An Analysis of Black Greek-letter Organization Philanthropy

Authors

Garth Heutel, Georgia State University
Koren Hardy, Wake Forest University
Mackenzie Marti Slater, Wake Forest University
Gregory S. Parks, Wake Forest University

Publication Date

1-2020

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25774/06x5-rq22

First Page

1

Last Page

19

Abstract

Philanthropy is a significant component of the mission of many fraternities and sororities, especially Black Greek-letter organizations. We examine the role of philanthropy in these organizations, employing an approach infrequently used — archival data collection combined with quantitative methods. We first document the history of philanthropic activity among the nine members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Then, we use data from IRS tax returns to document quantitative patterns in these organizations’ income and spending. Though the analysis is merely exploratory, we find evidence that BGLOs have lower median revenues and expenditures than do other similar organizations, though a small number of outliers may fuel much of the difference in averages.

Recommended Citation

Garth Heutel, Georgia State University; Koren Hardy, Wake Forest University; Mackenzie Marti Slater, Wake Forest University; and Gregory S. Parks, Wake Forest University (2020) "An Analysis of Black Greek-letter Organization Philanthropy," Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice: Vol. 14: Iss. 2, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25774/06x5-rq22
Available at: https://scholarworks.wm.edu/oracle/vol14/iss2/3