Meridian Council

The Meridian Council is a global network of leaders and advisors who believe that we are stronger at home when globally engaged. Council members provide vital support that helps strengthen international capacity to solve the global challenges of our times. Through exchanges with senior and rising leaders in government, the foreign diplomatic corps, the arts, and the private sector, Meridian helps build a more just society, greater international security, and more inclusive prosperity for all people.

Meridian Council members engage with our mission and programs through specially curated programs throughout the year. From discussions on foreign policy issues at intimate salon dinners in embassies to lively cultural diplomacy receptions, these programs focus on cultivating relationships with the diplomatic community and impactful exchanges of ideas and culture from around the world. Specific benefits are outlined below.

For more information, please contact Silbi Stainton, Senior Director of Institutional Advancement, at sstainton@meridian.org and Tracy Bernstein, Senior Advisor, at tbernstein@meridian.org.

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Silbi Stainton, Senior Director, Institutional Advancement | sstainton@meridian.org

Meridian Council Membership Levels and Benefits

$500 RISING LEADERS CIRCLE

The Rising Leaders level of the Meridian Council is an option for mid-career professionals in their 30s or 40s working in international careers. A one-page letter showing demonstrated interest and experience in foreign policy or international relations, a nomination by a member of the Meridian community, and a resume are required to join this level. Professionals in this demographic may also join any of the other tiers of membership should they have interest in access to additional Meridian programs.

Recognition on Meridian's website and printed materials
Year-round engagement with Meridian's network of business leaders, public sector officials, and the international diplomatic corps
PROGRAMS: Invitations to the following:
- 2 Meridian Council Foreign Policy and/or Cultural Diplomacy Programs
- 2 Welcome to Washington Receptions for newly credentialed ambassadors
- MERIDIAN DIPLOMACY FORUM
- Meridian Holiday Party
- 2 Rising Leader-Exclusive Programs

$750 INDIVIDUAL/$1,500 COUPLE – FRIENDS CIRCLE

PROGRAMS: Invitations to the following:
- Recognition on Meridian's website and printed materials
- Year-round engagement with Meridian's network of business leaders, public sector officials, and the international diplomatic corps
- Opportunities to engage with over 4,000 emerging leaders that Meridian hosts each year from around the world
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
MERIDIAN DIPLOMACY FORUM
54th ANNUAL MERIDIAN BALL: Meridian Council Members receive priority access to purchase Ball and Diplomacy Dinner tickets.

$3,500 INDIVIDUAL/$5,000 COUPLE– DIPLOMAT'S CIRCLE

FRIENDS CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS (as listed above)
SALON DINNER SERIES - ENTRÉE TO DIALOGUE: Intimate curated dinners with special guests, intended to promote thoughtful conversation (2 invites to 2 events throughout the year)
SALON RECEPTIONS: Invitations to foreign policy and cultural diplomacy salon receptions and exhibitions
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
MERIDIAN DIPLOMACY FORUM
ANNUAL MERIDIAN DELEGATION TRIPS: Invitation to travel abroad as a member of Meridian’s annual cultural leadership delegation (2 invites; airfare, lodging and other travel expenses are additional costs)
Culturefix: Meridian Council Members receive priority access to purchase Culturefix tickets.
54th ANNUAL MERIDIAN BALL: Meridian Council Members receive priority access to purchase Ball and Diplomacy Dinner tickets.

$10,000 – AMBASSADOR'S CIRCLE

FRIENDS CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS (as listed above)
PROGRAMS: Invitations to the following:
- Cultural Diplomacy programs with Artists, Exhibits, and Global Excursions
SALON DINNER SERIES - ENTRÉE TO DIALOGUE: Intimate curated dinners with special guests, intended to promote thoughtful conversation
SALON RECEPTIONS: Invitations to foreign policy and cultural diplomacy salon receptions and exhibitions
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
MERIDIAN DIPLOMACY FORUM
ANNUAL MERIDIAN DELEGATION TRIPS: Invitation to travel abroad as a member of Meridian’s annual cultural leadership delegation (2 invites; airfare, lodging, and other travel expenses are additional costs)
Culturefix: Meridian Council Members at the Ambassador's Circle receive two (2) tickets to either Culturefix, the annual cultural diplomacy celebration, or the Annual Meridian Ball.
54th ANNUAL MERIDIAN BALL: Meridian Council Members at the Ambassador's Circle receive two (2) tickets to either Culturefix, the annual cultural diplomacy celebration, or the Annual Meridian Ball.

$25,000 – PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE

FRIENDS CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS (as listed above)
PROGRAMS: Invitations to the following:
- Invitations to executive-level Foreign Policy Salon Dinners with high-level speakers
- Cultural Diplomacy programs with Artists, Exhibits, and Global Excursions
SALON DINNER SERIES - ENTRÉE TO DIALOGUE: Intimate curated dinners with special guests, intended to promote thoughtful conversation
SALON RECEPTIONS: Invitations to foreign policy and cultural diplomacy salon receptions and exhibitions
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
MERIDIAN DIPLOMACY FORUM
ANNUAL MERIDIAN DELEGATION TRIPS: Invitation to travel abroad as a member of Meridian's annual cultural leadership delegation (2 invites; airfare, lodging and other travel expenses are additional costs)
Culturefix: Meridian Council Members at the President's Circle receive two (2) tickets to Culturefix, the annual cultural diplomacy celebration, and to the Annual Meridian Ball.
54th ANNUAL MERIDIAN BALL: Meridian Council Members at the President's Circle receive two (2) tickets to Culturefix, the annual cultural diplomacy celebration, and to the Annual Meridian Ball.

$50,000 – CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE

FRIENDS CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS (as listed above)
PROGRAMS: Invitations to the following:
- Underwriter privileges with the opportunity to dedicate program series with your name
- Invitations to executive-level Foreign Policy Salon Dinners with high-level speakers
- Cultural Diplomacy programs with Artists, Exhibits, and Global Excursions
SALON DINNER SERIES - ENTRÉE TO DIALOGUE: Intimate curated dinners with special guests, intended to promote thoughtful conversation
SALON RECEPTIONS: Invitations to foreign policy and cultural diplomacy salon receptions and exhibitions
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
MERIDIAN DIPLOMACY FORUM
ANNUAL MERIDIAN DELEGATION TRIPS: Invitation to travel abroad as a member of Meridian's annual cultural leadership delegation (2 invites; airfare, lodging, and other travel expenses are additional costs)
Culturefix: Meridian Council Members at the Chairman's Circle receive two (2) tickets to Culturefix, the annual cultural diplomacy celebration, and the Annual Meridian Ball.
54th ANNUAL MERIDIAN BALL: Meridian Council Members at the Chairman's Circle receive two (2) tickets to Culturefix, the annual cultural diplomacy celebration, and the Annual Meridian Ball.

Individuals seeking to make a major investment in Meridian or a specific program or project can do so through our major gift program or the Linden Legacy Society. We are happy to create a customized set of benefits and naming opportunities aligning Meridian’s capabilities and your priorities. For more information, please contact Natalie Jones, Executive Vice President at (202) 939-5591 or njones@meridian.org.