Over a Century of Brotherhood, a Lifetime of Impact, and a Mission You Make Possible
At the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation, we believe that every student’s potential should be matched with the resources to achieve it. Explore how our mission and values guide us in stewarding your generosity to build a stronger future for our fratres.
Our Purpose
The Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation exists to support the educational interests and activities of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, to furnish student aid, and to encourage and develop conduct and traits of character consistent with high morals, constructive citizenship, scholarship, leadership and community service.
Vision in Action
As the dynamic charitable and educational arm of the Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, we turn your generosity into generational impact—guaranteeing our student fratres have the resources to lead, excel, and pave their path to graduation.
Our History
Chartered in 1944 and incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia, the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation began as a focused effort to support our brotherhood. For its first 35 years, the Foundation operated as a modest support system limited to student loans and a handful of small scholarships. A pivotal turning point arrived in the late 1970s. In preparation for Sigma Alpha Mu’s 75th Anniversary, the Foundation embarked on a transformative campaign under the visionary leadership of Lawrence D. Schaffer and Bill Schwartz. Together, they invited fratres and friends to endow permanent funds based on donor-proposed criteria. This initial push revolutionized our impact, growing into more than 200 scholarship funds, with new funds continuing to be established every year.
As the Foundation matured, its scope expanded from individual student aid to a more comprehensive approach. In the early 1990s, the Foundation assumed responsibility for the Voluntary Alumni Dues program, renaming it the Annual Appeal. This vital initiative solicits alumni donations to power operations, scholarships, and leadership grants directly to the Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. Building on this momentum, the Foundation launched the Century2 Campaign ahead of the 2009 Centennial celebration. Led by co-chairmen Howard Miller and David Phillips, this ambitious effort exceeded its $5 million goal by raising $5.5 million. These funds dramatically bolstered educational programming, scholarships, and secured a permanent home for the brotherhood: the new Sigma Alpha Mu Headquarters, which opened in February 2012 to serve both the Fraternity and Foundation.
Today, the Foundation is actively building a bridge to a limitless future. In 2022, the Foundation leadership adopted the 2030 Vision plan with the explicit goal of further expanding support for student fratres, chapters, and national Fraternity programs. This strategic plan aims to increase total annual funding by 150%, targeting more than $800,000 in yearly distributions. To facilitate this rapid growth, the Foundation has added two full-time staff members to its team. These efforts are already yielding massive results, having successfully grown program services funding to more than $500,000 annually as we drive toward our 2030 milestones.
Guided by Visionary Leadership
Our strategic milestones and the ambitious goals of our 2030 Vision plan are steered by a dedicated group of alumni and professional staff. These leaders provide their time, professional expertise, and resources to ensure the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation maintains the highest standards of financial health, transparency, and impact.
Together, they work behind the scenes to safeguard our assets and responsibly steward your generosity to maximize student support across our network.
Our Commitment to Integrity
Articles of Incorporation
The 1944 founding document of our non-profit, dedicated to the educational and leadership success of our fratres.
Gift Acceptance Policy
A clear framework to ensure every gift is handled ethically and in alignment with our shared mission.
IRS Form 990
Our annual public disclosure to the IRS, documenting our financial health, governance, and commitment to our mission.
Donor Bill of Rights
Our commitment to treating every donor with respect and managing every gift with full transparency.
Have questions about supporting our mission?
Seal of Transparency
We are proud to hold a Candid Seal of Transparency. This recognition demonstrates our deep commitment to accountability, financial health, and community impact. By keeping our profile fully updated, we ensure our donors and partners can see exactly how we responsibly use our resources to power our mission. You can view our verified data directly on our public profile.
Help Us Build a Limitless Future
Our Foundation’s 80-year legacy of brotherhood is entirely powered by the visionary generosity of alumni like you. By making an investment today, you instantly clear paths to graduation, unlock critical leadership training, and secure a thriving future for the next generation of fratres.
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