Supporting Fraternities and Sororities: How You Can Help
Founded in 1853, the fraternity and sorority system at Rensselaer is one of the first to be established on a university campus in the United States. We are proud to continue to celebrate this rich heritage and more than 160 years of value and tradition. There are many ways that you can support current and future generations of students continuing the tradition of Greek Life at Rensselaer.
ROGER MIKE ’70
“The friendships that are at the core of fraternities and sororities grow deeper over time until one day, as with me, you are in your 70s and your brothers continue to mean more and more to you. The bonds don’t dissipate over time; to the contrary, they become stronger and one day you realize that, yes, this will last my entire life. That’s a gift.”
Chapter Support Funds
Chapter Support Funds can be established by fraternities and sororities that are recognized and in good standing with the Institute. These are dedicated funds the chapter can use for direct student support through awards, scholarships, or programs.
Donations to these individual chapter funds are fully tax deductible and, in addition to being applied to each chapter, will be counted as part of the individual’s lifetime giving to Rensselaer. And, they can be eligible for corporate match – a great way to multiply and maximize your gift if your company participates.
Learn more about the Chapter Support Fund Disbursement Process and submit a request.
Chapter Support Funds: The Benefits
“The Chapter Support Fund is a great way for your alumni to receive tax deductibility for their contributions [to their fraternity]. We appreciate the partnership and look forward to other mutually beneficial endeavors in the future.”
– BRIAN MICHALKA ’16, SigEp Alumni Board Treasurer
Your gift today can help meet immediate and pressing needs for current students.
Other Ways to Support the Fraternity and Sorority Fundraising Campaign:
Fraternity and Sorority Scholarship Fund
Awarded annually to students with the greatest need within fraternity and sorority life, the Fraternity & Sorority Scholarship Fund was established by Board of Trustees Chair Arthur F. Golden ’66, to continue our commitment to the financial needs of students within the Fraternity & Sorority Commons community. These scholarships address essential needs such as books, scholastic materials, and tuition assistance, ensuring they can remain focused on achieving their academic goals.
Fraternity and Sorority Development Fund
The Fraternity and Sorority Development Fund has been providing support to educational and leadership program opportunities for fraternities and sororities since 1991.
Your contribution serves as a direct catalyst for the programs and activities of the Fraternity and Sorority Commons. This includes educational workshops, engaging campus speakers, developing essential resources aimed at fostering chapter and community growth, increasing awareness, and augmenting overall membership value. The fund extends its support to student leaders by sponsoring their attendance at conferences, providing them with valuable opportunities to cultivate and refine their leadership skills.
FRATERNITY AND SORORITY COMMONS FUND
Also established by Board of Trustees Chair Arthur F. Golden ’66 and his wife, Elisabeth, this fund helps provide financial support to the fraternity and sorority community. This fund will support student leadership opportunities, improvements to physical spaces, and overall support of the recognized fraternity and sorority community.
Your contributions directly subsidize expenses related to travel, lodging, and registration for leadership institutes and off-site program education attendance. Additionally, they contribute to the enhancement of office space/resources located within 1525 15th Street, and more broadly provide financial support to the fraternity and sorority commons community programming and support initiatives. This not only improves physical spaces for fraternity and sorority members, but also contributes to delivering superior services to the broader FSC community.
Rensselaer Panhellenic Council (RPC) Recruitment and Leadership Initiatives FUND
The Rensselaer Panhellenic Council (RPC) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant sorority community at RPI and seeks alumni and stakeholder support to strengthen its recruitment and leadership efforts. Currently, recruitment is a no-fee experience funded by chapter and member dues, but additional support is needed for shuttles, a recruitment selection platform, and leadership development opportunities. Specifically, RPC aims to send its executive team to the National Panhellenic Conference’s (NPC) College Panhellenic Academy—an invaluable program that equips student leaders with skills and strategies to enhance their community. Your support will help create a more inclusive recruitment process and empower future leaders of RPI’s Panhellenic community. Learn more about the NPC College Panhellenic Academy: NPC College Panhellenic Academy
Interfraternity Council (IFC) Recruitment and Leadership Initiative FUND
The Rensselaer Interfraternity Council (IFC) is committed to strengthening the fraternity community at RPI by investing in leadership development for its executive team. Each year, IFC leaders attend the AFLV Central Conference, a premier event offering education and resources tailored to fraternity and sorority leaders. Additionally, IFC sends key representatives to the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) each summer, providing intensive leadership training that fosters personal growth and community impact.
To expand these opportunities, IFC seeks alumni and stakeholder support to increase attendance at both AFLV Central and UIFI. Your contributions will help ensure more leaders and chapters can participate in these impactful programs, ultimately enhancing the strength and unity of RPI’s fraternity community.
Learn more about these programs:
Multicultural Fraternity and Sorority Council (MSFC) Recruitment and Leadership Initiatives Fund
The Rensselaer Multicultural Fraternity and Sorority Council (MSFC) is dedicated to supporting and advancing the multicultural fraternity and sorority community at RPI. To strengthen leadership development, MSFC seeks alumni and stakeholder support to increase attendance at the AFLV Central Conference, which includes the National Black and Cultural Greek Leadership Conferences. This transformative event connects students with National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) leaders from across the country and fosters critical dialogue on issues impacting multicultural Greek life.
As one of the smallest councils on campus, MSFC also aims to grow its presence and influence by investing in leadership programming, bringing in outside facilitators, and developing strategic plans for the expansion and sustainability of cultural organizations at RPI. Your support will empower student leaders, promote inclusivity, and drive meaningful growth within the MSFC community.
Learn more about the AFLV Central Conference: AFLV Central Conference
Professional Fraternity and Sorority (PFS) Recruitment and Leadership Initiatives Fund
The Rensselaer Professional Fraternity and Sorority (PFS) community is committed to fostering leadership and growth among its members. To enhance leadership development, PFS seeks alumni and stakeholder support to send presidents or key leaders to the annual Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI), hosted by the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values (AFLV), each summer. This immersive program equips student leaders with the skills and strategies needed to strengthen their organizations and create lasting impact within the RPI community.
Donations will help cover the $750 registration fee, which includes lodging, meals, and travel from Albany to Indianapolis, ensuring that PFS can send at least one representative from each professional organization every summer. Your generous support will empower future leaders, fostering a strong and dynamic professional Greek community at RPI.
Learn more about UIFI: Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI)
Annual Fund
Corporate Match
Double your gift! If your company participates in the corporate match program, you can double the value of your gift!
Mailing a Gift
If you don’t want to donate online, you can mail a check or money order to the address below. Please put the name of the fund that you are designating your gift to in the memo field:
Gifts Processing Center
P.O. Box 3164
Boston, MA 02241-3164