Giving Societies
Celebrate generosity and strengthen community
College of the Atlantic’s giving societies recognize individuals whose generosity shapes the future of the college. Whether through major gifts, monthly support, alumni leadership, or legacy planning, these donors are essential to sustaining our mission. Learn about each society below—and how you can become part of our donor community. Membership period: July 1 – June 30 (fiscal year).
The Champlain Society
The Champlain Society was established in 1988 to honor College of the Atlantic’s most generous donors, who give gifts totaling $2,500+ in the fiscal year. Member support is critical to strengthening our academic program and providing students with opportunities to innovate, learn, discover, and apply their education in real-world settings.
- President’s Circle – $25,000+
- Founder – $10,000–$24,999
- Pathfinder – $5,000–$9,999
- Discoverer – $2,500–$4,999
- Invitations to premier events, including:
- The annual Champlain Society cocktail reception
- The Bill Newlin Memorial Faculty Lecture
- Q&A with the COA President
- Regional gatherings, such as Summer Institute on the Road
- Summer boat trips to explore COA’s offshore research stations at Great Duck Island and Mount Desert Rock
- Early registration and preferred seating at the Summer Institute
- Recognition opportunities:
- In COA print publications, including donor stories, profiles, and “Why We Give” features
- At the Summer Institute
- In COA’s online donor recognition listings
- A print subscription to COA Magazine
- President’s Circle members only: An invitation to the annual summer President’s Circle Dinner
Alumni Leadership Circle
The Alumni Leadership Circle celebrates COA alumni who give $500 or more annually, demonstrating philanthropic leadership and commitment to the next generation of changemakers.
- Invitations to premier events, including:
- The Bill Newlin Memorial Faculty Lecture
- The COA Summer Institute
- Q&A with the COA President
- Regional gatherings, such as Summer Institute on the Road
- Recognition opportunities:
- In COA print publications
- In COA’s online donor recognition listings
- A subscription to COA Magazine
Black Fly Society
Inspired by COA’s resilient mascot, the Black Fly Society recognizes donors who make monthly or quarterly recurring gifts, providing a sustainable source of support for our students and programs. This eco-friendly, automated approach makes giving easy and impactful. Thank you for helping COA thrive—month after month.
Northern Lights Society
The Northern Lights Society honors individuals who make planned gifts to benefit COA, ensuring their support continues beyond their lifetime. These legacy gifts preserve COA’s mission for generations to come.
- Invitations to premier events, including:
- The Bill Newlin Memorial Faculty Lecture
- Q&A with the COA President
- Regional gatherings, such as Summer Institute on the Road
- Recognition opportunities:
- A print subscription to COA Magazine
Giving is easier than ever
All giving society contributions can be made securely online using PayPal, Venmo, or credit card.
Give online now
Need help? Contact [email protected] or call 207-801-5620
Want to check if your employer matches gifts? Search here
For a list of all the ways to support COA, please visit this page.