"I am honored to be the national spokesperson for the 1888 Circle. Because the WMU has meant so much to my family, past and present, I want to insure the future of the WMU and its role of sharing the love of Jesus Christ. The life and work of the WMU has truly come full circle in my family. I invite all WMU members and friends of WMU to join me in becoming a part of the 1888 Circle and to continue the WMU legacy for generations to come." Mrs. Grace Lee, Pineville, LA The Fourth Generation of WMU

The 1888 Circle's Mission
The 1888 Circle's mission is to inform friends of WMU and the WMU Foundation about the various planned giving opportunities that are available and to recognize and reaffirm our appreciation for those who have made a planned gift. By recognizing a donor's financial leadership and stewardship, we hope other WMU members and friends are encouraged to make similar provisions in their estate plans.

Founder's Society of the 1888 Circle
Every institution includes those individuals who provide a standard of excellence through commitment and support, and WMU and the WMU Foundation are no different. The Founder's Society of the 1888 Circle recognizes individuals that have included WMU or the WMU Foundation in their estate plans and notified the WMU Foundation. These individuals demonstrate the same passion for the vision and dream to continue the life and work of a wonderful organization in service to Jesus Christ. The Founder's Society of the 1888 Circle will set a standard of commitment through giving for generations to follow.

Membership in the 1888 Circle
Membership in the 1888 Circle is permanent; that is, it continues from year to year throughout the member's lifetime so long as WMU or the WMU Foundation remains a part of their estate plan. All that is necessary to qualify for inclusion in the 1888 Circle is to inform the WMU Foundation of the provision you have made or intend to make to include the WMU or WMU Foundation in your estate plan. The amount of the planned gift is not a determining factor; in fact, it does not have to be disclosed. But the fact that you have made a commitment to WMU or the WMU Foundation is of great significance. Any information you provide to us concerning the details of your estate plan will be held in the strictest confidence.

Members of the 1888 Circle and the Founder's Society of the 1888 Circle are at the pinnacle of their giving to the WMU Foundation. Through their sacrificial gifts, they become an example for others to follow and engender the symbolic nature of a circle, providing coming generations a continual vision for the future.

Here is more information on planned giving opportunities.