Impact of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation
Although a legally separate entity, the Beta Theta Pi Foundation supports the Fraternity by raising and collecting resources that are then granted back to assist Beta’s mission of developing men of principle for a principled life. The Beta Theta Pi Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which means all gifts and donations are 100% tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
The Foundation Board and staff are committed to raising and spending charitable dollars efficiently and in a manner that directly impacts young men of principle across North America. In the fiscal year 2023:
$0.89
per $1
Directly Supported Collegiate Programs
$0.04
per $1
Covered Fundraising Expenses
$35,528
per chapter
Granted Toward Men of Principle Programming
$4,949,205
Total Educational Dollars Granted in the 2024-25 Academic Year
$1,302,732
Beta Leadership Fund Dollars Raised in Fiscal Year ’24
Total Foundation Dollars Granted in 2023-24
| DEA Grants | $3,232,403 |
| Leadership Programs | $1,141,355 |
| Student Scholarships | $258,017 |
| Beta Brotherhood and Beta Volunteer Assessment | $211,229 |
| Online Leadership Training for Officers and Volunteers | $59,636 |
| Membership Growth | $31,797 |
| Son of the Stars Membership Orientation | $4,097 |
| Healthy, Safe and Inclusive Brotherhood | $2,671 |
“Support from many Betas and friends over time is what is funding the leadership programs that are building future leaders for our Fraternity and our world.” – Thom Singer, San Diego State ’89
Giving to the Beta Leadership Fund
In any given year, gifts made to the Beta Leadership Fund have the most significant direct impact on the Fraternity’s members and chapters. The Beta Foundation will uses this fund annually to provide the following critical programs and services:
- $1,000 per chapter in Men of Principle Scholarship Grants
- Nearly 100 Merit Scholarships providing more than $125,000 in tuition assistance
- More than 300 on-campus chapter visits by Fraternity Services staff
- Some 2,000 scholarships to make Beta’s award-winning leadership programs affordable and accessible to all
- Local coaching and training for more than 1,500 Beta volunteers
Learn More About the BLF
Joining the John Reily Knox Club
The John Reily Knox Club represents the pinnacle of philanthropic leadership and a special group of donors within Beta Theta Pi. By contributing $1,839 or more annually—or $500 or more for Betas within 10 years of graduation—these leaders account for over half of the total raised for the BLF annually, fueling the growth and success of the Fraternity’s leadership programs and other strategic initiatives. Their collective generosity strengthens Beta’s mission, empowering young men to lead with integrity and ensuring a lasting legacy of brotherhood and principled living.
Learn More About the John Reily Knox Club
Leave a Legacy Through the Bridge Builder Society
Bridge Builder Society members are those brothers and Friends of Beta who have chosen to include the Foundation in their will or estate plans. Estate gifts from BBS members continue to be a vital source of support for both the Beta Leadership Fund and the Founders Fund Endowment.
Learn More About the Bridge Builder Society
Beta Foundation Giving Guide
Every year, alumni, students, Friends of Beta and parents support the Beta Foundation. Contributions help bring the Fraternity’s vision to light by advancing its educational mission. To make a gift to the Beta Foundation, choose one of the many giving options below.
Scholarships and Grants
In 2023-24, the Beta Foundation granted nearly $300,000 directly to chapters and members in Men of Principle Scholarship Grants and both merit and need-based scholarships. For 2024-25, the Fraternity and Foundation remain committed to the cultivation of the intellect and making the Beta experience accessible and affordable to everyone.
Foundation Leadership
The Beta Theta Pi Foundation is led by some of the most talented and committed volunteers and staff in the Fraternal world. Members of its Board of Directors serve on committees responsible for planning investment and spending strategies, fundraising, donor cultivation and provision of educational grants for chapter housing.
- Richard W. Banks, Cornell ’72 – Foundation Chairman
- Randall D. Groves, Kansas State ’78 – Treasurer
- R. Thomas Reeves, Eastern Kentucky ’99 – Secretary
- Stavan R. Bhatt, Louisville ’98
- Michael A. Bickford, Oklahoma ’80
- Arthur C. Carmichael, Jr., Oregon ’62
- Karl Chiao, Texas A&M ’90
- Jeffrey M. Flanagan, Rhode Island ’93
- Michael E. Gibbons, Kenyon ’74
- Scott E. Grotjan, South Dakota ’92
- Zac T. Haines, Miami ’05
- Kent R. Mire, TCU ’07
- Martin E. Obst, Southern Illinois ’03
- Thomas C. Olver, Central Michigan ’98
- Rick A. Sabol, Ohio ’77
- John W. Torget, Cornell ’93
- Bruce J. Wenger, Lawrence ’89
Get Involved
Foundation Ambassadors
Ambassadors contact alumni and supporters to build relationships, communicate the educational objectives of and increase support for the Beta Foundation.
The workload for a Foundation Ambassador is manageable and includes contacting 10-20 potential donors at the end of the calendar and fiscal years.
Effective ambassadors support and communicate Beta’s mission and vision, and encourage others to follow your lead by making an annual contribution to BLF.
Those interested in serving as a Foundation Ambassador should contact Director of Annual Giving Travis Robinson.
Parents and Friends of Beta
Every year, hundreds of Beta parents, spouses, fraternity/sorority professionals and other friends give to the Beta Foundation. You don’t need to be a member of Beta Theta Pi to believe in and support its mission of developing men of principle for a principled life.
Special thanks to:
Honorary Friend of Beta Chair
Lauren Stills, Alpha Phi
Honorary Parent Chairs
Bill Gaskill, Utah ’92, and wife Jennifer, parents of Sam Gaskill ’24
