ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
The value of the sorority experience is clear — it provides an opportunity and environment for members to form lifelong friendships; work alongside others with differing viewpoints, backgrounds and lived experiences; build confidence in a supportive environment; make a difference in their communities; and cultivate leadership and sought-after professional skills.
But for the most part, these benefits are anecdotal and subjective. We are at a crossroads to grow our communities and clearly articulate the significance of today’s sorority experience to key stakeholders.
As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve — contracting enrollment, rising costs, increasing legal challenges, changing demographics, and emergent concerns around mental health, connection, inclusion and beyond — we must be able to clearly prove our relevance to potential new members and their families, collegians, alumnae, volunteers, donors and higher education administrators.
It is time to write our own story. We must fortify the narrative to ensure sororities are positioned as THE sought-after membership opportunity for college women and THE number one avenue for support and engagement for members throughout their lives.
CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES
#1: Conduct at least 10 research projects beginning summer 2023 through 2026 that will:
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- Identify how to best position and market the value of the sorority experience to the college women of today and tomorrow.
- Prove the distinct value and relevance of the sorority experience.
- Identify barriers and guide strategy to increase retention throughout sorority membership.
- Increase affinity and provide compelling proof points for sustained investment in our sororities throughout the alumnae experience.
- Provide insight into how the sorority experience influences member mental health and well-being.
- Analyze Gen Alpha to prepare sorority for future collegiate members’ generational challenges.
#2: Provide actionable recommendations, messaging, toolkits and conversation points for research results to apply the data and share findings with stakeholders.
MEET THE TEAM
The Women’s Research Committee, with authorization from the FFE Board, guides the utilization of the Industry Research – Women’s Initiatives Fund. To generate resources for the fund, a Campaign Committee has been established and will lead the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors and their investments. Both committees are supported by FFE Executive Director Ashley VanDewark.
The Research Committee, comprised of NPC organization executives and presidents, and industry leaders, is charged with defining/refining a women’s focused research agenda and pursuing priority projects.
The Campaign Committee, composed of sorority foundation executives, volunteer leaders and longstanding sorority advocates, is charged with leading the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors and their investments.
- To learn more and hear from the women who comprise the committees, watch the Meet the Team virtual webinar hosted in July 2023.
- Do you have a research topic you’d like the Research Committee to consider? Complete this form.
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
This work would not be possible without the generosity of individuals and organizations who believe and are invested in the campaign’s priorities! On behalf of the FFE Board of Directors, Research Committee and Campaign Committee, thank you to our donors!
Considering making a commitment? We’d love to connect about how we might partner with you to advance your philanthropic goals and this important work for our community.
$100,000+
- MJ Sorority: $150,000
$75,000-99,999
- Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity & Foundation: $75,000
- Chi Omega: $75,000
- Gamma Phi Beta: $75,000
- Kappa Delta: $75,000
- Zeta Tau Alpha: $75,000
$50,000-74,999
- Alpha Delta Pi & Alpha Delta Pi Foundation: $50,000
- Delta Gamma: $50,000
- Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity & Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation: $50,000
- Kappa Kappa Gamma: $50,000
- Cindy H. Stellhorn: $50,000
$25,000-49,999
$10,000-24,999
- Sigma Delta Tau: $10,000
- Theta Phi Alpha: $10,000
$5,000-9,999
- Diane Eggert: $5,000
- Tracy Garner: $5,000
- Marsha Grady: $5,000
- Heather Matthews: $5,000
- Trek Advancement: $5,000
$2,500-4,999
$1,000-2,499
Up to $999
- Erica Ochs
- Meghan Parker
- Mary Pat Rooney
- Vicki Ryan
- Cindy Svec
