Philanthropies

Sigma Kappa Foundation

The Sigma Kappa Foundation was founded in 1962 and supports educational and philanthropic endeavors of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Originally founded as a trust, the foundation was incorperated in 1989 as a 501 (c)(3) organization making it a non-profit corperation. The foundation helps 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 genrontology and contributions to the Maine Sea Coast Mission. The Sigma Kappa Foundation recieves its funding through the genorosity of collegiate and alumnae members, collegiate and alumnae chapters,and from outside private and individual contributions.

Sigma Kappa chapters nationwide support the national philanthropies which include:

Alzheimer's disease reseach and education is our main philanthropy.In 1984 Sigma Kappa responded to an increasingly critical problem facing older Americans by adding Alzheimer's disease reseach and education to its philantropic 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 a year to support  Alzheimer's research. Each fall Sigma Kappa chapters sell lollipops on their campus and in their communities to help with the cause.

Since 1918 Sigma Kappa has paid homage to its Maine roots by supporting the activites of the Maine Sea Coast Mission. This is in honor to our five founders from Maine. The Main Sea Coast Mission delievers critical services to people in need striving to redress the root causes of these 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. The gifts are delievered in December by boat, which is known to the locals as the "Santa Clause 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 needs of the elderly population. Collegiate and alumnae chapters throughout the country volunteer their time, effort, and support to numerous causes. The Gamma Upsilon chapter does alot of work with Center In The Woods, we participate in dances and many other activites that the center offers throughout the year.

Inherit The Earth

Adopted in 1992, Inherit the Earth is Sigma Kappa's national genrontology service project, which not only combines the intrest in senior citizens with intrest 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 environments.