Make a Difference Today
Your donation empowers LGBTQ+ people from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities across the United States. By supporting the Gamma Mu Foundation, you directly resource grants and scholarships that make a transformative impact on lives.
Join Our Donor Community
When you give, you join a dedicated network of supporters working together to uplift and empower the LGBTQ+ community. As part of the Gamma Mu donor community, you’ll stay informed about the impact of your contributions and have opportunities to connect with others who share your commitment to making a difference.
The Gamma Mu Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 33-0351175).
I support the Gamma Mu Foundation to help LGBTQ+ youth shape their futures through education and opportunities. These donations are vital investments in their development, and I encourage others to join in this effort. I trust the Foundation's strong management and financial stewardship to ensure scholarships and grants make a lasting impact for years to come.
~Wade Simpson
Named Scholarship and Centurion Level Donor
Make an Impact with Your Contribution to the Gamma Mu Foundation
Join us in creating meaningful change with a cash gift to the Gamma Mu Foundation, starting at just $100. Every donation adds up and moves you closer to becoming a part of our distinguished giving circles:
- Cliff Pettit Fellow: Achieved with cumulative gifts of $1,000.
- Oak Tree Society: Celebrating donors who contribute $25,000 or more.
- Centurion Level: The pinnacle of generosity honoring those who reach $100,000 in cumulative giving.
Your support helps us continue our vital work in empowering the LGBTQ+ community. Every gift counts.
Cumulative Giving Levels
Cliff Pettit Fellows Program
The Cliff Pettit Fellow Program is both a recognition of giving and an invitation to help steer the Gamma Mu Foundation’s work. A one-time or accumulated $1,000 gift opens the door; a modest annual renewal keeps your voice at the table. As of 2025, there are now over 700 Cliff Pettit Fellows. View the list here.
To maintain or restore active voting membership, donors must make a contribution of at least $350 during the 12 months leading up to the Foundation’s Annual Meeting.
One of the best ways to achieve both Foundation membership and Cliff Pettit Fellow status is through the Annual Giving Program. By setting up a monthly contribution, you can quickly reach Fellow status while enjoying the benefits of being an Annual Giving Patron.
Becoming a Cliff Pettit Fellow is both a recognition of giving and an invitation to help steer the Gamma Mu Foundation’s work. A one-time or accumulated $1,000 gift opens the door; a modest annual renewal keeps your voice at the table.
Cliff Pettit Fellows form the Foundation’s core donor community, providing consistent resources and leadership that underpin grants and scholarships benefiting rural and under-served LGBTQ+ communities in the U.S.
Matching Gifts Program
Did you know that thousands of companies match donations made by their employees and retirees? You may be able to double or triple your gift to the Gamma Mu Foundation through a matching gift program!
When your contribution is matched by your employer, it multiplies the impact of your support helping us provide more funding for grassroots LGBTQ+ organizations and more scholarships to LGBTQ+ students in rural and underserved areas across the U.S.
It’s Easy to Get Started:
- Search your company using our Matching Gift Search tool.
- Submit your request through your company’s online portal or paper form.
- We’ll handle the rest and confirm your donation.
If your company doesn’t show up or you need help, we’re happy to assist. Matching gifts count toward your cumulative giving level, bringing you closer to special recognition like becoming a Cliff Pettit Fellow.
Other Ways to Give
Named Awards
Named Awards are a meaningful way for donors to honor a loved one, commemorate a special individual, or create a lasting legacy. These designated gifts support either scholarships or grants and are approved by the Gamma Mu Foundation Board of Directors.
Donors may choose to fund an award for either five years or in perpetuity:
- Five-Year Named Award: Requires a one-time or accumulated gift of $25,000.
- Perpetual Named Award: Requires a one-time or accumulated gift of $50,000, or an additional $25,000 to convert an active five-year award.
Each Named Award is established through a written agreement between the donor and the Foundation, outlining the award’s duration and any specific conditions.
View the current Named Awards here.
To date, more than $1.1 million have been committed, supporting 23 Named Awards. The annual investment return from these dedicated funds helps sustain a growing number of scholarships and grants, extending the impact of our mission for years to come.
John S. Chapman Legacy Society
Legacy SocietyThe John S. Chapman Legacy Society recognizes donors who include the Gamma Mu Foundation in their estate plans, honoring their commitment to supporting our mission for future generations.
While yearly donations sustain our efforts, bequests and planned gifts significantly strengthen the Foundation's Perpetual Fund, allowing us to expand grants and scholarships to meet growing needs.
By naming the Gamma Mu Foundation in your estate, you ensure a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community while joining a legacy of generosity and vision. Donors can keep their plans private or share their commitment to inspire others.
To learn more or notify us of your planned gift, download the "Notification of Estate Provision" form or contact us at legacy@gammamufoundation.org.
Thank you for supporting the long-term growth of the Gamma Mu Foundation.
Tribute Donations
The Gamma Mu Foundation offers meaningful ways to honor, remember, or recognize individuals through charitable contributions. Your donation supports our vital work in rural HIV services, community programs, research and public education, and our scholarship program, empowering LGBTQ+ students to achieve their educational dreams. By making a tribute gift, you celebrate someone special while making a lasting impact on the lives of others.
In Honor Of
Celebrate someone special or show appreciation for someone who has influenced or inspired your support by making a donation in their honor. This thoughtful gesture acknowledges their encouragement, impact, or belief in the Foundation’s mission while contributing to meaningful change.
- Donations made in honor are cumulative toward Cliff Pettit Fellow status and higher levels of donor recognition.
- These contributions are highlighted in the Foundation’s Annual Report.
In Memory Of
Pay tribute to the memory of a loved one by making a donation in their name. Your gift ensures their legacy lives on by supporting initiatives that benefit the LGBTQ+ community.
- Memorial donations are cumulative toward Cliff Pettit Fellow status and higher levels of donor recognition.
- These contributions are also featured in the Foundation’s Annual Report.
How to Make a Tribute Donation
To make a donation in recognition of someone, simply click the Donate Now button. In the special instructions field, include your dedication, e.g.,
- In Honor of Bobby Jones
- In Memory of John Williams
Your generosity creates a lasting impact while honoring someone important to you. Thank you for supporting the Gamma Mu Foundation!
Matching Grants
Matching Grants
Individuals or organizations can also amplify giving by creating a matching grant. In this approach, you agree to match donations from others, up to a specific amount and during a set timeframe, encouraging more support and expanding our reach.
Matching grants energize donors, strengthen campaigns, and help us fund more scholarships and grassroots LGBTQ+ initiatives.
For more information contact info@gammamufoundation.org
Our Volunteers: The Heart of the Gamma Mu Foundation
The Gamma Mu Foundation is fueled by the dedication and passion of its volunteers, who are essential to every aspect of our work. From leadership positions such as Executive Officers and Committee Chairs to roles like Board members, newsletter editors, and webmasters, as well as organizing impactful fundraising campaigns and events. By building community connections, volunteers are the heart of our mission to uplift and support the LGBTQ+ community.
Our entirely volunteer-based Board has garnered deep appreciation from donors, with many participants in a recent survey expressing admiration for their efforts. However, there is a significant opportunity for more donors and supporters to engage in these roles, highlighting the potential for broader participation and impact.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with the Gamma Mu Foundation is more than just contributing time—it’s an opportunity to:
- Lead impactful initiatives that serve the LGBTQ+ community.
- Strengthen relationships between donors, grantees, and scholars.
- Help shape the Foundation’s future through Board and committee participation.
- Build lifelong friendships while making a meaningful difference.
- Our regular Foundation Newsletter celebrates the efforts of volunteers, featuring photos and stories that foster a sense of community and pride in the work we accomplish together.
Be Part of Something Bigger
Whether you choose to serve on the Board or contribute as part of a committee, your involvement is essential to advancing our mission. Join us today and help the Gamma Mu Foundation continue its legacy of empowerment and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Get Involved Today
Explore volunteer opportunities with the Gamma Mu Foundation by contacting info@gammamufoundation.org and make your mark on a cause that matters. Together, we can achieve even greater impact.