William Booth Society
Recognizing and honoring individuals, foundations, and corporations that exemplify philanthropic leadership and outstanding commitment.
What is the William Booth Society?
It takes a special type of person to give selflessly and William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, was this kind of person. He dedicated his life to helping the outcasts of society — the homeless, hungry, poor, and those who’d lost all hope in life.
More than a century later, the Army still has our share of special, caring people who support William Booth’s vision. They are people who give, give, and give some more, both financially and otherwise. These generous social and spiritual visionaries, donating at least $5,000 or more during a calendar year, form The William Booth Society.
With their combined resources, they empower The Salvation Army to provide life-changing programs and services to people right here in our cities. We’ve all known people who dedicate their lives to bettering the lives of those around them. Could The William Booth Society be your calling too?
Why is The William Booth Society Important?
- It encourages and recognizes major giving to The Salvation Army.
- It develops a dependable source of funding for new, existing, or expanded programs and services.
- It identifies new and influential philanthropic leadership, recognizes leadership giving and builds commitment to The Salvation Army future.
- It directs funds for local programs and services in the member’s own community.
- It secures new members willing to give time, talent, and treasure to help others.
Who qualifies as a member of the William Booth Society?
The William Booth Society recognizes organizations (churches, corporations, and civic organizations), foundations, and individuals who give $5,000 or more to The Salvation Army in The North and Central Illinois Division on an annual basis from January 1 through December 31. All donors are recognized as William Booth Society supporters and may remain anonymous, if they wish.
What are the criteria to become a William Booth Society donor?
- The gift is $5,000 or more, or several gifts equal $5,000 or more in the calendar year. It can take the form of cash, check, credit card, stock, or any gift that results in a cash amount of $5,000 in one calendar year.
- The gift may be either remitted in full or pledged and paid in increments through the year.
- Annual donor listings reflect the names of those making gifts pledges totaling $5,000 or more and have been fulfilled over the prior twelve-month period.
What are the levels of giving?
William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army turned the world’s attention to the plight of the poor and changed the direction of Christianity.
Co-founder of The Salvation Army, fighter for women’s rights and moral crusader, the wife of William Booth became one of the most influential women in modern religious history.
Evangeline Booth, dynamic daughter of William and Catherine, served as Commander of The Salvation Army in the United States, 1904-33 and was elected first woman General in 1934.
Commissioner George Scott Railton and seven Lassies “invaded” New York in 1880 to launch the first work of The Salvation Army in the United States.
Each year when your cumulative giving reaches $5,000 or more your participation in the William Booth Society is renewed. Large, transformational gifts are duly recognized through inclusion in the following Circle of the William Booth Society.
For more information on the William Booth Society please contact:
The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division
Attn: Carl Johann, Director of Principal Giving
5040 N. Pulaski Rd
Chicago, IL 60630