Philanthropies

Gerontology:

Alzheimer’s disease

In 1954, Sigma Kappa became the first sorority to recognize the need for continued comprehensive work on the study of aging and the needs of the elderly population; responding to an increasingly critical problem facing older Americans, Sigma Kappa added an emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease to its gerontology program in 1984.Through Alzheimer’s disease and gerontology-related research grants from the Sigma Kappa Foundation, Sigma Kappa has become one of the nation’s leading contributors to Alzheimer’s disease prevention, research and treatment efforts.

Sigma Kappa Foundation

For more than 50 years, the Sigma Kappa Foundation has supported Sigma Kappa Sorority. With a unity of purpose, our Foundation has played and continues to play a crucial role in the growth and success of Sigma Kappa, providing the lifeblood of financial resources to keep our Sorority vital and healthy. The mission of the Sigma Kappa Foundation is to create and fund leadership, scholarship and philanthropic initiatives that reflect the values and spirit of Sigma Kappa Sorority.

The 1918 convention chose the Maine Sea Coast Mission as Sigma Kappa Sorority’s first national philanthropy in honor of Sigma Kappa’s foundingin Maine and the early Sigma Kappa members who volunteered their time in support of this missionary society. Through annual contributions from Sigma Kappa chapters and members, the Sigma Kappa Foundation provides funds to the Maine Sea Coast Mission in support for the mission’s Christmas program, emergency relief program, and scholarships.With the help of the 75-foot mission vessel Sunbeam V, direct programs and services include church and pastoral work, assistance to those in sickness and poverty, financial aid, food banks, recycled clothing shops, crisis intervention, youth programs, and ministries in the field.

Maine Sea Coast Mission

Inherit the Earth

Sigma Kappa is committed to improving the environment. Improvements can happen every day through purposeful actions and choices that, collectively, make a significant impact on the overall health of our planet. This national service project provides the opportunity for collegians, alumnae and citizens to work together to improve local environments.