Why Give
SSA employs teaching, research, and service to create a more just and humane world. In almost every area our faculty and alumni touch—from preventing violence and substance abuse to enhancing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity—SSA is making a tangible and influential difference. You support enhances our reach and deepens our impact. Join us today.
Ways to Give
Donating online is fast, easy, and secure.
Call 773.834.8803 or toll-free 888.824.4224 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST)
Other Ways to Give
Contact the Office of Gift Planning to learn how you can support and sustain the important work of SSA through gifts of securities, real estate, retirement benefits, and estate bequests, many of which offer significant tax benefits.
Donor Recognition
Edith Abbott Leaders
$10,000 or more
These incredibly generous gifts create lasting impact, honoring the extraordinary vision of SSA founder Edith Abbott, the first female dean of a university graduate school in the United States, and a pioneer of social work as a profession, who said, "Only in a university, and only in a great university, could a school of social work get the educational facilities that advanced professional students must have if they were to become the efficient public servants of democracy."
Sophonisba Breckinridge Fellows
$5,000 to $9,999
These important gifts advance the School in an unmistakable way, epitomizing the transformative contributions of Sophonisba Breckinridge. The first woman to earn a doctorate and law degree from the University of Chicago, Breckinridge reshaped social work education, arguing for an emphasis on public responsibility over private largesse, and rigorous, systematic training for practitioners.
Charlotte Towle Society
$2,500 to $4,999
The Charlotte Towle Society is named in honor of luminary professor Charlotte Towle, who revolutionized social work by integrating the application of psychology throughout the casework curriculum, and who stood resolute in the face of a 1951 government banning of her book Common Human Needs, in which she offered advice on understanding the unique plights of those in need.
Dean's Circle
$1,000 to $2,499
The Dean's Circle recognizes generous alumni and friends who make important gifts to the SSA Fund within a given year that benefit the School's top priorities, including student financial aid and fellowships, teaching, and study abroad opportunities.
SSA Champion
$500 to $999
SSA Champions are alumni and friends who make gifts to the SSA Fund in a given year that demonstrate a clear and growing commitment to students, teaching, and the forward ambitions of the School.
SSA Advocate
$250 to $499
SSA Advocates are annual donors to the SSA Fund whose gifts represent their endorsement of the School as an institution of impact to social work and social justice.
SSA Sustainer
$100 to $249
We thank our SSA Sustainers whose gifts to the SSA Fund represent a vital ongoing source of support to students and the School's continued progress.
SSA Supporter
Up to $99
SSA gratefully acknowledges the thoughtful support of all alumni and friends to the SSA Fund.