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Sorority and fraternity life is about more than friendship. A core part of the experience is giving back. Sorority and fraternity philanthropy builds community and helps others. It shows that this kind of giving is not just for the very rich.

“The more you give to others the happier you are likely to become.”

Susan Aurelia Gitelson’s Giving Is Not Just For The Very Rich is the culmination of years of experience as a philanthropist and leader involved in international affairs, with extensive expertise in charitable giving and global initiatives.

Your sorority and fraternity can make a big difference.

Why Sorority and Fraternity Giving Offers Many Benefits

Philanthropy is a key part of Greek life. It connects your values to action. Working together for a cause is key to strengthening your bond. It also feels good to help.

“People who give are usually happier than those who do not.”

Your sorority and fraternity can experience this joy. Giving back also builds a positive reputation on campus and in your town.

Planning Your Sorority and Fraternity Philanthropy Efforts

A successful event needs good planning. Follow these steps to make your event a hit.

• Pick Your Cause: Choose a charity that your group cares about. This makes the work more meaningful.
• Set a Goal: Decide how much money you want to raise. Having a clear goal helps motivate everyone.
• Plan Your Budget: Know your costs before you start. Keep expenses low so more money can go to your cause.
• Promote Your Event: Use social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth. Tell people why your sorority and fraternity are raising money.
• Work Together: The best events happen when everyone helps. Delegate tasks so all members can contribute.

Gitelson reminds us in the book, “You can make valuable contributions for much less money if you devise effective program.”

Consider inviting local colleges to participate or partner with your events. Peer-to-peer fundraising is a great way to involve more supporters by encouraging members to leverage their networks for a better spread impact.

Always have a clear event policy in place to guide your planning and execution.

Events that a Sorority and Fraternity Can Consider

Each event below represents a different type of fundraising activity.

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The Classic Sports Tournament

Host a basketball, volleyball, or kickball tournament. Teams can form and enter the tournament easily by paying an entry fee. You can also sell snacks and water. This is a high-energy way to bring people together. A little friendly competition between sorority and fraternity chapters always draws a crowd.

Community Cook-Off

A cook-off is a crowd-pleaser. Host a chili, barbecue, or bake-off contest. Charge other students a small fee to taste and vote for the best dish. Serving food to attendees is a delicious way for your sorority and fraternity to raise funds.

Charity Car Wash

A car wash is a timeless fundraiser. Pick a busy location on a weekend. With some soap, sponges, and willing members, you can raise a lot of money.

This event serves the community and helps complete your fundraising goals. It is an obvious way for your sorority and fraternity to be active in the local community.

Talent Showcase

Every chapter has hidden talents. Therefore, organizing a talent show can be wonderful for all members in a Greek organization. You can sell tickets to students and family members and use the money for a cause.

This event highlights the diverse skills within your sorority and fraternity. It is entertaining and builds member confidence.

Exam Week Care Packages

During stressful exam weeks, sell care packages. Fill them with snacks, coffee, and school supplies. Students will gladly buy them. This is a familiar and popular idea among students. Your sorority and fraternity can provide support when it is needed most.

Live Painting Event or Mural Painting Fundraiser

Hold a live painting event or invite a local artist to create a mural during your fundraiser. Attendees can watch the painting process and even participate. Auction off the finished artwork to raise additional funds.

Hosting arts-related events like this can counteract the decline in interest in arts within school programs and inspire creativity among students.

Meet-and-Greet or Networking Mixer

Organize a meet-and-greet or networking mixer to help members meet and connect with alumni or local professionals.

This type of event fosters new relationships with others and strengthens your organization’s network, which can be the starting point for future cause-oriented projects.

Fashion Show or Themed Dress Event

Host a fashion show or themed dress event. Encourage participants to dress in clothes made from recycled and sustainable materials.

An event like this can be an extremely approachable way to highlight sustainability practices and the need to be more environmentally minded, especially in the case of clothing.

Sustainability or Craft Fair

Organize a sustainability or craft fair to showcase local artisans, eco-friendly products, or student creations. This type of fair promotes community engagement and supports local businesses or causes.

Each event idea serves a unique purpose and helps your group connect with the community.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Hosting a successful nonprofit event is a powerful way to unlock your organization’s potential and achieve many benefits for your cause and community.

By setting clear goals, building excitement, and providing a unique and engaging experience, you can strengthen relationships, raise essential funds, and promote awareness about important topics.

As you move forward, keep a list of what works well and be open to new ideas. With dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to your mission, your nonprofit events can continue to make a meaningful difference—one gathering at a time.

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Making a Real Impact as a University Student

The work of your sorority and fraternity matters. Every dollar raised and every hour volunteered helps. You are part of a long tradition of giving. Your efforts prove that philanthropy is for everyone. You are building a better community and creating a culture of generosity that can last a lifetime.

Ready to get more great ideas for giving back? Learn how to maximize your impact in Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson’s book, Giving Is Not Just For The Very Rich.