Benjamin Franklin Society

Established in 1955, the Benjamin Franklin Society (BFS) is the University of Pennsylvania’s leadership annual giving circle. Members of the Benjamin Franklin Society generously contribute $2,500 or more annually to The Wharton Fund. Recent Wharton graduates, 0–4 years since graduation, are able to join with gifts of $1,000 or more. Wharton thrives on the generous leadership support of BFS members.

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The Wharton Fund FY22-23 Investor’s Report"

FY22-23 Investor’s Report

Benjamin Franklin Society members have an outsized impact on the Wharton School. We invite you to view The Wharton Fund’s FY22-23 Investor’s Report, which provides insight into how your leadership support powers Wharton.

Join Today

Benjamin Franklin Society membership levels at the Wharton School are:

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 one percent of all Wharton Fund donors, but whose contributions account for a substantial portion of the Fund’s total giving. This level is ideal for those considering a sustaining impact with a $500,000 commitment over five years.

Anvil Society

The Anvil Society is named after the anvil, a symbol of the Wharton School, which is an homage to Joseph Wharton’s contributions to the metal industry. This level is ideal for those considering a sustaining impact with a $250,000 commitment over five years.

Joseph Wharton Society

Named for the School’s founder, the Joseph Wharton Society is one of the society’s most impactful levels due to the number of members and the generosity of their contributions. This level is ideal for those considering a sustaining impact with a $125,000 commitment over five years.

Founder

The Founder Level is the society’s most rapidly growing level of membership. This level is ideal for those considering a sustaining impact with a $50,000 commitment over five years.

Fellow

The Fellow Level is for donors who wish to take their commitment to the next level. This level is most utilized by those making a sustaining impact with a $25,000 commitment over five years.

Associate

The Associate Level is the entry point to membership in the Benjamin Franklin Society.

Young Franklin Society

Eligible for Wharton Graduate Alumni 0-4 years since graduation, the Young Franklin Society is for recent graduates who want to be philanthropic leaders immediately after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

▼ How do I become a Benjamin Franklin Society member?

Donors who make one gift, or a combination of gifts, to The Wharton Fund, equal to or in excess of $2,500 in a single fiscal year are automatically recognized as members of the Benjamin Franklin Society.  For recent graduates (0-4 years out), the minimum annual donation amount is $1,000.

Donors always retain the right to be anonymous members and this does not affect their status as a Benjamin Franklin Society member.

The University and the Wharton School’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.

▼ How are BFS members recognized?

Benjamin Franklin Society members receive recognition at University and School events and in publications such as Wharton’s annual Donor Honor Roll.  To view the School’s most recent Donor Honor Roll, click here.

Benjamin Franklin Society members also enjoy benefits such as early access to events and seminars, and an invitation to the annual BFS reception, as an added thank you for their generous leadership support of the School.

▼ What gifts are included in BFS?

While the Wharton School is grateful for support of any kind, only those gifts designated to The Wharton Fund make a donor eligible for the Wharton’s School Benjamin Franklin Society membership.

Gifts toward any annual fund across the University qualify a donor for membership in the University’s Benjamin Franklin Society.

▼ Is there a minimum gift to qualify for BFS membership?

Yes.  Donors must make one gift, or a combination of gifts and pledge payments, equal to or in excess of $2,500 to The Wharton Fund in a single fiscal year to be recognized as a member of the Benjamin Franklin Society.

For recent graduates (0-4 years out from graduation), the minimum annual donation amount is $1,000 or more to The Wharton Fund to qualify for the Young Franklin Society.

The University and the Wharton School’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.

For more information about the Benjamin Franklin Society, or questions regarding your support, please contact us at whartonfund@wharton.upenn.edu, or call +1.215.898.7868.

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

Benjamin Franklin Signature
Picture of Diana Paterno

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.