Ways to Give
The Annual Fund is the lifeblood of Phi Mu Foundation. Donations to the fund support the Foundation’s operating budget, allowing us to administer grants and support programming for the Fraternity and our sisterhood as a whole. Annual Fund dollars are also placed in the Foundation Endowment Fund to grow and provide future support of Phi Mu Foundation objectives.
Your tax-deductible annual support is critical, not only to our success, but to our survival as an organization. There are many ways to participate in annual giving. Members are encouraged to give – at whatever level is attainable – regularly as the most sincere demonstration of their dedication and commitment to Phi Mu.
~ Annual Giving Programs ~
Annual giving programs are the cornerstone of the Annual Fund. The dedicated women who belong to either the 1852 Society, Legacy League or Carnation Club, contribute over $200,000 each year to the Foundation in unrestricted gifts. Membership in a giving program is made easily attainable by offering the option to divide the annual commitment into monthly, quarterly or annual installments, payable by check, credit card or debit.
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Sisters who support Phi Mu programs at the highest level are members of the 1852 Society. In honor of our heritage, membership requires a commitment to an annual gift of at least $1,852 ($155 monthly) in unrestricted funds.
1852 Society Chairman
Gail Highland
Delta Lambda
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Membership in Legacy League indicates a dedication to furthering the legacy of Phi Mu with a commitment of an annual gift of $1,000 or more ($82 monthly) in unrestricted funds.
Legacy League Chairman
Mary Young
Alpha Zeta
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Carnation Club is the newest annual giving program and is comprised of members who commit $500 annually to support Phi Mu ($42 monthly) in unrestricted funds.
Carnation Club Chairman
Ellen Bower
Delta Beta
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~ Direct Mail ~
Perhaps the most recognizable form of solicitation for the Annual Fund is through our direct mail campaign. Periodically during the year, letters are sent to Foundation members, updating them on current initiatives and reminding them of the need for their financial support. The response to the campaign is steady and a key component in the overall Annual Fund budget.
~ Phonathon ~
In April of each year, Foundation staff breaks out the feather boas, sparkling tiaras, telephones, bells, pizza, prizes and best cheerleader voices as they take the annual phonathon to a selected collegiate chapter. The 5-day event is full of fun, laughs, cheers and Phi Mu spirit as more than 6,000 Foundation donors and non-donors receive personal phone calls from a young Phi Mu sister. Competition among callers is fierce and the good-natured and generous response of our alumnae makes it all worthwhile. All contributions to the phonathon are tax-deductible and go directly to the Annual Fund.
~ E-solicitations ~
E-mail, and other forms of electronic communication, with our donors continue to increase in popularity. Providing updates on programs, sending “thank you” messages, birthday greetings, requesting secure online donations all fall under our e-solicitation program, which allows us to reach record numbers of Foundation members in an efficient and interactive manner.
~ Honor Cards ~
What better way to celebrate that special Phi Mu in your life than with an honor gift to Phi Mu Foundation? With a suggested minimum donation of $15, honor gifts are a wonderful way to celebrate milestones, happy occasions or just to say “thinking of you.” When an honor gift is made, a personalized card is sent to the recipient. See below for card options and pictures. Secure online ordering available.
~ Memorial Gifts ~
When a beloved sister passes, consider honoring her with a memorial gift to Phi Mu Foundation. An elegant paneled card is sent to the family, notifying them of your thoughtful remembrance. Secure online ordering available.
~ Buy a Brick ~
Show your Phi Mu pride, or honor a special Phi Mu in your life with a lasting tribute, by placing a personalized brick in the beautiful commemorative terrace behind our new Headquarters. Leave a legacy that family, friends and other Phi Mus will enjoy forever.
Bricks are currently $152 ($157 if Greek letters are used in the inscription). Your brick will have three lines of 14 characters and spaces per line.
To purchase a brick, please complete the online form and submit your secure online payment. You may also call Phi Mu Foundation at (770) 632-2090 to place your order. Bricks can be purchased in honor or in memory of someone. You can even sponsor a brick to create a tribute to other Phi Mu members, friends and relatives, chapters, businesses and Greek organizations.
~ Matching Gift Companies ~
One of the easiest, and most cost efficient methods of increasing your contributions to the Foundation, is through a matching gifts program with your employer. The size of the donations and ratios that employers are willing to match vary. Some offer a set ratio, while others set a maximum dollar amount. To see a list of companies who offer gift matching programs, please click the link below.
~ Fidelity Society ~
Sisters who remember Phi Mu Foundation in their will, or other forms of planned giving, become members of the Fidelity Society. In addition to bequests of cash, Fidelity Society members may also bequest – a percentage of , or in full – appreciated assets such as stocks and mutual funds; 401Ks; IRAs; life insurance; annuities and trusts; or gifts of real estate or other property.
Any Phi Mu who remembers the Foundation in her will is an automatic member of Fidelity Society. Please submit a copy of the appropriate estate planning documents to the staff so that we may properly recognize you for your generosity. Please contact Kathy Williams, Executive Director, at 770-632-2121 or kwilliams@phimu.org, if you have questions about the Fidelity Society or need information on how to establish a planned gift.
~ Building Endowment Fund ~
After Phi Mu’s permanent home was completed in 2005, a Building Endowment Fund was established. This endowment maintains and refurbishes the Headquarters as needed. Donors may make contributions designated specifically for the Building Endowment.
~ Heart and Hand Fund ~
The Foundation provides support to sisters who experience tragedy through The Heart and Hand Fund. Emergency grants are available for collegiate and alumnae members in good standing who need assistance as a result of a federally-declared natural disaster. Grant amounts typically range from $250 - $1,000 and are designated to assist with basic necessities such as food, clothing, housing, immediate medical care, transportation or funeral expenses. In addition, some education expenses, including books and supplies, may be eligible for assistance. However, chapter dues and obligations are excluded. Donors may choose to designate their gift for the Heart and Hand Fund.
~ Donor Appreciation and Gifts ~
Every contribution is appreciated and we thoroughly enjoy demonstrating that gratitude through the donor gift program. As a member’s giving adds up over the years, she will reach new levels of giving and will receive a piece of jewelry from the Foundation. Any donor may opt out of the donor appreciation program if she so chooses. Simply contact Kathy Williams, Executive Director, at 770-632-2121 or kwilliams@phimu.org
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