One of the key aspects of Greek Life is philanthropy. Every fraternity or sorority has a philanthropic focus, with chapters working together to achieve a common goal. Chapters typically undergo fundraising efforts throughout the year and raise large sums of money to donate toward causes such as women's heart health, Alzheimer's research and the Special Olympics. While some groups have a specific focus, others choose a new philanthropic beneficiary each year, based on how their membership votes.

Understanding Philanthropy in Greek Life

Many people confuse philanthropy with charity, but within the context of Greek Life, philanthropy involves creating long-lasting solutions. This often involves donating money towards research, and supporting groups that have the potential to make a big impact on a lot of people. Greek organizations have always emphasized the importance of philanthropy and giving back to the community as a means of forming strong connections. Participating in a philanthropic effort helps build character and teaches the values of the organization to new members. Many organizations rely on the philanthropic efforts of Greek Life groups to meet their funding needs so they can continue to serve the community.

Philanthropy has become a key component of Greek Life and many groups or community organizations will reach out to local sororities or fraternities when they need volunteers. Philanthropy and giving back to the community are one of the main ways that members interact with their community and help leave a positive legacy behind. Philanthropy is about more than just feeling good - it's about doing good. Through various philanthropic efforts, Greek Life organizations have helped cure diseases, bring awareness to special populations and help communities recover from natural disasters.

Types of Philanthropic Activities

There are many types of philanthropic activities that a Greek Life group may engage in. Fundraising events are the most common and are held several times throughout the year. Fundraisers may range from bake sales and car washes for small needs to annual black-tie events for bigger needs. Benefit concerts, auctions and charity 5K runs are also popular. If the need is manpower more than monetary, Greek Life groups will often donate their time to the community. Volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a blood drive or leading an environmental cleanup effort are all great examples of these initiatives. Finally, there are awareness campaigns. Raising awareness for social causes can often be more beneficial than simply donating time or money.

Greek Life groups are not limited to the types of philanthropic activities they can engage in and groups often participate in more than one activity at a time. A group may organize an awareness campaign while fundraising for research efforts related to the cause. They may donate time and money to a group such as Habitat for Humanity, bringing affordable housing and opportunities to their local communities. By engaging in a variety of philanthropic activities requiring varying levels of time and commitment, all members have the opportunity to get involved and to serve their local communities.

Philanthropic Partnerships

Greek Life organizations know they can't do it alone, so they often partner with local nonprofits and charities for the greater good. There are also several national philanthropic affiliations of Greek Life organizations, which help create an impact on a broader scale. For example, Sigma Chi gives millions each year to the Children's Miracle Network while Kappa Alpha focuses on the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Many fraternities and sororities have their own specific philanthropic focuses, with fundraising efforts held throughout the year.

Sometimes groups work together to do even more good for the community. Fraternities and sororities may join forces for larger fundraising efforts or to get more attention toward a specific cause. After a natural disaster, Greek Life organizations may come together to help clean debris, repair damaged buildings and assist displaced families. They may organize fundraisers and partner with national relief groups like the Red Cross in serving disaster-impacted communities.

Philanthropy and Personal Development

Philanthropy and personal development go hand-in-hand. By participating in philanthropic activities, members will build empathy and compassion. They will experience personal growth and character development while also learning valuable leadership and organizational skills. It often takes many members to successfully pull off a single fundraising effort, so members learn how to work together, how to communicate and give back.

Even if you have little interest in public service or philanthropy when you enter Greek Life, you can still learn valuable skills by joining your group and giving back. You may be surprised to see how much you learn about business, government regulations, interpersonal communication and even yourself just by lending a hand and jumping in with a positive attitude.

Promoting Philanthropy within Greek Life and Beyond

For groups that are struggling to promote philanthropy, it's important to engage members in various philanthropic activities within the organization. Education and awareness are powerful tools and often once a member sees the impact of the group's philanthropic efforts, they can't wait to get involved. It's also important for groups to encourage members to continue their philanthropic efforts beyond their college career, setting them up for a lifetime of service and giving back. Greek Life leaders should encourage members to help create a legacy they can be proud of.

Philanthropy is an important part of Greek Life. From fundraising to donating time and raising awareness on campus, there are a lot of ways that Greek Life groups can benefit a specific organization or cause. If you're interested in getting involved or giving back to your local community or fundraising for a cause that's near to your heart, explore the philanthropic opportunities within Greek Life. You might be surprised to learn what a positive impact a fraternity or sorority can have on their local community.