Funding Priorities

Our mission of advancing women’s lives through the power of philanthropy is put into action through our five vital funding priorities.

Through the generosity of donors, Alpha Phis are provided the opportunity and access to transformative leadership experiences. They receive the life-changing renewal and encouragement of an academic scholarship or Forget Me Not Grant. With your help, Alpha Phis invest in the advancement of women’s cardiac research and care and preserve the rich heritage of Alpha Phi Fraternity.

Select a program listed to the left to learn more about what a gift to Alpha Phi Foundation can do for our chapters, members, and communities around the world.

Leadership

Scholarship

Heart Health

Forget Me Not

Heritage

Recent Program Impact

Magic in the Making: Lessons, Legacy, and Lasting Bonds at the Alpha Phi Leadership Institute
Since 2021, the Alpha Phi Foundation has partnered with the Disney Institute to teach sisters how to lead with purpose and genuine care. By aligning Disney’s core educational concepts with Alpha Phi’s High Ideals, this one-of-a-kind program empowers members to innovate, protect their chapter culture, and lead with their future legacy in mind. For many, the Disney experience is defined by world-class storytelling and a touch of pixie dust. But for a select group of Alpha Phi collegians, a journey to the Alpha Phi Leadership Institute in Orlando, Florida, became the catalyst for something much deeper: a masterclass in world-class excellence and the forging of a nationwide network of support that will last far beyond their college years. With the help of one enthusiastic volunteer (thank you Isabelle!), we interviewed a group of 2025 attendees to learn more about their experience, asking questions to learn just what the program entails, what some key takeaways were, and of course, how this opportunity has inspired them to lead and grow as Alpha Phis. I felt the magic of the Disney experience as soon as I arrived at the hotel. Many girls were wearing Alpha Phi merchandise, ready to share their love for their chapters with new members. Because we all shared the same love for Alpha Phi, it was incredibly easy to connect with one another. Kylee Barnaj (Gamma Alpha-San Diego State) A Day in the Life: Where the Classroom Meets the Kingdom The daily programming is designed to be as engaging as it is educational, moving far beyond traditional lectures. Each day follows a seamless flow, designed to maximize learning by putting theory into practice. Morning Foundations: Days began with morning lectures where facilitators explored challenging leadership concepts, such as the sacrifices required to be a true leader, in a way that was approachable, welcoming, and interesting. Field Studies in the Parks: Participants moved into the Disney parks—including Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom—to participate in interactive activities that connected directly to the lessons from the lectures. Intentional Innovation: Avery Skaar (Pi-North Dakota) found particular value in visiting EPCOT, noting that seeing how Disney values culture, teamwork, and innovation showed her “how intentional leadership can make a lasting impact”. Evening Connection: In the evenings, members enjoyed dinner at Downtown Disney, watched fireworks, and shared attractions together, allowing the day’s lessons to settle during moments of shared sisterhood. Jessica Ross (Beta Psi-San Jose State) recalls the first night’s watch party: “The fireworks were impeccable, but just as amazing was getting to meet so many new girls!” Collaborative Success: Strengthening Chapter Philanthropy The Leadership Institute proved that Alpha Phi is truly “one big sisterhood” regardless of geography. This was most evident when the participants began using each other as active resources to improve their home chapters. Campbell Honing (Iota Pi-Northern Arizona) highlighted how the network directly benefited her chapter’s mission for women’s heart health. She utilized the group chat from the weekend to ask other chapters if they also invited professionals with experience in women’s heart health to speak at their events. This inquiry “sparked a great conversation and even inspired other chapters to consider doing the same,” creating a ripple effect of shared knowledge and enhanced philanthropy across the country. Jessica Ross similarly took home practical tools to enhance chapter engagement. After learning about other chapters’ traditions, she is working to implement a new “sister of the week” standout in chapter slideshows to reward sisters for exceptional weeks and make meetings more engaging. The activities I participated in and enjoyed the most were the small-group team challenges. While these exercises provided valuable insights and helped develop important leadership skills, they also felt magical creating the true Disney experience. The bonding moments during these activities truly embodied sisterhood, creating connections that felt meaningful. Another memory I have is when Alpha Phi Fraternity International President, Kate Halfon, was so kind and welcoming, taking the time to let all of the girls take pictures with her. Moments like that made the experience feel even more special. Isabelle Michelle Zagranichny (Gamma Eta-George Mason) Leading with Empathy and Action The impact of Leadership Institute is most evident in the specific skills sisters bring back to their home chapters. Isabelle Michelle Zagranichny (Eta Lambda-George Mason) realized that “leadership is not just about giving directions and rules, it’s about listening, supporting, and empowering others”. She has since begun practicing “leading with empathy” in her role as Vice President of Health, Wellness, and Accountability. Avery Skaar also brought back a stronger focus on “intentional planning, clear communication, and creating meaningful experiences for others” to her role as Director of Internal and External Events. From Disney Magic to Alpha Phi Leadership: The ELC Journey The most profound testament to the power of these new connections is the story of Kylee Barnaj and Campbell Honing. Before the Institute, both women were uncertain about their future leadership paths. While at the program, they shared a deep conversation about their mutual interest in applying to be an Educational Leadership Consultant (ELC) for Alpha Phi after graduation. Despite initial hesitations, the bond they formed and the renewed love for the organization they felt that weekend gave them the final push. “After talking together about how much we love Alpha Phi after this weekend, we both decided to apply,” Kylee shared. Today, both Kylee and Campbell have accepted job offers to serve as ELCs for 2026, taking the lessons they learned at Disney to chapters nationwide. Jessica Ross felt a similar surge in confidence. Internalizing principles like strategic focus and proactive leadership gave her the courage to step up, eventually earning her a position as Executive Administrator for the upcoming year. “I gained more confidence in the weight I could hold within my chapter and felt confident I could be a high-quality leader,” Jessica noted, adding that these skills even translated to her role on her school’s water polo team. A Shared Commitment: Inspired to Give Back Attending the Leadership Institute fostered a profound sense of …
December 26, 2025 2:42 pm
Continuing Her Legacy: Forget Me Not for Sixty Plus Seniors Fund
Reflecting on her Alpha Phi experience, Nancy wondered if she could help Alpha Phis like her. In the Spring of 2025, she established the Forget Me Not for Sixty Plus Seniors Fund. Walking into her Alpha Phi experience at the University of Washington, Nancy Andrews Benson (Sigma- Washington, PC’60) was excited to share our sisterhood with her mother, Betty King (Gamma- DePauw). Nancy’s favorite memories include the sleeping porches at the Sigma house, curfew, singing many songs, and lifelong friendships. Nancy is now retired in beautiful Tempe, Arizona, living yards away from the Gamma Pi house at Arizona State University. She happily discovered her neighbor, Bonnie Wright (Beta Epsilon- Arizona), is an Alpha Phi sister. Betty is a photographer and retired philanthropic consultant who led an outstanding career in fund development. Nancy and Bonnie often share their Alpha Phi memories over pastries and iced tea in the café in their building. In a new stage of life, Nancy reconnected with our sisterhood. The ideal of helping sisters when they need it the most was a principle within our sisterhood which Nancy found invaluable. Reflecting on her Alpha Phi experience, Nancy wondered if she could help Alpha Phis like her. In the Spring of 2025, Nancy established the Forget Me Not for Sixty Plus Seniors Fund through an immediate gift and lovely estate gift, granting her membership to Clara Bradley Burdette Society. Through the Forget Me Not for Sixty Plus Seniors Fund, this endowed fund will perpetually benefit sisters who are at least sixty years of age and in need of emergency grant assistance. Seniors often face additional financial challenges due to the loss of a spouse, declining health, or inability to work. Thank you, Nancy, for continuing your family’s Alpha Phi legacy through the Alpha Phi Foundation. Forget Me Not grants emergency assistance to sisters facing unprecedented crisis. This past year, the Foundation granted a record number of Forget Me Nots related to natural disasters. The average Forget Me Not Award was $2,000 and application numbers rivaled those of 2020 during the pandemic. Alpha Phi Foundation is proudly prepared to face the growing needs facing the women in our sisterhood. Your collegiate experience is the briefest part of your membership. Endless opportunities lie within your alumnae experience, including giving back through philanthropy, encouraging leadership roles, and volunteering at the collegiate, national, and local level. Thank you, Nancy, for reminding us of our lifelong sisterhood and the endless possibilities that continue to empower us. Due to Nancy’s incredible thoughtfulness and generosity, the Forget Me Not for Sixty Plus Seniors Fund is a beautiful reminder that our sisterhood ready and available to support sisters in all stages of life. Make a gift to Forget Me Not or the FMN for Sixty Plus Seniors Fund Click here to apply for an assistance grant for yourself or on behalf of a sister. Interested in leaving your legacy with Alpha Phi Foundation through an endowment or planned gift? Please contact Charlotte Farrar, Major Gifts Officer, cfarrar@alphaphifoundation.org.
December 23, 2025 9:34 am
2025 Giving Tuesday Celebration!
Alpha Phi Foundation achieved remarkable success in the competitive Crowdchange Giving Tuesday Interfraternal Challenge on December 2, demonstrating the loyalty and powerful philanthropic commitment of our sisterhood. Thanks to your generous gifts, we surpassed our fundraising goal and raised $88,000 with engagement from Alpha Phis across the country. A total of 265 donors from 114 Alpha Phi chapters and 42 states (plus one Canadian province) participated, highlighting the vast reach of our sisterhood and unwavering commitment to the High Ideal of practicing generosity at every turn. In total, 4,000 donors and 15 fraternal organizations raised an incredible $2.64M for their respective philanthropies as part of the Giving Tuesday Interfraternal Challenge. This triumph is a shining example of the broader philanthropic presence of the Greek community. Nationwide, fraternal organizations serve as one of the largest networks of young volunteers, raising millions of dollars annually and contributing millions of hours of service to various local and national philanthropies. By organizing large-scale fundraising events and widespread volunteerism, Greek chapters instill a sense of civic engagement, responsibility, and service in their members. This commitment to giving back not only provides resources for important causes but also develops the leadership and altruistic values that its members carry throughout their lives, strengthening communities for decades to come by intentionally investing in the future of women. Did you miss out on Giving Tuesday? You can still make an impact on Alpha Phis in 2025 with a year-end gift to support our sisterhood! Make a Gift Now!
December 12, 2025 2:53 pm