Indianapolis, July 17, 2024 – A passionate and resolute sorority advocate, Cindy H. Stellhorn gives generously through financial support, volunteerism and strategic leadership to many fraternal organizations. From making a career out of sorority to encouraging others to back a cause, she uses her platform to advocate and her resources to ensure the future of the fraternal experience. 

It is for her fraternal leadership and unwavering support that Cindy has been recognized as a 2024 Outstanding Philanthropist. Her award will be presented on Tuesday, Aug. 20, during the FFE Awards of Distinction Program, part of FFE Seminar. 

“By championing best practices and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Cindy Stellhorn is helping to build a stronger, more resilient Greek experience that is better equipped to address complex challenges. Cindy leads by example, inspiring those around her to act with empathy and generosity. She is truly an outstanding philanthropist whose selfless actions have made a profound impact on Kappa Alpha Theta and the Greek community,” said Kappa Alpha Theta nominators Jenni Schmaltz, CEO; Kelley Hurst, Foundation Executive Director; and Teresa Smith, FHC Executive Director. 

An initiate of Kappa Alpha Theta at Indiana University, Cindy has financially supported the sorority women for almost three decades through both special initiatives and educational and professional development opportunities including the Give to Lead, Give to Learn capital campaign; Risk Management on the Road which trained traveling consultants; and Financial Head Start, a personal financial planning podcast series. Additionally, she is a member of Theta Foundation’s Gerlach and Stockwell Society, which acknowledges donors who have given $25,000 or more in their lifetime. 

However, Cindy not only gives to Kappa Alpha Theta, she gives to numerous other industry organizations including: 

  • The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence’s (FFE’s) Amplifying Sorority Campaign (ASC); Cindy not only made the largest individual gift to the campaign, but she was responsible for MJ Sorority’s gift to the campaign — the lead organizational donor. Additionally, she serves on the Campaign Committee and actively engaged with numerous industry professionals and partners to cultivate additional gifts in support of the sorority-focused, sorority-led research agenda. 
  • The Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC); In 2005, Cindy was one of eight people who came together to form the FSPAC. Under her vision and leadership, the PAC grew substantially and has raised more than $6M for federal supporters of Greek life since it was formed. Cindy and Jeff Stellhorn are lifetime leading donors to the FSPAC. 
  • The Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund (FSAF); In 2015, Cindy became a co-founder of the FSAF, a 501C4 organization. She was instrumental in helping the FSAF raise several million dollars for the Hear Her Harvard campaign that funded two lawsuits against Harvard and created a grassroots engagement campaign. Cindy is one of the three leading individual donors to the FSAF over its lifetime. 

In support of her nomination, Zeta Tau Alpha Executive Director and ASC Research Committee Chair Meghan Parker wrote, “No matter the hat she is wearing, one thing you can guarantee is there is not a more passionate advocate for sorority. She believes in sorority, and what it has to offer, and is a passionate advocate for its longevity. She has devoted her career, her time, her talent, her treasure and her influence to this industry. She reminds us of something we all need to remember, this is more than an industry. It is a value system that stays with you for a lifetime, and it is worth putting your time, talent and treasure into.” 

The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence is thrilled to present Cindy with the 2024 Outstanding Philanthropist Award and looks forward to celebrating her many remarkable commitments to the fraternal experience this summer. 

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ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR FRATERNAL EXCELLENCE 

The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) cultivates a culture of care, provides connections and supports research across the fraternal community. Often known as the “heart” of a fraternal organization, foundations and fundraising professionals come together to comprise membership and benefit from programs, services and resources for fraternal fundraising. FFE also provides operational support for established, new and emerging fraternal foundations and works hand-in-hand with several fraternal communities to strengthen and improve the entire fraternity/sorority experience.