Strategic Plan Key Areas of Focus:

Communication: Development of a Case for Support is underway to promote greater understanding about the Sigma Kappa Foundation's mission, along with detailed plans to enhance internal and external communication and marketing. The adoption of a new tagline, Supporting the Heart of Sigma Kappa, reflects a member-focus in all aspects of the Foundation’s work. Through the use of technology and an expanded Ambassadors Program of volunteers in all five Sigma Kappa districts to advocate for the Foundation at chapter and regional events, more effective communication about the use of charitable dollars can be achieved, which is critical to maintaining donor confidence.

Fundraising: Expanding the impact of the Sigma Kappa Foundation through fundraising results is the ultimate goal and will require initial investments in personnel, training and resources to achieve expansive growth. The development of a culture of philanthropy among collegiate chapters now will ensure that Sigma Kappa members are not only future supporters of Sigma Kappa, but thoughtful, philanthropic members of their communities and our world. Engaging alumnae chapters in the Foundation dialogue will help to generate new sources of income. Securing major and planned gift commitments will be critical to the long-term future of the organization and will be a major focus.

Leadership/Governance: The Board of Trustees will define its responsibilities and that of its staff in order to transition to a governance model of leadership, which is critical to enabling trustees to actively fundraise for the organization. Expansion of the board and the strategic recruitment of key volunteers will diversify involvement. Regular review of committee structures and training for trustees relevant to governance, fundraising and programs will be ongoing.

Operations: Assessing the effectiveness of staff resources and facilities—focusing on space requirements, staff growth, technology, funding resources and strategies for success will ensure the operation of the most efficient Foundation possible.

Entity Relationships: All Sigma Kappa members are served by the continued development of a synergistic relationship among the Sigma Kappa Sorority, Sigma Kappa Foundation, and Sigma Kappa National Housing Corporation. Ensuring that each entity’s strategic plan is in alignment, enhancing communication, ongoing evaluation of volunteer roles and relationships are all critical for team building and collaboration. Further the continued development of the grant-making process to maximize opportunities for the Foundation to fund educational and leadership programs is necessary.

Vision Statement:

Sigma Kappa Foundation will be a dynamic organization, pioneering innovative programs that answer emerging challenges facing women today and have a direct and positive impact on all Sigma Kappa members and their communities.

By year 2011, Sigma Kappa Foundation will be:

A leading organization committed to members of Sigma Kappa Sorority through its premier programming and fund development
An organization to which other nonprofit organizations contact to learn best practices and seek counsel
Providing at least 100 scholarships each year at a minimum of $1,000 each
A foremost provider of education and solutions to challenges facing college campuses
A trusted resource for quality reporting, investments, and communication to membership and donor community
A model steward of all resources (finances, volunteers, employees, facilities)
Raising major gift funds
Increasing the number of donors by 10% annually
Securing planned gifts at all levels, including $1 million+
“Making Alzheimer’s a Distant Memory” by creating a major funding stream for Alzheimer’s disease research to find a cure

We Believe:

Sigma Kappa Sorority and its members are our primary focus and responsibility
Honesty and integrity are core to our actions
Sisterhood and our heritage are cherished and celebrated
Diversity of thought and embracing change are at the heart of our growth
Accountability, transparency, and excellence are critical to serving our donors, our members, and our communities
Volunteer commitment is essential to providing philanthropic service to benefit society

We Value:

Transparency – We will:

Provide reports and communications that are truthful and straightforward, committing to full disclosure

Accountability – We will:

Be accountable to our donors and to all Sigma Kappa members
Establish standards and measure ourselves against them
Ensure that our data is secure
Honor the requests of donors to remain anonymous
Acknowledge gifts promptly and accurately
Be available to our donors and listen and respond to their concerns
Recognize our donors in our publications, at events, and through personal methods as appropriate

Integrity and Ethical Behavior – We will:

Comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the business of the Sigma Kappa Foundation
Perform our duties honestly and in good faith
Act openly and with regard to our responsibility for public trust
Exercise care, diligence, and good judgment in participating in the affairs of the Sigma Kappa Foundation and upholding our
Operate free from any conflict of interest
Avoid any appearance of personal or professional misconduct
Ensure that donors understand how solicited funds will be used, and ensure that contributions are used in accordance with
Ensure proper stewardship of all contributions

Our Members and Our Heritage – We will:

Show respect for our ritual, standards and ceremonies
Celebrate our history and heritage through Founders’ Day and other Sigma Kappa anniversaries

Our Volunteers – We will:

Inspire our volunteers to excel
Respect their time and use it wisely
Clarify expectations
Recognize and appreciate their efforts