The principles behind an endowment are simple.  An endowment provides support for a specified purpose forever.  The fund corpus or principal is never spent. It is invested, and the earnings are used to fulfill the purpose(s) for which the fund was created.  Typically, a percentage of the endowment's assets are spent every year on the fund purpose, and excess earnings are reinvested to augment the endowment to compensate for inflation and recessions in future years.  In this way, the "purchasing power" of the endowment remains consistent over time.   Subject to IRS regulations, you can create an endowment and/or restrict your gift for scholarships, leadership programs, a chapter, staff positions, capital improvements, equipment or any other educational purpose supported by the Chi Phi Educational Trust.

Chapter Excellence Funds

Chapters and interested alumni can establish a Chapter Excellence Fund ("CEF") with an initial gift of just $1,000.  Chapter Excellence Funds are restricted funds that can only be spent to provide scholarships and educational support to members of that specific chapter.  CEF purposes vary from chapter to chapter and from one year to the next, but each serves to enhance the educational opportunities available to Chi Phi members.  Many chapters provide academic scholarships specifically for their chapters while others may choose to use the funds for other important purposes, such as upkeep of a computer lab or library.  To donate to a specific CEF, click here.  To start a CEF for your chapter, contact Director of Development Fred Maglione or Laura Hamilton at (800) 849-1824. 

As of 4/1/2010, the following chapters have CEFs:


Other Restricted Funds

Over the years generous benefactors have established restricted funds and endowments to support particular causes within Chi Phi.  As of 11/1/09, the Trust maintains and manages the following restricted funds:  


Creating an Endowment and Restricted Fund

Subject to Trust policy and IRS regulations, a donor, donors, corporation, chapter, Alumni Association or Alumni Club can create an endowment and restrict its use so that it provides annual support for a specified purpose.  Donors can use outright and deferred gifts to establish an endowment.  Donors can start a restricted fund with a gift of just $1,000.  Donors can permanently endow a fund with a gift of $25,000 or more.  To learn more about endowments and restricted funds, contact Directors of Development Laura Hamilton or Fred Maglione at (800) 849-1824.