Donor FAQs

Memberships are valid for one year from the date of initial or renewal gift. The expiration date will be the last date of the expiration month. (i.e., a gift is received on January 15, 2026, membership will expire January 31, 2027) Membership expiration dates are also printed on your supporter card.

The renewal period for membership is 60 days prior to expiration, with a 30-day grace period after expiration. Gifts received during this time frame are treated as renewals.

Renewal notices are sent by mail and/or email beginning in month 11 of the membership period through the grace period.

No. Gifts made during the membership cycle (excluding renewal period) are considered additional gifts, and may qualify as an upgrade, and the original expiration date remains the same. If the intention is to renew, and this is outside the renewal period (see above), please note this clearly.

All donors of $50 and up receive the annual Colonial Williamsburg collectible ornament and a one-year subscription to Trend and Tradition magazine. Further advantages are based on gift amount, including access to our donor reception center, St. George Tucker House, discounted or complimentary annual passes, and more based on the Special Donor Society beginning at $1000. To see a full list of membership advantages, please click here.

View All Membership Advantages

You will receive a donor supporter card within 2-3 weeks of CW receiving the qualifying gift. Your supporter card details the onsite advantages for which you are eligible. For more specific information or to request a new card, please email us at donormemberships@cwf.org.

Some gifts are ineligible for material advantages per the IRS. These include gifts made through an IRA account as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or through a family foundation. Material advantages include the magazine subscription, complimentary annual and guest passes, and complimentary gifts of history. Donors making gifts through these charitable vehicles are still considered members and will be invited to join us at annual donor society meetings, and if applicable, have access to our donor reception center, St. George Tucker House.

Supporter cards are mailed with your acknowledgement and receipt and typically arrive 2-3 weeks after we have received your gift. Please note mailing times may vary due to postal service. If you have an urgent or immediate need for your supporter card, please contact us at donormemberships@cwf.org.

Ornaments are mailed in the fall to all eligible donors, including sustainers, in the current calendar year. There will be a second mailing at the beginning of the following year for those donors who make their gift later in the year. Gift of History recipients receive their ornament with their notification letter.

Trend and Tradition magazine is distributed quarterly to all qualifying donors.

Gifts made by mail, on the phone, or in person: An acknowledgement with included tax receipt is typically delivered via postal mail 2-3 weeks after processing your gift. If you have not received a receipt within a month of your gift, please contact us at gifts@cwf.org.

Gifts made online: You will receive an immediate receipt via email. A separate printed acknowledgement will be sent via mail within 1-2 weeks of processing.

Sustainers will receive their receipt in January for the cumulative amount given in the prior year.

No, unless you are a Sustainer. If you need a specific receipt, please contact us at gifts@cwf.org.

Sustainers are donors who make automatic recurring gifts via credit card on a monthly or annual basis. Sustainer gifts automatically renew and give donors access to eligible benefits upon establishing or renewing a recurring gift. All membership advantages and rules apply. For more information, please click here.

Sustainers receive one annual giving statement for tax purposes in January of every year.

Please contact us at gifts@cwf.org or call 888-293-1776.

Please contact us at gifts@cwf.org. Be sure to include your name, email, and gift amount. We will be happy to email you a replacement receipt.

Please complete this form to update any of your contact information or email us at gifts@cwf.org.

Please use the online giving form found here, and in the comment section describe how you would like to designate the gift, such as historic trades or rare breeds. For more information, please visit here.

No. Only unrestricted giving to the Colonial Williamsburg Fund applies towards membership.

Please complete the online giving form found here, and in the comment section specify the gift is to be applied to your current pledge. If you have more than one current pledge, specify which pledge or if the gift should be split and by how much.

Please submit your contact information with preferred email address and salutation using this contact form or email us at donormemberships@cwf.org.