporting the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies allows the center to continue our mission – raising a community of ethical, effective leaders for the twenty-first century.
The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies has a long tradition of providing high-quality, impactful programming to West Michigan. General membership helps us continue to provide impactful programming that allows us to learn from the past, explore the issues in the present, and develop leaders for the future.
Learning from the Past: Our Presidential Studies events allow us to dive into history, connecting its lessons to the essence of leadership. We honor the legacies of past presidents and historical figures and their impact on our nation's history.
Exploring Issues in the Present: Our Common Ground initiative facilitates constructive dialogue on contemporary issues, fostering shared understanding, and civic engagement.
Developing Leaders for the Future: Our Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy provides students with unique opportunities for growth, reflection, and collaboration, empowering them to realize their leadership potential.
Membership Model
Membership gifts at the named president circles will be split between annual programming and endowment.
Membership Levels
based on annual giving to the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
Individual Membership
- Free event parking
- Advance notification of upcoming events
- Access to private pre-event reception for one person
- Opportunity to invite one guest
Dual Membership
- Free event parking
- Advance notification of upcoming events
- Access to private pre-event reception for two people
- Opportunity to invite two guests
President Madison Circle
- All Dual Membership benefits, plus:
- Reserved seating at Hauenstein Center events
- Donor recognition in event programs
- Invitations to VIP luncheons
"The advancement and diffusion of knowledge...is the only guardian of true liberty." - President Madison in a letter to George Thomson, 1825
President Jefferson Circle
- All President Madison Circle benefits, plus:
- Special event invites
"I think by far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowlege among the people. No other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom, and happiness." - President Jefferson to George Wythe, 1786
President Adams Circle
- All President Jefferson Circle benefits, plus:
- Hauenstein Center branded gift
“You will ever remember that all the end of study is to make you a good man and a useful citizen." - President Adams in a letter to his son, John Quincy Adams, 1781
President Washington Circle
- All President Adams benefits, plus:
- Copy of speaker book
"a good moral character is the first essential in a man...It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only to be learned but virtuous." - President Washington in a letter to his grandson George Steptoe Washington, 1790