The Women’s Committee is a community of philanthropists with a passion for preserving and enhancing Central Park. Since its inception in 1983, the Women’s Committee has raised over $231 million.
For questions about membership, please contact our Membership team at 212.310.6655 or email [email protected].
MEMBERSHIP Q&As
+ How long does my membership last? Is it tax deductible?
When you join or renew, your membership is active for a full 12 months after the date your gift is received. You’ll receive reminders to renew as your membership expiration approaches.
Membership gifts are 100% tax deductible. Once processed, we will send you a tax acknowledgment letter for your records. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for mailed donations to be processed.
+ What is the most popular membership level?
Our most popular level of membership is our Patron level ($1,000). Members at the Patron level and above receive the most sought-after benefits, like an invitation to purchase tickets for the Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon and opportunities to volunteer in the Park.
+ What is the difference between the Women’s Committee and Playground Partners? How are these programs different from other Conservancy membership programs?
Joining as a Women’s Committee member connects you with a network of women who care for Central Park. There are many opportunities to engage, including volunteer subcommittees and events like bench painting or pathway cleanup.
Women’s Committee and Playground Partners members receive invitations to opportunities different from those of our general Conservancy members, including invitations to purchase tickets for the Fredrick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon and the Playground Partners Annual Family Party.
Playground Partners (PGP) is a membership program within the Women’s Committee geared toward families with children ages 11 and under. Playground Partners members receive invitations to a variety of family-oriented programming, such as Family Volunteer Days and our Playground Partners Annual Family Party. All membership gifts for Playground Partners go directly toward supporting the Park’s 21 playgrounds.
Playground Partners members at the Patron level ($1,000) and above become “dual members” of both groups and receive the same perks as our Women’s Committee members at equivalent levels.
+ How can I come to the Hat Luncheon?
The Fredrick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon, also known as the “Hat Luncheon,” occurs annually on the first Wednesday in May. This invitation-only event raises over $4 million each year in support of the Park and honors some of the Park’s biggest supporters.
Women's Committee members at the Patron level ($1,000) and above are invited to purchase tickets. Members at the Benefactor level ($5,000) and above are invited to join the Luncheon’s Benefit Committee and receive early access to purchase tickets.
To purchase a ticket or table for the Hat Luncheon, you must be a Women’s Committee member in good standing at the Patron level ($1,000) or above.
+ How do I get early access to signature events?
Members at the Benefactor level ($5,000) and above receive invitations to join the Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon Benefit Committee, granting them earlier access to tickets for this and other signature Women’s Committee events. Benefactor-level members also receive invitations to exclusive opportunities, such as the cocktail reception and premium seating at the New York Philharmonic Concert in Central Park and our bi-yearly Women’s Committee Travel Experience.
+ How do I meet other Women’s Committee members?
Alongside our signature events, we host informal gatherings in the Park, such as our Insiders Tour and Reception, volunteer opportunities like weeding and bench painting, or meet-and-greet events at select locations in and near the Park. Women’s Committee members often make lifelong friends at our events!
+ I’m already a member; how can I get more involved?
We have several volunteer subcommittees who spearhead initiatives like membership recruitment and fundraising for select Park programs. If you are interested in joining one of these subcommittees, please contact Emily Reeder, Director of Women’s Committee Membership Programs, at 212.310.6655 or email
[email protected].
+ What is Champions?
Our Champions program provides the opportunity to share the joys of volunteerism with your tween and teen children through in-Park events! Patron-level members ($1,000) and above are eligible for this program.
We encourage anyone with children ages 11 and up to join the Women’s Committee as a Champion. To join as a Champion, check the “For Families with Teens: I'd like to join Champions” box on our membership page or contact our office directly at
[email protected].
