Alzheimer's Disease research and education is our main philanthropy. Research grants are made each year to universities and other institutions actively engaged in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. The disease is characterized by progressive memory loss and other intellectual functions.

Nationally, Sigma Kappa donates over $500,000 in support of research.
Each fall, every Sigma Kappa chapter sells lollipops on their campus and in the community for this cause. Theta XI is always one of the highest chapters in lollipop sales in the country. We also host an annual “Memory Walk” here in Auburn to raise money. This past years walk was a huge success, with 700 Sigma Kappa members, family, friends, and members of the Auburn community raising over $11,000 for Alzheimer’s research.

We also support the Maine Sea Coast Mission as a national philanthropy. This is in honor of our five founders from Maine. Each November EK donates funds for medical aid, food, clothing, toys, etc. to families residing on small islands off the coast of Maine. The gifts are delivered in December by boat and is know to locals as the “Santa Clause Cruise.”

Another national philanthropy is Gerontology. This is new field of social service that has come about because of the increase in life expectancy. Gerontology is the study of the aging and the needs of the elderly population. Locally, Sigma Kappa’s at Auburn spend a lot of time volunteering at local nursing homes. We help with many of their activities ranging from teaching the morning aerobics classes to hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party for the residents.

Our Chapter has some local philanthropy projects as well. We have adopted a local stream and members go several times a semester to pick up trash and keep it clean. We also make monthly trips to the local Humane Society to walk the dogs. Sigma Kappa’s are also seen participating in many philanthropy projects on campus, such as Relay for Life.