2020 Top 10 Chapters for Foundation Giving
Every year, Pi Beta Phi chapters demonstrate the strength of their commitment to Philanthropic Service to Others through their financial support of Pi Beta Phi Foundation. In 2020, chapters were challenged to think of new ways to hold their traditional fundraising and philanthropic events. Despite the circumstances, our chapters collectively raised $423,598.80 for Pi Beta Phi Foundation. We thank all our chapters, and congratulate the Top 10 chapters for their outstanding contributions supporting scholarships, leadership, literacy, sisters in need and more through your Foundation.
We asked each of our Top 10 chapters to share their tips, ideas and best practices for chapter fundraising and compiled their responses below. As you start to think about your fall fundraising and philanthropic events, keep in mind these 10 considerations.
“Our chapter has created a new COVID-19 philanthropy, Angel Grams, to raise money for the Friendship Fund and Read > Lead > Achieve®. Angel Grams provide an opportunity for people to send a treat bag filled with fresh baked cookies and white carnations to friends.” – Vice President Community Relations Sara Arenz, Indiana Beta
“Through T-shirt sales, benefit nights, an online auction and donations, we were able to raise a lot of money – even during the pandemic!” – Vice President Community Relations Grace Williams, North Carolina Alpha
“Despite such a crazy year, the members of Oklahoma Alpha came together virtually and in-person to fundraise for Read > Lead > Achieve. Members raised awareness on the importance of literacy through social media by sharing facts and stories for others to read.” – Chapter President Hillary Neaves, Oklahoma Alpha
“We held a Tik Tok competition aimed at promoting literacy and Read > Lead > Achieve.” – Director of Service and Philanthropy Jazmin Baldwin-Wood, Idaho Alpha
“Our event was successful due to significant buy-in and excitement from the campus community.” – Chapter President Dani Valverde, Illinois Kappa
“Each person contributed something, whether it be donating a door prize, obtaining sponsorships, helping out the Community Relations team or posting on social media.” – Chapter President Aimée Galatas , Louisiana Beta
“With the pandemic negatively impacting many communities, we wanted to be able to support our Pi Phi sisters through the Emma Harper Turner Fund. We know how much the Emma Harper Turner Fund Grants can help members during times of need, and we are so happy and proud that we could potentially help a fellow Pi Phi.” – Chapter President Isabelle Zuroske, California Theta
“Our philanthropy event, Pi Beta Bingo, was an online Bingo game which everyone could join safely from their home. During Pi Beta Bingo, we incorporated literacy-related trivia and encouraged participants to learn more about literacy in their local area.” –Chapter President Kimberlin Arnold, Texas Eta
2020 Top 10 Chapters for
Foundation Giving
Illinois Kappa
Arkansas Alpha
Texas Eta
Indiana Beta
California Theta
Oklahoma Alpha
Idaho Alpha
Louisiana Beta
North Carolina Alpha
Colorado Delta
We asked each of our Top 10 chapters to share their tips, ideas and best practices for chapter fundraising and compiled their responses below. As you start to think about your fall fundraising and philanthropic events, keep in mind these 10 considerations.
1. Encourage community members to send a gift to a friend
“Our chapter has created a new COVID-19 philanthropy, Angel Grams, to raise money for the Friendship Fund and Read > Lead > Achieve®. Angel Grams provide an opportunity for people to send a treat bag filled with fresh baked cookies and white carnations to friends.” – Vice President Community Relations Sara Arenz, Indiana Beta
2. Get the local community involved
"In the fall, we hosted a Pi Phi 5K. Many members of the Fayetteville [Arkansas] community participated in this race. It was a great way to display our support of Read > Lead > Achieve to the local community." – Chapter President Carly Russell, Arkansas Alpha
photo source: @arkalphapiphi
3. Offer several ways for community members to participate
“Through T-shirt sales, benefit nights, an online auction and donations, we were able to raise a lot of money – even during the pandemic!” – Vice President Community Relations Grace Williams, North Carolina Alpha
4. Inspire community members with stats and stories
“Despite such a crazy year, the members of Oklahoma Alpha came together virtually and in-person to fundraise for Read > Lead > Achieve. Members raised awareness on the importance of literacy through social media by sharing facts and stories for others to read.” – Chapter President Hillary Neaves, Oklahoma Alpha
5. Jump on a trend
“We held a Tik Tok competition aimed at promoting literacy and Read > Lead > Achieve.” – Director of Service and Philanthropy Jazmin Baldwin-Wood, Idaho Alpha
6. Build community excitement
“Our event was successful due to significant buy-in and excitement from the campus community.” – Chapter President Dani Valverde, Illinois Kappa
7. Invite all chapter members to participate in planning
“Each person contributed something, whether it be donating a door prize, obtaining sponsorships, helping out the Community Relations team or posting on social media.” – Chapter President Aimée Galatas , Louisiana Beta
photo source: @lsupibetaphi
8. Transition your in-person fundraisers to be virtual
"Each year, we typically host a Polar Plunge. This year, we did something similar to the Ice Bucket challenge and took videos of us dousing ourselves in freezing water to take the plunge for children’s literacy!” –Chapter President Madeline Kizziar, Colorado Delta
9. Share Pi Beta Phi Foundation’s programs with your chapter members
“With the pandemic negatively impacting many communities, we wanted to be able to support our Pi Phi sisters through the Emma Harper Turner Fund. We know how much the Emma Harper Turner Fund Grants can help members during times of need, and we are so happy and proud that we could potentially help a fellow Pi Phi.” – Chapter President Isabelle Zuroske, California Theta
10. Encourage community members to participate from anywhere
“Our philanthropy event, Pi Beta Bingo, was an online Bingo game which everyone could join safely from their home. During Pi Beta Bingo, we incorporated literacy-related trivia and encouraged participants to learn more about literacy in their local area.” –Chapter President Kimberlin Arnold, Texas Eta
Published April 12, 2021