Foundation News
Chi Omega Thanks You
The Chi Omega Foundation participated in the first of its kind study to
examine philanthropy among Greek letter organizations. This is the
largest study of fraternal donor behavior and was administered online
for 36 fraternal foundations in June 2011 by Cygnus Applied Research. A
total of 21 men’s fraternities and 15 women’s fraternities/sororities
participated through the enlistment of the National Interfraternity
Conference Foundation.
3,000 alumnae and other donors to the Chi Omega Foundation fully
participated in this study, out of 56,988 fraternal donors and alumni in
total. This survey affirmed that fraternal members and, for certain,
Chi Omegas, have a generous spirit.
Throughout 2012, highlights of the study findings will be shared in
The Eleusis. The first article will appear in March. Taken as a whole,
the survey shows Chi Omegas living our values and loyal to our
Fraternity.
Key Findings
Our alumnae and donors are conscious supporters of their communities.
Chi Omega was the strongest element of their undergraduate experience.
The Fraternity’s strategic plan is focusing on alumnae engagement. A
spring 2011 survey found: 96% of alumnae reported that Chi Omega is
relevant to them today.
Compared to 14 other National Panhellenic Conference survey participants, Chi Omega has the following:
- A higher than average percentage of alumnae donors relative to total known alumnae population: 3.3%
- Almost twice the average of peer sororities in 2010 alumnae contributions: $973,300
- The largest alumnae population with current addresses: 183,582
Though these figures reflect our leadership among our peers, there
is tremendous opportunity for further engagement to fulfill Chi Omega’s
mission.
Recommendations:
Create a Greater Understanding of Foundation Activities and Key Fundraising Cases
Our alumnae and donors would like more information about the impact
of contributions on the Chi Omega experience. They requested we define
the positive impact their contribution makes on learning, member
development, and overall student experience created by the Foundation.
Build a Greater Sense of Connection among Alumnae
The more connected an alumna is, the more likely she is to
contribute. Geographical distance (from an initiating chapter) was
identified as the greatest challenge and a solution is keeping in
contact whether via newsletter, social media or reunion event.
More than half of the alumnae wish to receive communications in a printed form, though electronic communications remain popular.
The Board of Trustees and staff are relying on your input, and the
input of others collected through this survey, to more fully engage
alumnae and friends in the life of Chi Omega. As we review the hundreds
of survey findings, we will do the following:
- Our donor relations committee will study how to personally thank all first-time donors
- The director of annual giving will accelerate reporting of program outcomes
- All volunteers and staff embolden their commitment to share how
the Chi Omega Foundation is a philanthropy for all our members and
friends
Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Executive
Vice President Sally Kimball at 901.748.8600 or
SKimball@ChiOmega.com.
We are grateful for your love of Chi Omega and interest in a vibrant future.