What is the Omega Phi Alpha Foundation?
Established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) foundation, the Omega Phi Alpha Foundation serves as a means for members of the sorority, their families, and other community members to further the mission of Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority through tax-deductible gifts. A dream realized for many members of our sorority, the Foundation supports scholarships, leadership development, and service endeavors for active and alumni members of the sorority.
Why is the Foundation important?
The Foundation provides grants to chapters and empowers the members of Omega Phi Alpha to create meaningful impact in the world through leadership, education, and volunteer service while developing lifelong friendships.
How do chapters receive a grant from the Foundation?
Currently, the Foundation accepts applications for grants twice a year. Chapter officers are invited to submit the application for a specific service or leadership activity that falls within the purview of the Foundation.
How does the Foundation raise funds?
The Foundation is working to establish a culture of philanthropy for Omega Phi Alpha. We need the support of our community to raise money to support and enhance the work being done by our members and chapters. We accept donations at any time throughout the year, with a focus on fundraising campaigns for Founders’ Day and GivingTuesday.
What does the Foundation do with the money they raise?
Gifts provided to the Foundation provide an opportunity to offer tangible support toward the service of sorority members and develop new opportunities for leadership development by doing things like supporting keynote speakers at our events, for service by implementing service grants to provide supplies for large scale service projects undertaken by our chapters and national organization, and in awareness of our programs through the eventual goal of grant submissions.
How does the Foundation differ from the Sorority?
Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority is a member-organization composed of collegiate and alumni members who actively serve their communities. The Foundation is a separate, nonprofit entity whose purpose is to raise tax-deductible funds to support leadership development, education, and service of sorority members. The Foundation and Sorority have separate Boards of Directors that work together to ensure the strategic plan for the sorority is successfully implemented to benefit all members. The sorority will continue to focus on the amazing work we already do in Service, Leadership, and Friendship nationally and through local chapters.
What is the current status of the Foundation and its efforts?
The Foundation Board has been working to establish processes and procedures for the Foundation over the past 3 years. In Fall 2021, they launched their first grant application cycle and awarded a grant to Alpha Lambda chapter. Additionally, the Foundation has supported a couple of national initiatives. The annual report for 2021 is linked below with more information.
What happened to the scholarship fund when the Foundation was formed?
The Pamela McCullough McEwen Memorial Scholarship is now managed and awarded through the Omega Phi Alpha Foundation to support the ongoing education of our members. Recently the Foundation Board decided to extend the scholarship to alumni members pursuing advanced degrees and certifications.
How can I get involved in the Foundation?
The Foundation Board of Directors has 6 volunteer members serving overlapping terms. There is a Board President, Board Secretary, Board Treasurer, and three At-Large Board Members. We are currently seeking three people to serve the remainder of two terms (1 year remaining) and three people to serve full two year terms.
What is the time commitment for serving on the Foundation Board of Directors?
The time commitment varies depending on the time of year and your position. Generally, Board members can expect to commit up to 5 hours per month. The Foundation Board meets once a month with the goal of transitioning to quarterly meetings in the future.
What skills are required to serve on the Foundation Board of Directors?
The most important skill necessary to serve on the Foundation Board of Directors is passion for the mission of the sorority. Working together as a Board, you will use and develop strategic thinking, written and verbal communication skills, and nonprofit management experience.