WAI Introduces New Donor Recognition Program
WAI Introduces New Donor Recognition Program
The Lift Society recognizes individuals whose generosity powers WAI’s mission.
November 10, 2026- On Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2026, Women in Aviation International (WAI) will introduce The Lift Society, a donor recognition program for the individuals whose generosity powers WAI’s mission. The program features five giving tiers — Navigator, Explorer, Pathfinder, Trailblazer and Visionary — each with its own recognition and benefits, from digital badges to pins, luggage tags and recognition at WAI’s annual conference for higher tiers. The Lift Society builds on the WAI Giving Circle, launched in 2024. Every gift counts, and every donor is part of the crew.
Each donation, whatever its size, is vital for WAI to provide the community, mentorship, career connections, financial resources, and programs that open the skies to girls and women around the world. The Lift Society is WAI’s way of thanking the people who make that work possible, and giving them the recognition they deserve. That support matters more than ever, because women in our industry still face real challenges, including lack of access to the training, resources, and opportunities that open doors to aviation careers.
“By donating, you help open doors for girls and women pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace,” says WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. “We hope you’ll join us as we continue to lift women higher, together.”
Studies have found that aviation’s gender gap starts in childhood. That’s why the program kickoff coincides with WAI’s Lift Every Girl, Everywhere campaign, which supports the year-round Aviation for Girls program and the talent pipeline the industry needs.
How It Works
The Lift Society runs on an earn-and-enjoy model. Your total giving in a calendar year sets your tier, and that tier carries your status and benefits through the following year. Donations received by December 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST earn status for all of 2027 — and every contribution made in 2026 counts, including those made before the program launched. Individual gifts count toward your tier. Sponsorships, membership dues, and in-kind gifts do not. Scholarship contributions are recognized separately at WAI’s Scholarship Celebration. Each household earns one tier and one set of benefits.
Join The Lift Society: Give on Giving Tuesday, December 1, or any time before December 31 at WAI.org/donate. Learn more about the program, its tiers, and benefits at https://www.wai.org/donate. Follow along on social media at #WAILiftSociety.
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WAI envisions a world where the sky is open to all, where aviation and aerospace dreams are possible, without barriers. Our nonprofit 501c3 organization relies on your support to help us further our mission.
Please donate today.
Media Contact:
Kelly Murphy
WAI Director of Communications
202-909-8380
For more information contact WAI at waihq@wai.org or visit www.WAI.org.