We are a diverse network of alumni, parents, students, faculty and friends of James Madison University who engage and inform women about the opportunities and needs of the university. Our primary goal is to enhance the collective involvement and financial impact of women giving to the university.

Building on JMU’s history as a women’s institution and recognizing today’s 6-to-4 female-to-male student enrollment, the organization seeks new ways to engage women of varied interests and accomplishments in the life of the university. Women for Madison encourages women to connect with one another, with university leaders, and directly with JMU’s exceptional professors and students as they invest their time, talents and resources. Any women who makes an annual gift in any amount, individually or jointly, to James Madison University is considered a Women for Madison

Founded in 2013, the Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council (EAC) assists JMU in creating a broader network of support. The council is affiliated with University Advancement and specifically with the Development Office. The EAC helps to guide the mission and strategic goals for Women for Madison. Executive Advisory Council members are nominated and vetted by the Advancement staff. They are required to make an annual gift to any area of the university of their choosing to meet the requirements of the council.

There are no other groups associated with JMU that focus on donor education, philanthropy and women. There are a variety of gateways for interested and engaged alumni to begin to consider an investment in JMU and become a Women for Madison.

Circles, Rallies and Summits are built on the concept of Dolley Madison’s popular White House social gatherings. Women for Madison events also provide opportunities for socializing, networking and discussing issues important to the women of JMU.

  • Circles bring JMU women together with one another and with university leaders to gain an intimate perspective of the university and to learn about priorities for private support. Circles are sponsored or hosted by Women for Madison Advisory Council members. They will take place by invitation in private homes or clubs around the country where there is strong interest.
  • Rallies are hosted every other year in a targeted regional area to help raise awareness about Women for Madison, our philanthropic interests and university priorities.
  • The Summit is a biennial two-day event on JMU’s campus to celebrate the collective power of women and highlighting the significant contributions women make within our JMU community. At the inaugural Summit in 2017, participants renewed and refreshed their Madison Experience and discovered ways to reconnect to and support JMU.

Every woman who makes an annual gift to James Madison University in an area of their choice is a “Women for Madison.” (Future expectations may change and will be determined by the Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council.)

The Women for Madison network provides a platform to help educate donors and prospective donors about the strategic vision of JMU and communicate fundraising priorities.

Yes. Alumni, parents, students, faculty and friends of James Madison University who make an annual gift to the university are considered Women for Madison.

There are no “dues.” Every woman making an annual gift to the university is a Woman for Madison.

You may participate with Women for Madison by supporting the university with an annual gift, visiting our website, helping us to share the good news about JMU with other women and extending an invitation to become a part of the Women for Madison community. No invitation is necessary to be a part of Women for Madison.

Back to Top