Impact Close to Home
Pi Beta Phi is committed to the transformative power of literacy, believing a lifelong love of reading unlocks potential and fosters a more literate and productive society. While The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation supports reading initiatives across North America through Read > Lead > Achieve®, Pi Phi chapters and alumnae clubs also recognize the importance of advancing literacy programs and increasing access to books within their local communities. Since its inception in 2013, the Local Impact Grant program has awarded more than $1 million to literacy-focused, nonprofit organizations chosen directly by our chapters and clubs—making a powerful impact close to home and close to their hearts.
As chapters and clubs fundraise for The Literacy Fund through philanthropy events and donation drives, they have the opportunity to designate 25% of their gift to a local nonprofit organization—with Pi Beta Phi Foundation matching that 25%, dollar for dollar. This approach allows members to directly give back to the community in which they serve, funding local literacy initiatives and expanding volunteer opportunities. “Literacy is the great equalizer and the key to personal and professional success—an individual cannot succeed in life without the essential skill of reading,” shares Board Member of The Elizabeth Kates Foundation Jane Perkinson Wayland, Mississippi Alpha. Nominated by the Richmond, Virginia, Alumnae Club for a Local Impact Grant, The Elizabeth Kates Foundation provides educational and vocation programs to support women inmates as they prepare for successful reentry into society.
The Foundation is named in honor of Pennsylvania Beta Elizabeth M. Kates—the first female warden in Virginia and the superintendent of the State Industrial Farm for Women in Goochland, Virginia, serving from 1932-1964. A visionary ahead of her time, Elizabeth believed women in prison could benefit from personal development and job training, empowering them to reenter society as productive citizens. As the prison population grew, she turned to her Pi Phi sisters in the Richmond, Virginia, Alumnae Club to meet the increasing need for vocational education and support. Today, four members of the alumnae club serve on the Foundation’s Board, continuing Elizabeth’s legacy by championing literacy and vocational opportunities for women—just as she envisioned decades ago.
Over the years, Local Impact Grants awarded to The Elizabeth Kates Foundation have enabled the Richmond, Virginia, Alumnae Club to fund and support literacy experiences such as Kates Readers. Kates Readers focuses on improving literacy for incarcerated women working toward their GED certifications by providing books, study guides, notebooks and volunteer-led discussions. Participation in the book club promotes and strengthens analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as communication skills, all of which are tested on the GED exam. Many participants are mothers and grandmothers, often writing heartfelt letters to alumnae club members to share their excitement about reading with their children and grandchildren during visits. “From financial decisions to locating a job to purchasing food—everything involves reading,” Jane says. “We strive to do all we can to help an incarcerated woman be successful when released, and we couldn’t do it without Local Impact Grants from Pi Beta Phi Foundation.”
The Foundation is named in honor of Pennsylvania Beta Elizabeth M. Kates—the first female warden in Virginia and the superintendent of the State Industrial Farm for Women in Goochland, Virginia, serving from 1932-1964. A visionary ahead of her time, Elizabeth believed women in prison could benefit from personal development and job training, empowering them to reenter society as productive citizens. As the prison population grew, she turned to her Pi Phi sisters in the Richmond, Virginia, Alumnae Club to meet the increasing need for vocational education and support. Today, four members of the alumnae club serve on the Foundation’s Board, continuing Elizabeth’s legacy by championing literacy and vocational opportunities for women—just as she envisioned decades ago.
The success of The Elizabeth Kates Foundation is only a snapshot of the powerful impact Pi Beta Phi Foundation has made in our chapters’ and clubs’ local communities through the Local Impact Grant Program. Gifts to The Literacy Fund not only support programs—they invest in brighter futures, stronger communities and lasting change. Read the 2024-2025 Impact Report to learn more.
Published November 10, 2025