Philantropy

Philanthropy

Sigma Kappa Foundation

The Sigma Kappa Foundation was founded in 1962 and supports the educational and philanthropic endeavors of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Originally founded as a trust, the Foundation was incorporated in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) organization, making it a not-for-profit corporation. The Foundation helps to arrange educational programming and speakers as well as helping to promote leadership development and programs. The Foundation also assists in coordinating donations, materials, and programs for research in Alzheimer's disease and gerontology and contributions to the Maine Sea Coast Mission. The Sigma Kappa Foundation receives its funding through the generosity of collegiate and alumnae members, collegiate and alumnae chapters, and from outside private and individual contributions.

Sigma Kappa chapters across the country support our national philanthropies which include:

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease research and education is our main philanthropy. 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. Research grants are made each year to universities and other institutions actively engaged in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Nationally, Sigma Kappa donates over $500,000 in support of research. Each fall, every Sigma Kappa chapter sells lollipops on their campus and in the community for this cause.

The Maine Sea Coast Mission

Since 1918 Sigma Kappa has paid homage to its Maine roots by supporting the activities of the Maine Sea Coast Mission. This is in honor of our five founders from Maine. The Maine Sea Coast Mission delivers critical services to people in need while striving to redress the root causes of those needs. With the help of the 75-foot mission vessel, Sunbeam V, programs and services 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. Each November, Sigma Kappa donates funds for medical aid, food, clothing, toys, etc. to the Mission, which benefits families residing on the islands from mid-coast to down east Maine, as well as mainland Hancock and Washington counties. The gifts are delivered in December by boat, which is known to locals as the “Santa Claus Cruise”.

Gerontology

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. Collegian and alumnae members throughout the country volunteer their time and talent in support of numerous projects to assist and benefit the elderly. Locally, Sigma Kappas at WMU volunteer at Friendship Village nursing home, where we spend time doing crafts, playing bingo and hosting a "senior prom".

Inherit the Earth

Adopted in 1992, Inherit the Earth is Sigma Kappa's national gerontology service project, which not only combines its interest in senior citizens with an interest in the environment, but also raises awareness of environmental issues and solutions. Through Inherit the Earth, collegians, alumnae and older citizens’ work together to improve local environments.

Community Service

Sigma Kappa Sorority provides many opportunities for members to become involved in community service and philanthropic projects. A few of the events you can find Sigma Kappa members supporting fellow Greek philanthropies are:

Sigma Chi Derby Days
Lambda Chi Alpha Snowbowl
Alpha Phi Heart Walk
Alpha Omicron Pi Kickball Tournament
Tau Kappa Epsilon TEKE Bowl
Alpha Tau Omega Campus Rockout
Pi Beta Phi Hoops for Halos
Alpha Chi Omega Crack the Bat
Alpha Xi Delta Xi Cup
Alpha Tau Omega Campus Camp Out
Delta Zeta/Chi Omega's Hunted Forest