Giving
Cavanaugh Council & President’s Circle
Members of the Cavanaugh Council and President’s Circle share the bold vision of University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. Their extraordinary commitment helps to advance Notre Dame’s mission to be a truly great Catholic university that offers an outstanding education marked by academic excellence, informed by faith, infused with a moral vision, and inspired by the highest ideals.
Through generous, annual, unrestricted gifts, these leaders provide crucial flexible support that empowers Fr. Dowd to meet critical needs, enhance the student experience, and advance our sacred mission with unparalleled agility.
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Membership Levels & Key Experiences
Every Cavanaugh Council & President's Circle gift provides vital undergraduate financial aid—unlocking access to a distinctive, Notre Dame education, enables successful recruitment and retention of world-class faculty and the groundbreaking research opportunities they uncover, and both sustains and deepens the vibrant Catholic character of the University which grounds all our endeavors.
As part of Notre Dame’s most exclusive leadership annual giving programs, members of the Cavanaugh Council and President’s Circle are granted access to substantive and meaningful experiences and regular engagement with Fr. Dowd, University Leadership, and students.
President's Circle
$25,000 annually
Key experiences:
Golden Dome Experience Weekend
Friday Welcome Receptions
Winter Family Weekend
Biennial Symposium in Washington, DC
Conference Calls with Fr. Dowd and other University leaders
Mentorship Program
Cavanaugh Council
$50,000 annually
Key experiences:
Cavanaugh Council Weekend
Invitation to exclusive experiences at the Symposium in Washington, DC
Irish1Card for workout facility access
All President's Circle experiences
We are called as the Notre Dame family to be seekers of truth, sustainers of hope, and builders of bridges, extending and expanding the gifts we’ve been given. Together, let us be the Notre Dame the world needs.
Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.
President, University of Notre DameCavanaugh Council & President’s Circle Impact
During this 2025–2026 academic year, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., and University leaders directed $39 million of Cavanaugh Council and President’s Circle funding toward the University’s most urgent priorities. As we look to the future, the commitment of the Cavanaugh Council and President’s Circle has never been more important.
2025–2026 Impact Report
403
undergraduates received life-changing financial aid scholarships
260
members shaped the lives of Notre Dame students through our mentor program
2,118
First Year students supported through the newly revisioned Moreau Program
24/7/365
student access to essential mental health and wellbeing support through Timely Care
