Donor Recognition
William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS are committed to advancing scientific discovery, training the next generation of marine researchers and advising the policymakers. Our supporters play a critical role in ensuring the Batten School & VIMS continue to lead in marine research and education. By joining one of our giving societies, or by making a memorial or honorarium gift, you become a partner in better understanding and safeguarding our coastlines and waterways for generations to come.
Memorial & Honorarium Gifts
A gift made in memory of a person or in honor of an individual or an event—including an anniversary or milestone—is a meaningful way to provide an enduring tribute to someone or something significant in your life. Learn more here.
Giving Circles
Invest in Discovery. Inspire Innovation. Create Solutions.
Our giving circles recognize and celebrate individuals whose generosity advances world-class research, student success, and science-based solutions for our coastal and marine environments. Each giving circle reflects a deeper level of engagement and impact, connecting donors to the extraordinary work their philanthropy makes possible.
Circle induction is based on giving in a fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th), with the exception of the Pathfinder Society, which is based on lifetime giving.
Visitor Circle: $1,000+
Visitor Circle members help keep our mission moving forward by providing vital support for ongoing research, student initiatives, and advisory efforts. Their generosity ensures that important projects continue without interruption, providing a strong foundation for innovation and discovery.
Explorer Circle: $5,000+
Explorer Circle members make it possible to pursue new opportunities, launch innovative projects, and investigate emerging challenges facing our coasts and oceans. Their support fuels discovery and helps bring promising ideas to life.
Advisor Circle: $10,000+
Advisor Circle members help drive discovery and ensure that VIMS & Batten School remains at the forefront of conducting science for solutions. Their leadership support advances research, education, and outreach efforts that benefit communities across the Commonwealth and beyond.
Director Circle: $25,000+
Director Circle members play a critical role in protecting and sustaining our coastal and marine environments. By investing in the places where rivers meet oceans and shorelines meet the sea, these donors strengthen the research, education, and advisory programs that guide informed stewardship of our natural resources.
Founder Circle: $50,000+
Founder Circle members are visionary philanthropists whose leadership investments accelerate discovery, education, and impact across the Batten School & VIMS. Their generosity empowers faculty, students, and researchers to address some of the world's most pressing coastal and marine challenges, transforming data into policy, students into leaders, and research into real-world solutions.
Trustee Circle: $100,000+
Trustee Circle members represent the highest level of annual philanthropic leadership at VIMS & Batten School. Their transformational investments help shape the institution's future by advancing groundbreaking research, educating tomorrow's leaders, and creating science-based solutions with global impact.
As trusted partners in our mission, Trustee Circle members help ensure that VIMS & Batten School remains a leader in addressing the complex environmental challenges facing our world.
Join a Community of Impact
When you join a Giving Circle, you become part of a dedicated community committed to advancing discovery, educating future leaders, and protecting our coastal and marine resources.
Already a Giving Circle member? Consider increasing your annual investment to reach the next level and amplify your impact on the future of marine science, education, and environmental stewardship.
Together, we are creating solutions for our rivers, coasts, and oceans, and for the communities that depend on them.