Oak Leaf

Oak Leaf Membership

Oak Leaf recognizes the enduring impact of donor generosity at Vanderbilt. This special community of more than 17,000 supporters represents a growing tradition of giving that helps move the university forward.

Support from donors powers the full Vanderbilt experience, advancing academic excellence, expanding access and opportunity for students, and driving discoveries that improve lives.

Every donor in the Oak Leaf community is recognized for their lasting impact to Vanderbilt’s mission. What matters most is not the size of the gift, but the consistency of support over time. The longer the commitment, the greater the impact on campus today and for generations to come.

  • Participation

    Whether you are new to Oak Leaf or have been a part of the Vanderbilt University community for years, maintaining your membership is simple. When you give for two consecutive fiscal years, you become an Oak Leaf member.

    The longer you give, the more enduring the impact of your support! Just follow these three steps:

    1. Make a gift of any amount
    2. Designate your gift to any area at Vanderbilt
    3. Give every fiscal year (July 1 to June 30)
  • Recognition

    Vanderbilt University is grateful for the commitment Oak Leaf members make each year. To show our appreciation, members receive:

    • Oak Leaf window decal
    • Personalized address labels

Having the opportunity to invest in the education of young adults is a gift. Contributing in a small way to help others gain the same excellent Vanderbilt experience I had is deeply satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Oak Leaf?

    Oak Leaf is a university-wide community at Vanderbilt that recognizes donors who have demonstrated their loyalty by giving any amount, to any area at Vanderbilt, for two or more consecutive fiscal years.

  • What is the date range of Vanderbilt's fiscal year?

    Vanderbilt's fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

  • How do you become a member of Oak Leaf?

    Donors who give any amount, to any area of Vanderbilt, for two consecutive fiscal years become members of Oak Leaf. To maintain membership, donors must continue making a gift each fiscal year without interruption.

  • Do donors need to give a certain amount every year to be in Oak Leaf?

    No. Gifts of any amount count toward Oak Leaf membership.

  • Do donors need to designate their gifts to a certain area to qualify for Oak Leaf?

    No. Gifts to any area of the university count toward Oak Leaf membership. Gifts designated to the Medical Center prior to April 2016 counted toward membership; however, since Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center are now separate nonprofit organizations, only gifts to Vanderbilt University will count moving forward.

  • Is this society only for Vanderbilt alumni?

    No. Oak Leaf recognizes all Vanderbilt community members who give for two or more consecutive fiscal years.

  • Will donors be given credit for giving years prior to 2012 when the Oak Leaf was launched?

    Yes. Our donor database tracks past giving years, so donors will be recognized for those years. For example, if you have given to Vanderbilt every year since 1990, you will be recognized as an Oak Leaf member and honored for your years of consecutive giving.

  • How are my years of loyalty calculated?

    Since 2015, Oak Leaf membership is based on household giving. Years of consecutive giving are calculated by the person in the household with the longest streak, regardless of their affiliation with Vanderbilt, whether alumni, friend, parent, faculty, or staff.

    While our electronic records go back to 1990, we recognize you may have given longer than what’s reflected. Please contact us if you have any questions.

  • Are there recognition levels within Oak Leaf?

    No, we have recently transitioned away from specific recognition levels within the Oak Leaf. This change allows us to celebrate the collective impact of all our loyal members, emphasizing the importance of every contribution rather than distinguishing between tiers of giving. 

  • Can I join Oak Leaf if I have missed a fiscal year of giving?

    Yes. If you have missed a fiscal year, you can still join Oak Leaf or expand your membership  by "buying back" the missed  years. Each missed or additional year may be bought back for $25, allowing you to resume or lengthen your annual giving streak.

  • How can I buy back years of giving?

    If you have missed a fiscal year of giving or if you would like to expand your Oak Leaf membership, please contact us at (866) 882-FUND (3863) or oakleafsociety@vanderbilt.edu. You can also indicate which years you want to buy back in the “special instructions on the post payment page” field when making a gift online.

  • Is there a limit to the number of years I can buy back?

    Currently, our system allows buybacks for years dating back to fiscal year 2007. If you would like to buy back additional years, please email oakleafsociety@vanderbilt.edu or contact the Gift Processing Office at (615) 322-2979.

  • Can I use recurring gifts to maintain my Oak Leaf membership?

    Yes. Recurring gifts count toward Oak Leaf membership. Setting up recurring donations is a convenient way to ensure your support continues year after year.

  • If I'm in Oak Leaf, can I still be in other Vanderbilt donor societies?If I'm in Oak Leaf, can I still be in other Vanderbilt donor societies?

    Yes. You can be in multiple donor societies at the same time. Click here for a list of other Vanderbilt donor societies.

  • How do I learn more about volunteer opportunities at Vanderbilt?

    To learn more about volunteer opportunities through Vanderbilt’s Go, Help, Share programs, please visit the Vanderbilt Alumni Engagement website.

Have Questions? Contact Us!

To learn more about participation in the Oak Leaf Society, please contact the Office of Annual Giving at (866) 882-FUND (3863) or email oakleafsociety@vanderbilt.edu.

I give because Vanderbilt gave me so many opportunities to explore, learn and grow. Vanderbilt was a truly unforgettable experience and I am grateful for every minute of it.