SEF Grants

Chapter Funds - Frequently Asked Questions

• How does my Chapter get their fund started?
  
  • Each chapter has been sent a Chapter Fund Agreement that needs to be signed and on file in order for the chapter to apply for grants from its Chapter Fund. Chapters will be able to apply for their first distribution from the fund in the Fall. Alumni can begin to make contributions to Chapter Funds at any time.

• Why can’t I send my donation directly to the chapter?
  
  • Technically, you can. However, the donation would not be tax deductible, because the National Fraternity and its chapters are not considered “charitable organizations” by the IRS. By sending your donation to the Sinfonia Educational Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 organization, it is then tax deductible. The SEF will also make sure that the donation is used for “charitable or educational purposes”.

• What are “charitable or educational purposes”?
  
  Permissible purposes include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
  
  • establishing scholarships
  • providing awards, incentives and scholarship recognition
  • purchasing educational materials and equipment
  • subsidizing costs for chapter member attendance at Fraternity educational events
  • supporting educational events sponsored by the chapter
  • other educational or charitable initiatives

• How do I make a contribution to a Chapter Fund?
  
  • Contributions to Chapter Funds can be made via check or money order payable to the “Sinfonia Educational Foundation.” Donors should include in the memo line of the check the name of the chapter for which they would like their contribution to be designated. Donations can also be made online by clicking the Donate Now button on the SEF website.

• How much of my gift goes to my chapter?
  
  • A small percentage (10%) of each gift donated to Chapter Funds will be placed in the General Fund to also help cover SEF programs and expenses including administrative expenses associated with the program. These administrative expenses include document preparation fees, bank fees, annual accounting and auditing fees, and program administration costs. However, as a part of the program’s launch, this fee is suspended for all gifts received by May 31, 2010.

• Why can't a chapter access all of the funds in their account?
  
  • To promote responsible stewardship of the gifts received for chapter programs, the SEF has limited the percentage of the Chapter Fund balance that can be used in one academic year. By placing limits on the amounts that can be used by a chapter, these funds can continue to grow and be used to fund strong chapter programs in perpetuity. The Chapter Fund Program aims to help alumni impact their chapter for years to come.

• Why should my chapter start a Chapter Fund?
  
  • Chapters have the opportunity to receive additional financial support for their programs by taking advantage of this program from the SEF. Some alumni will be more apt to give to a chapter if they know that their gift is tax deductible and that the gift will be stewarded and used for a specific purpose. The SEF provides that stewardship through its grant request process.

• How much is available for my chapter’s programs?
  
  • That all depends on you and your efforts to develop a case of support from your alumni. The more support you get from your alumni, the more funds that will be available for grant requests. There are limits on how much of a Chapter Fund can be used in an academic year. Chapters are allowed to use a maximum of 50% of the fund’s balance as indicated on their annual statement. Chapters can also access a portion of the funds raised during the current academic year. These limitations will ensure that the Chapter Fund continues to be available in the future.

• How does my chapter go about raising money for our Chapter Fund?
  
  • The key to raising funds is to develop relationships with your alumni. People tend to give to people that they know. If your chapter is already communicating with its alumni and inviting them to chapter events, your fundraising efforts will likely be more successful. Alumni also like to know what they are supporting. Before asking for financial support, chapters should determine the projects that need funding.

If you have any additional questions about the Chapter Fund Program, please e-mail us at chapterfunds@sinfonia.org