Giving

Leaders' Circle

The Leaders' Circle recognizes those individuals and organizations whose commitment to the Annual Fund guarantees consistent support for Vermont Law School's core programs and initiatives. As a young, independent law school, VLS relies on the Annual Fund to offset the cost of a legal education; our Leaders' Circle members provide the critical day-to-day funds which our people, facilities, and operations need to keep the law school relevant and thriving.

By committing to support the Annual Fund with a leadership gift of at least $1000 (or $500 for VLS alumni 2003-2012) for a period of three years, our members:

• are recognized in our annual donors reports and on the Vermont Law School website,
• receive priority notice of events happening on campus and around the country, and
• are invited to an annual reception with the dean, board of trustees, faculty, and other special guests.

Leaders' Circle gifts can be made at the following levels, and can be made in one installment each year, accommodated through a recurring monthly gift, or can even be endowed.

$5000 ($416.66/month)
$2500 ($208.33/month)
$1000 ($83.33/month)
$500 ($42.00/month, only for VLS alumni 2003-2012)

Join the Leaders' Circle today.

Please see our FAQ for additional information about Vermont Law School's Leaders' Circle, or contact Ariel Wiegard, Assistant Director of Annual Giving, at 802.831.1041 / awiegard@vermontlaw.edu.

Leaders' Circle Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the Leaders' Circle?
There are several ways to begin your Leaders' Circle membership.

• Go to www.vermontlaw.edu/makeagift. 
  Under Gift Designation, choose "Leaders' Circle (Unrestricted Support)" and select "New three-year Leaders' Circle pledge" as your Gift Type. The amount and payment schedule are up to you.
• Print and complete this form (.pdf)  and mail it to:
            Vermont Law School Leaders' Circle
            P.O. Box 26, Chelsea Street
            South Royalton, VT 05068
• Call or email Ariel Wiegard, Assistant Director of Annual Giving, at awiegard@vermontlaw.edu or 802.831.1041 to discuss your membership terms, or speak with any other member of the Office for Institutional Advancement staff.

When does my membership take effect?
The moment you join! You will receive a welcome packet confirming your membership within a month of Vermont Law School receiving your Leaders' Circle pledge.

Must I make my first payment in full when I join?
No, you can choose whether to make your first payment in full or in part when you join or to pay it later. However, please note that in order to remain a member in good standing, all pledges must be paid in full by the completion of the fiscal year. Outstanding pledges with booking dates between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013 must be made by June 30, 2013.

How do I make a payment on an existing Leaders' Circle pledge?

• To pay online by credit or debit card, visit www.vermontlaw.edu/makeagift and choose "Payment on an existing pledge" as your Gift Type.
• To pay by mail, send a check to the below address (please include "Leaders' Circle" in the memo line). You can also send this form to the below address with your credit/debit card information.
            Vermont Law School Leaders' Circle
            P.O. Box 26, Chelsea Street
            South Royalton, VT 05068
• To pay by phone, call 802.831.1312 to provide your credit card information to an OIA staff member.
• For information on stocks, planned gifts, matching gifts, and more, visit www.vermontlaw.edu/waystopay.

My spouse/partner and I donate jointly to Vermont Law School. Which one of us is a member?
You both are! Leaders' Circle memberships are automatically extended to spouses and partners.

Can I pay multiple years' worth of pledges at once?
Unfortunately not. Your generosity though the Leaders' Circle supports our Annual Fund, which means that your gift is unrestricted and especially valuable in enabling VLS to meet its educational goals each year. By pledging to give this year and in the future, you allow us to accurately budget for future expenses. While a double or triple gift in 2012-2013 would help relieve this year's budget, it would deprive us of the ability to use those dollars in the future. If you wish to increase your donation, we hope you will consider upgrading to a higher Leaders' Circle level. Please contact the Office for Institutional Advancement about increasing and structuring your gift.

Can I support a specific department or program through the Leaders' Circle?
Leaders' Circle members are honored for their annual leadership gifts. Annual Fund gifts help support all aspects of the law school's mission, and are critical for the school's financial stability by giving the school the discretion and flexibility to allocate funding where it is needed most. They relieve the budgets of existing operations, including departments, programs, and scholarships for our students, and help the law school fund unexpected costs and opportunities.