Named for the year in which the East Alabama Male College (now Auburn University) was established, the 1856 Society recognizes donors whose lifetime outright and irrevocable planned gifts to Auburn are at the $100,000 level and above. Created in 1994, this exclusive society of generous and devoted Auburn University benefactors provides scholarships and fellowships to support bright and worthy students, professorship funds to recruit and retain distinguished faculty, capital donations to upgrade facilities, funds for excellence to undertake new and innovative initiatives, and unrestricted support that offers numerous opportunities for Auburn's people and programs.

Through its Founders' Circle (outright gifts) and Heritage Circle (planned gifts), the 1856 Society offers special recognition to contributors whose gifts are at the $1,000,000 level and beyond. Although membership induction is reserved solely for individuals, the 1856 Society also honors organizational donors whose contributions reach this gift level. All Society members and honorees are recognized at the biennial black-tie dinner and induction ceremony.

The shared vision and leadership support of the 1856 Society members and honorees help ensure Auburn University's position as one of the nation's great universities. Because of the foresight of these benefactors, Auburn is better equipped to meet today's needs and tomorrow's challenges.