Philanthropy is one of the most important aspects of Greek life, with organizations raising millions of dollars annually for their respective charities. From children’s hospitals to veteran support funds, fraternities and sororities are raising the bar on how much they can raise through special events and fundraisers.
While these local chapters raised more than $126,000 together in the past 3 years, their organizations nationally have raised millions of dollars combined.
One of the best tools to help with philanthropic fundraising is Tilt, a group-oriented app that helps you collect money from other students and your friends for free. Beyond raising money for charities, more than 100 college campuses nationwide have also been using Tilt to do everything from coordinate nights out with friends, rent houses for fall and spring breaks, pay their chapter dues, and buy birthday gifts. In the app, students can decide what to collect money for and set a minimum amount to achieve the goal. No one is charged unless that goal is met, making fundraising easier to manage and risk-free.
Here are some of the top chapters around the country making huge strides with their philanthropies, according to Greek101.com.
1. Sigma Chi at Fresno State: This fraternity raised $16,000 in 2013 for the Children’s Hospital Central California through Derby Days, its annual series of events. That amount beat the existing record of $13,442 in 2011, and their total donation has raised more than $90,000.
According to their Philanthropy page, Sigma Chi members presented a total of one million dollars to the Huntsman Cancer Institute on April 12, 2013.
2. Delta Phi Epsilon at Drexel University: This sorority hosted Drexel’s ninth annual Deepher Dude male beauty pageant for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and raised over $45,000 in donations in 2013. That money helped fund the creation of medications for that disease and ultimately help find a cure.
According to their Philanthropy page, Delta Phi Epsilon nationally has contributed more than $1 million to research since 1967. In addition, they also raise money at a national level for the Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation and Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD).
3. Chi Omega at Ohio University: After sister Katie Sullivan’s hometown was devastated by Hurricane Sandy, her chapter supported her efforts to raise money to donate to the American Red Cross to help victims. They raised money by creating t-shirts that said “Save Our Jersey Shore.”
According to their Philanthropy page, this isn’t the only organization that their efforts benefit. Since 2002 Chi Omega started the Chi Omega/Make-A-Wish alliance. Since then, they have raised over 12.9 million dollars for the organization.
4. Alpha Chi Omega at Texas Christian University: Working with the Women’s Center of Tarrant County as its philanthropy, this sorority raised over $40,000 through its annual Victory over Violence 5k Run/Walk. All proceeds went to the anti-violence program.
5. Kappa Delta at Troy University: To raise awareness of child abuse and help aid its prevention, the sisters of KD host a Shamrock 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run every year. In 2014, they raised $26,000, with 80% of their proceeds benefitting the Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center. The remaining proceeds were donated to Prevent Child Abuse America.
According to the KD Foundation, Kappa Delta sisters around the country benefit a variety of organizations including Prevent Child Abuse America, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Girl Scouts of the USA, and more.
