The Baker Roundtable is the membership forum of the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. By joining, you become part of a vibrant network of civic- minded leaders and changemakers who actively support the Institute’s mission: delivering meaningful, nonpartisan policy analysis on the most critical challenges facing Texas, the nation, and the world.

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To discuss the benefits of Baker Roundtable membership at any level, please contact the Baker Institute development office. 


CONTACT US  FAQS

Why Join?

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Membership in the Baker Roundtable offers more than exclusive access, it’s an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking community that values informed dialogue and impactful solutions. Roundtable members enjoy:

  • Invitations to private events and conversations with top policy experts
  • Early access to research, briefings, and policy reports
  • The ability to directly support the work of one of the nation's leading public policy think tanks

Maximize the Impact of Your Gift

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You may be able to double or even triple your support through your employer’s corporate matching gift program. Visit Rice University’s Matching Gift form to find out if your company participates. Additional giving options, such as gifts of securities and wire transfers—are also available. Explore the many ways you can support the Baker Institute’s mission at giving.rice.edu.


Learn More   Matching Gift

Membership Levels

Membership privileges apply to a couple or one individual plus a guest. All levels of annual membership include:

  • Invitations to Roundtable Dialogues, events designed to provide members with exclusive access to Baker Institute experts
  • Invitations to the annual member-exclusive Fall Reception with Baker Institute experts 
  • Subscription to the Baker Institute email newsletter
  • Access to both Baker Institute member and public events 
  • Complimentary parking at Baker Institute events 
    Delegate $500

    All base benefits listed above.


    JOIN THE ROUNDTABLE 

    Colleague $1,250

    Fair market value (FMV) of benefit received: $100. Tax-deductible contributions: $1,150.

    All base benefits plus:

    • A member-exclusive gift
    • Priority access to registration for select Baker Institute events


    JOIN THE ROUNDTABLE 

    Partner $2,500

    Fair market value (FMV) of benefit received: $200. Tax-deductible contributions: $2,300.

    All base benefits plus: 

    • A member-exclusive gift
    • Priority access to registration for select Baker Institute events
    • Invitations to the annual Roundtable Dinner hosted by Ambassador David M. Satterfield, director of the Baker Institute


    JOIN THE ROUNDTABLE 

    Diplomat $5,000

    Fair market value (FMV) of benefit received: $200. Tax-deductible contributions: $4,800.

    All base benefits plus: 

    • A member-exclusive gift
    • Priority access to registration for select Baker Institute events
    • Invitations to the annual Roundtable Dinner hosted by Ambassador David M. Satterfield, director of the Baker Institute
    • Invitations to VIP functions before or after select events
    • Reserved seating at Baker Institute events


    JOIN THE ROUNDTABLE 

    Ambassador $10,000

    Fair market value (FMV) of benefit received: $250. Tax-deductible contributions: $9,750.

    All base benefits plus: 

    • A member-exclusive gift
    • Priority access to registration for select Baker Institute events
    • Invitations to the annual Roundtable Dinner hosted by Ambassador David M. Satterfield, director of the Baker Institute
    • Invitations to VIP functions before or after select events
    • Reserved seating at Baker Institute events
    • The opportunity to host a speaking engagement featuring, or have a one-on-one meeting with, a Baker Institute expert


    JOIN THE ROUNDTABLE 

    Statesman Circle $25,000

    Fair market value (FMV) of benefit received: $350. Tax-deductible contributions: $24,650.

    All base benefits plus: 

    • A member-exclusive gift
    • Priority access to registration for select Baker Institute events
    • Invitations to the annual Roundtable Dinner hosted by Ambassador David M. Satterfield, director of the Baker Institute
    • Invitations to VIP functions before or after select events
    • Reserved seating at Baker Institute events
    • The opportunity to host a speaking engagement featuring, or have a one-on-one meeting with, a Baker Institute expert 
    • The ability to bring three guests to events (for a total of four seats)
    • Invitation to annual luncheon hosted by Ambassador David M. Satterfield, director of the Baker Institute


    JOIN THE ROUNDTABLE 

    To learn more about discounted rates with all Delegate-level or Colleague-level benefits for Rice faculty, staff and retirees; local, state and federal government employees; and nonprofit employees please email [email protected].

     

    Upcoming Events

    The front of Baker Hall, from across the plaza, with fountain in foreground
    Nov. 20, 2025
    Annual Roundtable Reception 2025 See Details
    More Roundtable Events

    Recent Events

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    Important Giving Guidelines

    To comply with IRS regulations (Notice 2017-73), Rice University cannot accept payments for memberships, events, tickets, or auction items from:

    • Donor Advised Funds
    • Private Foundations
    • Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs

    Please note that bifurcated payments (splitting contributions between allowable and non-allowable sources) are also prohibited. Donors using these giving vehicles may not claim a charitable tax deduction for these types of grants or distributions. If you have questions, we recommend consulting your tax advisor.