A philanthropy is an effort to increase the well-being of mankind and promote human welfare by charitable aid and donations. Sigma Kappa Sorority has several national philanthropies, supported by funds from the Sigma Kappa Foundation as well as individual chapters. In addition, Kappa Pi is involved in many on-campus service opportunities and supports the philanthropic efforts of other greek organizations.
The Sigma Kappa Foundation is a non-profit organization benefitting the philanthropic efforts of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $1 million in Alzheimer’s disease research and psychosocial grants to investigators and practitioners who are on the front lines in the fight against this debilitating disease. Additionally, the Foundation annually gives educational and leadership grants and scholarships. The Foundation recently launched the Ultra Violet Campaign as a means of fundraising to support its many causes.
In 1954 Sigma Kappa became the first national sorority to recognize the need for continued, comprehensive work on the study of aging and the needs of elderly populations. Collegiate and alumnae members throughout the country volunteer their time and talent in support of numerous projects to assist and benefit the elderly. Our chapter visits local assisted living facilities and spends time with the residents.
In 1984, Sigma Kappa responded to an increasingly critical problem facing older Americans by adding Alzheimer's disease research and education to its philanthropic activities. Sigma Kappa has become one of the nation's leading contributors to Alzheimer's disease prevention, research, and treatment efforts. This past year we participated in the Memory Walk of Anderson and raised $7,000 for Alzheimer's Research! We also donated the money we won from our First Friday float to the Foundation.
This program ties Sigma Kappa's interest in older citizens with its interest in the environment. Through Inherit the Earth, collegians, alumnae and older citizens work together to improve local environments. Our chapter participates in various ways by helping Clemson's campus with its "Go Green" initiative and by adopting a local highway.
Sigma Kappa adopted the Maine Sea Coast Mission as its first national philanthropy in 1918 in honor of our five founders from Maine. The Mission provides critical services to people in need on the islands from mid-coast to Downeast Maine, as well as mainland Hancock and Washington counties. The programs and services provided include church and pastoral work, assistance to those in sickness and poverty, financial aid, food banks, recycled clothing shops, crisis intervention, youth programs, and ministries in the field. Sigma Kappa Foundation provides financial contributions to the Mission for Christmas programs, emergency relief programs, and scholarships. Our Chapter contributes to the Maine Sea Coast Mission by collecting and donating clothes, personal items, and non-perishable food items each fall.