The Circle of Stars is DEF’s core community of donors - individuals and families - whose generosity lights the way for Decatur’s students.

From the stellar beginnings of a Nebula to the steady brilliance of a North Star, every level of giving represents a deep commitment to helping our children overcome obstacles and reach their fullest potential.

All Circle of Stars donors regardless of giving level, are eligible to receive:

  • Recognition on DEF’s website, in our Decatur Focus annual report, and at DEF events as a Circle of Stars donor.

  • Invitation to a Star Social, a private donor event.

  • DEF Merch.

All Circle of Stars donors, regardless of giving level, are eligible to receive these perks as a thank you. These benefits follow the school year.

Pledge early. Give flexibly.

We offer 4 levels of giving (with associated perks) and accept pledges and partial donations throughout the year. As long as your pledge is fulfilled by the end of June each year, you can give in any amount and frequency you like.

$1,500 - $2,999

When you donate at this level, you’ll receive:

All benefits listed above

  • Name Recognition

  • DEF merch

  • Invitation to a Star Social

2 Supper & Sips tickets

  • Supper & Sips will be on November 19th, 2026.

  • You’ll receive two tickets valued at $100 each. At the event you’ll receive a special name tag indicating your support as a member of the Circle of Stars.

Tour deCatur Race bibs

  • The Tour deCatur will be on March 13th, 2027.

  • You’ll receive race bibs for the whole family (up to 5) for whichever race each of you wants to participate in (Tot trot, Fun run, 1 mile, 5k, or none run).

Make your Nebula Donation

OR - If you’re not ready to make a donation today, you can submit a pledge for a later date.

$3,000 - $4,999

When you donate at this level, you’ll receive:

All benefits listed above

  • Name Recognition

  • DEF Merch

  • Invitation to a Star Social

4 Supper & Sips tickets

  • Supper & Sips will be on November 19, 2026.

  • You’ll receive four tickets valued at $100 each. At the event you’ll receive a special name tag indicating your support as a member of the Circle of Stars.

Tour deCatur Race bibs

  • The Tour deCatur will be on March 13th, 2027.

  • You’ll receive race bibs for the whole family (up to 5) for whichever race each of you wants to participate in (Tot trot, Fun run, 1 mile, 5k, or none run).

Invitation to a coffee chat

  • We will be holding an impact coffee chat at the DEF offices exclusively for our Rising Star, Supernova, and North Star donors to discuss our current work and impact. This will include special guests.

Make your rising star donation

OR - If you’re not ready to make a donation today, you can submit a pledge for a later date.

$5,000 - $9,999

When you donate at this level, you’ll receive:

All benefits listed above

  • Name Recognition

  • DEF Merch

  • Invitation to a Star Social

6 Supper & Sips tickets

  • Supper & Sips will be on November 19th, 2026.

  • You’ll receive six tickets valued at $100 each. At the event you’ll receive a special name tag indicating your support as a member of the Circle of Stars.

Tour deCatur Race bibs

  • The Tour deCatur will be on March 13th, 2027.

  • You’ll receive race bibs for the whole family (up to 5) for whichever race each of you wants to participate in (Tot trot, Fun run, 1 mile, 5k, or none run).

Invitation to a Coffee Chat

  • We will be holding an impact coffee chat at the DEF offices exclusively for our Rising Star, Supernova, and North Star donors to discuss our current work and impact. This will include special guests.

Make your supernova donation

OR - If you’re not ready to make a donation today, you can submit a pledge for a later date.

$10,000 +

When you donate at this level, you’ll receive:

All benefits listed above

  • Name Recognition

  • DEF Merch

  • Invitation to a Star Social

Supper & Sips table

  • Supper & Sips will be on November 19th, 2026.

  • You’ll receive a designated VIP table at the event with 8-10 tickets for you and your guests valued at $100 each.

Tour deCatur Race bibs

  • The Tour deCatur will be on March 13th, 2027.

  • You’ll receive race bibs for the whole family (up to 5) for whichever race each of you wants to participate in (Tot trot, Fun run, 1 mile, 5k, or none run).

Invitation to a coffee chat

  • We will be holding an impact coffee chat at the DEF offices exclusively for our Rising Star, Supernova, and North Star donors to discuss our current work and impact. This will include special guests.

Impact Visit

  • VIP behind the scenes look at a DEF program of your choice.

Make your north star donation

OR - If you’re not ready to make a donation today, you can submit a pledge for a later date.

Questions?

Reach out to our team