About two years ago, Troy University began a quest to start a formal giving program.

Now, there are only a few weeks left to become a founding member of the school’s planned giving program, known as the Troy Shield Society.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Development Jean Laliberte said the program started with 15 alumni who were interested in giving. Since 2006, the program has received more than 150 gifts valued at $5.5 million.

Laliberte said while people can give donations after Dec. 31, that will be the deadline to become a founding member of the Troy Shield Society.

“A founding member will be special,” Laliberte said. “They will always be distinguished.”

All founding members will be honored at an induction ceremony to be held Jan. 31 with a silver medallion.

Laliberte said founding members will be the only to have a silver medal, while all future givers will be honored with a yellow medal.

In order to donate to the Troy Shield Society, Laliberte said the minimum gift is $10,000, and it can be given through a will, an insurance policy or any other type of planned gift.

It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give $10,000 up front to join.

Laliberte said gifts can be allotted to any specific entity of the university, but gifts that are not specified will be used at the chancellor’s discretion.

The goal is to reach 200 members by the end of December, and Laliberte said she believes they will achieve it.

“The idea is that over a period of time, you will have enough gifts that it is basically like an insurance policy,” Laliberte said.