The South Dakota Alpha Educational Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. Donations accepted by the foundation are tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code. 

Contributions to the South Dakota Alpha Educational Foundation funds initiatives that develop the academic, leadership, citizenship, and personal potential of SigEp’s undergraduate members. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, family and friends, the South Dakota Alpha Foundation continues to provide support for scholarships, leadership programming, and safe, competitive undergraduate housing.

There are many ways to support South Dakota Alpha. We invite you to donate online below. If you have any questions or need to make other arrangements to fulfill your gift, email us at sdsigepedfoundation@gmail.com. Thank you!

Burning Heart Society

The Burning Heart Society (BHS) was introduced at Founders Day XXI as an update to the $19.97 program. This giving plan for alumni, friends, and family will serve to provide operational dollars for the AVC and Education Foundation. The AVC and Educational Foundation will evenly split 100% of the donation for operational and educational needs.

All donors who pledge at least $19.97 will receive recognition at Founders Day, and for those who donate at the Foundation Level or above will also receive a customized commemorative set-piece.

Program Details:

• The Educational Foundation manages the BHS program and delivery of customized set-piece.
• All donations to the BHS will be tax deductible.
• Donations will be split, 50% to the AVC and 50% Educational Foundation
• Contributions are cumulative life long and once you reach the next giving level, you will qualify to receive that corresponding set-piece.

Program Levels:

• Loyal Heart, $0-249 (recognition at Founder’s Day)
• Foundation, $250-499 (metal burning heart set piece with no acrylic letters)
• Sigma, $500-749 (purple acrylic S)
• Phi, $750-999 (red acrylic F)
• Epsilon, $1,000-4,999 (gold acrylic E)
• Brother Mentor, $5,000-9,999 (TBD)
• Burning Heart, $10,000+ (TBD)

CLICK HERE to make your gift today.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Leadership Development Fund
This fund was originally established by Brother Michael Whitford for the ongoing leadership development and training for Sigma Phi Epsilon undergraduates and alumni. This fund will help ensure undergraduate officers and emerging leaders receive leadership and development opportunities throughout their chapter experience at reduced costs. This fund is housed within the SDSU Foundation. 

CLICK HERE and ‘Select a Designation” for our Sigma Phi Epsilon Leadership Development Fund.

Balanced Man Scholarship 
This is an endowed scholarship fund that disperses $1,000 per year to the selected Balanced Man Scholarship finalist. The scholarship recognizes the achievements of balanced men entering South Dakota State University each year. This endowment is housed within the SDSU Foundation. CLICK HERE and ‘Select a Designation” for our Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man Scholarship.

James T. Novotny Memorial Scholarship
This is an endowed scholarship fund that now disperses $1,000 per year to a current member of Sigma Phi Epsilon (Junior or returning Senior) that exhibits the high-quality characteristics of late brother Jim Novotny. 

This endowment is housed within the SDSU Foundation. CLICK HERE and ‘Select a Designation” for our Sigma Phi James T. Novotny Memorial Scholarship.

Housing Fund

During phase I of the housing campaign, the Educational Foundation raised just over $700,000.00. It was an incredible show of support from across the South Dakota Alpha alum and volunteer base. Thank you to all who contributed.

Planning for phase II of the campaign is in the early stages. This phase includes finishing the basement to include a rec room and our ritual room, adding the elevator, landscaping upgrades, and making other improvements based on how the men utilize the existing spaces. As our chapter continues to grow, the scope of this phase will likely grow with it. We anticipate launching phase II at Founder’s Day XXX, but this timeline might move up depending on donor interest.

We are continuing to fundraise for specific improvements to the house to enhance the experience for the men of SD-A. These projects will be listed below as they arise. Email us at sdsigepedfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.