Sigma Rho Fundraising Strategy
Welcome to Sigma Rho Fraternity's fundraising strategy where we document information on the different target funds we are actively soliciting for donations and how to donate.
​
As a 501 (c) 7 non-profit organization, we are able to offer house upgrades and projects from the generosity of our alumni members. Your donations will be used to fund existing and/or new projects and improvements to the Chapter house. This in turn allows us to offer cost competitive pricing to active members living in the house along with, funding various scholarships.
Existing Sigma Rho Funds
This fund is compiled from surplus or non-designated donations and used at the discretion of the Incorporate Board pay for items the board deems necessary that do not fit in the annual budget. This includes general repairs, higher than expected insurance payments, excess Lawn Party expenses, and many other items.
This fund is held and managed by Michigan Tech. It provides scholarships every semester for active members of Sigma Rho who meet the designated criteria. The Sigma Rho Scholarship distributes $1000 every semester. Donations can be made directly to Michigan Tech referencing endowment fund 5149.
The "3rd Council Fund" is a sinking fund held by Vanguard Investments. It is comprised of mutual funds re-balanced as needed to meet our target asset allocation. The objective is to grow the fund to a high level and when achieved we will use the annual investment growth to help offset house operating costs, repairs, and other expenses. This strategy is similar to that of an endowment fund. The goal upon inception when the account was first created was to encourage each member to donate $1,000 to the fund after they graduate to complete their "3rd Council."
On our projects page we have listed our current projects which are in the fundraising stage. Donations to specific projects such as the bathroom renovation project are endorsed by the incorporate board. If any of the current projects do not match your desired wishes feel free to reach out to a board member with your suggestions and wishes,
Sigma Rho Project Funds
The Sigma Rho Fraternity Chapter house was built in 1974 and the Chapter room was added in 1992. With the house approaching / over 50 years of age there are needed improvements to ensure the house is something we can all be proud of.
​
The Sigma Rho Project Fund is used to help pay for larger projects that can take multiple years to raise funds for. The current project Sigma Rho is working towards is renovating all four bathrooms in the house.
Future projects planning has started to include redesigning and replacing the parking lots outside the house, replacing the roofing on the house, and more.
Michigan Tech Endowed Leadership Scholarship
The Michigan Technological University Endowed Leadership Scholarship was created by three Sigma Rho Alumni; Bob Tripp, John Calder, and Frederick Slocum.
​
The scholarship was established in the School of Business and Economics and is set to provide $1000 to two students each year with plans to expand to other departments and eventually increase the amount awarded to $2500 per student for up to four students in each department.
​
More information can be found here: Sigma Rho Alumni Create Endowed Scholarship
How to Donate
Check - Mail
If you're a bit old fashioned and don't really care to put information out there in the wide open web, then you can simply send in a check! Make the check out to "Sigma Rho Incorporate" and then send it the PO box below. Also, write on the check where you want the funds to go otherwise it will be assumed to be used in the general fund.
Sigma Rho, Inc.
PO Box 155
Houghton, MI 49931
Paypal
This option allows you to set up a donation using the organizations PayPal account. You can choose to donate through a PayPal account of your own or you can simply select to donate via credit/debit card.
​
Donations will be placed in the Sigma Rho General Fund unless otherwise designated by the donor. If you would like the donation to go to a specific fund / project email donations@sigmarho.org and specify where you would like the donation to go,
Michigan Technological Univeristy Endowed Leadership Scholarship
Donations to the Michigan Technological University Endowed Leadership Scholarship can be made at the following link:
​
​
​
Donations in Person
The first weekend in August is the Fraternity Alumni Reunion. Donations can be made in person by finding any member of the incorporate board and providing any information for where you would like the donation to be put towards.