The 1794 Society recognizes individuals who contribute leadership gifts to the Alumni Fund each year. These leadership donors are among the alumni/ae who know Bowdoin best and have supported the college year after year, steering the College successfully through each new challenge. 1794 Society donors provide approximately 84% of the Alumni Fund dollar total. These gifts have an immediate impact in helping to meet the increasing cost of educating Bowdoin students. Without the ongoing support from 1794 Society donors, the College would need nearly $130 million in additional endowment to continue operating.
Note: As of July 1, 2012, there are new dollar thresholds for the 1794 Society gift levels:
| Recognition Level | Annual Gift Total |
| President’s Associates | $100,000 and above |
| Joseph McKeen Associates | $50,000 - $99,999 |
| Harriett Beecher Stowe Associates | $25,000 - $49,999 |
| Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain Associates | $10,000 - $24,999 |
| Kenneth C.M. Sills Associates | $5,000 - $9,999 |
| Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Associates | $2,500 – $4,999 |
| Nathaniel Hawthorne Associates (1963 to 2003) | $2,000 – $2,499 |
|
9th year post-graduation (and Class of 1962 and older)
|
$1,000 - $2,499 |
|
7th and 8th year post-graduation
|
$750 - $2,499 |
|
5th and 6th year post-graduation
|
$500 - $2,499 |
|
3rd and 4th year post-graduation
|
$250 - $2,499 |
|
1st and 2nd year post-graduation
|
$100 - $2,499 |
What are the benefits of the 1794 Society?
Through the 1794 Society, Bowdoin recognizes the critical Alumni Fund contributions of its most generous donors. In appreciation for their leadership support, all members of the 1794 Society are invited to a winter reception in New York City hosted by the President and Trustees of the College. Donors at the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Associate level and above receive an exclusive piece of Bowdoin memorabilia. All first time 1794 Society donors are personally thanked for their important gifts.