True Cougar Society FAQs
What is the True Cougar Society?
The True Cougar Society is the University of Houston donor society that recognizes the University’s most loyal donors: those who have given for three or more consecutive years.
How do I become a member of the True Cougar Society?
Simply make a gift of any amount to any area of the University for three or more fiscal years in a row. To sustain your membership, continue to give each fiscal year.
When is the University of Houston’s fiscal year?
The University’s fiscal year runs from September 1 through August 31.
Is there a minimum amount that I need to give each year to be in the True Cougar Society?
No, any gift of any size counts toward membership. The True Cougar Society recognizes the dedication of those who give consistently year after year.
Does my gift need to be designated to a certain area of the University to qualify for True Cougar Society participation?
No, gifts made to any part of the University of Houston count toward True Cougar Society membership. Note that gifts made to other University of Houston System universities (University of Houston-Clear Lake, University of Houston-Downtown and University of Houston-Victoria) do not count toward True Cougar Society membership.
Does my gift to Houston Public Media qualify for True Cougar Society membership?
Yes, Houston Public Media is a part of the University of Houston and gifts to HPM will count.
What if I forget to make a gift one year? Can I make an extra gift the following year or “buy back” that year?
While additional gifts are appreciated, the University does not recognize “buy back” gifts. Donors are welcome to make a gift the following fiscal year to resume qualification for the True Cougar Society.
Are only UH alumni included in the True Cougar Society?
No. The True Cougar Society recognizes alumni, parents and friends who support the University’s mission through their consistent generosity.
Do gifts and pledges count toward True Cougar Society membership?
Yes, all gifts and pledges received during the fiscal year (September 1 – August 31) will count toward membership in the True Cougar Society.
Which giving milestones are recognized as part of the True Cougar Society?
Donors are welcomed into the True Cougar Society with three consecutive years of giving. Additional milestones are recognized at 10 years of consecutive giving and 20 years of consecutive or cumulative giving.
I am a life member of the UH Alumni Association; do I automatically qualify as a member of the True Cougar Society?
Each payment that you make toward your UHAA life membership in a fiscal year will count toward qualification as a True Cougar Society member. Once your life membership is paid in full, you may continue to make an annual gift in each fiscal year (September 1 – August 31) to continue to qualify as a member of the True Cougar Society.
For further information about the True Cougar Society, please contact Elizabeth Kennedy, Donor Relations and Stewardship at ekennedy2@uh.edu.
*The University of Houston’s fiscal year runs from September 1 through August 31.