About KSEF

A Tradition to Secure the Future

The year 1912 is important in the history of Kappa Sigma Fraternity as that is the year in which future Worthy Grand Master Wilbur F. Denious struck upon the idea to establish a charitable endowment for Kappa Sigma. Ultimately, the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund was established in 1919 "to support the charitable and beneficent purposes of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity".

The American philanthropic tradition was just beginning to unfold, led by the examples of Ford, Rockefeller, Mellon, Carnegie and others. The founding Trustees looked toward the future by establishing a firm commitment to build the corpus.

The tradition of Endowment Fund Trustee stewardship — of the sacred trust, so to speak — has carried on to this day. In 2006, the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund has over $6.0 million in total assets. The Endowment Fund Trustees between them have more that two centuries of service to the Order.

The Initial Push

To establish the Fund, 100 Kappa Sigma alumni made substantial leadership gifts of $101 each. For the next forty years, the primary source of the Fund's growth was a small amount of each undergraduate initiation fee and an occasional significant gift, often through bequest. In addition, alumni would frequently make contributions in memory of a beloved member. In the 1960s and 1970s, direct mail appeals began to seek regular alumni support.

Early Development Efforts

For the next forty years, the primary source of the Fund's growth was a small amount of each undergraduate initiation fee. An occasional four-to-five figure gift came in, often through bequest. In addition, alumni would occasionally make contributions in memory of a beloved member. Beginning in the 1960s, intermittent direct mail appeals sought support for the Fund.

The Modern Era of Resource Development

In 1985, a more personalized and targeted direct mail program was launched, followed by a series of telephone fund-raising campaigns from 1989 - 1994. A recognition program for those who made a gift of $1,000 or more over a three-year period caught on; more than 2,000 alumni (and even several undergraduates!) have since become One of Jackson's Men.

The Heritage Society recognition program was established and has now identified nearly 100 planned gift donors. The McCormick Circle was established to recognize lifetime giving at escalating levels.

Impact

Over the years, the Fund's main funding priority has been the Scholarship-Leadership Awards Program, which makes cash awards to outstanding undergraduate student-leaders through their universities. Since 1948, the Endowment Fund has awarded more than $4.5 million to deserving Kappa Sigma brothers.

In recent years, the SLA Program will award $250,000 to nearly 300 outstanding young brothers. This program has proven to be Kappa Sigma Fraternity's most prominent and beneficial service to our brothers.

The Endowment Fund has also provided educational and leadership grants to the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, on an increasing basis over the years, funding the Leadership Conference Program and other priority educational initiatives, including My Brother’s Keeper, Kappa Sigma University and Brothers In Action.

Beginning with the 2003-2004 Academic year, the Endowment Fund is making an annual grant of $500,000 to the Fraternity to support the educational programs of the fraternity.

In addition, the Endowment Fund managed a chapter house loan program until 2003. A student loan program operated from 1940-1980. A graduate student scholarship program (approx. $15,000 annually) existed from 1970-1990.

Operational Evolution

The Endowment Fund was historically based in Denver and staffed by two part-time alumni. In 1985, the operations were centralized at the Fraternity's headquarters in Charlottesville. The Executive Director of the Fraternity devoted a limited amount of time to development activity beginning in 1985.

The first director of development was hired in 1991, serving through 1994. Since 1999, volunteer-led calling programs have been conducted in Memphis and in Macon, Georgia under the direction of Jackson's Scribe William O. Waters (’52, Alpha-Beta, Mercer). The earlier staff position was reinstated as Chief Development Officer in 2000 to 2004. This position was held by David Coyne (’84, Delta-Rho, Franklin & Marshall). Under this administration, Jamey Eldridge (’93, Theta Prime, Cumberland) served as the Director of Annual Giving.

Currently Brother Robert R. Rentfrow ('02 Xi-Theta, Valdosta State University) serves the order as Executive Director and facilitates daily operations, the Renaissance Campaign, Jackson's Men Program, and alumni development on behalf of the Endowment Fund.

A recent addition to the Endowment Fund is the creation of the Area Development Managers program. Currently Brother Richard Whirley serves as the Area Development Manager for the Southeastern Region.

Leadership

Since its founding, the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund has been blessed with the leadership and stewardship of its Trustees. Many great brothers have held these fiduciary, lifetime positions over the years. The current Trustees include three Past Worthy Grand Masters, two former Kappa Sigma Man of the Year honorees and the current Worthy Grand Master.

These Brothers not only provide guidance to the Fraternity in managing the Endowment Fund's assets but also participate in leadership activities at national, regional and local events.

The Growth of Philanthropy in Society

Philanthropy has entered what many are calling a 'golden age' in the past 15-20 years. Total giving continues to rise faster than inflation and surpassed $260 billion in 2005. Sixty-five percent of all not-for-profit organizations in the United States have been established since 1987.

Presently, the baby-boom generation has begun a period of enormous inter-generational transfer of wealth (estimated as $41 trillion by the year 2052). A characteristic of today's philanthropist is the desire to play a specific role in advancing an organization or cause.

The competition for the interest of those capable of making transformational gifts has skyrocketed. Organizations which position themselves as mission-based and results-oriented become capable of gaining the involvement and investment of these individuals.

The Opportunity at Hand

Legions of Kappa Sigma alumni are known for their accomplishments in industry; there may be an even greater number whose success stories are not apparent. With a well-articulated vision and an acknowledged role in creating the next generation of Kappa Sigma scholars and leaders, the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund has positioned itself as an attractive involvement opportunity and philanthropic priority for alumni who can help create Kappa Sigma's future.