But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:33-37 (NIV)
Over the past two years, our world has been thrown off course and a new normal has come about due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although financial need has always been part of our society, the pandemic brought the need to the forefront, and we as a national chapter and alumnae committed to supporting our active sisters through financial stress. We began what is now called the Sisters Helping Sisters sponsor match program, where alumna would pledge donations that would be used to help active sisters struggling to continue membership due to finances.
The Sigma Alpha Omega® Foundation has committed to continuing this program even after the pandemic has ended. If you are financially able and choose to participate in this year's Sisters Helping Sisters, you will be able to sponsor sister dues in part or in full for those in need. There is no set amount required and you are welcome to contribute and amount with which you are comfortable.
Sponsors are expected to pay donated funds directly to the chapter of the sponsored sister after receiving instructions for how to do so via email after being matched with an active sister(s). Those alumnae who sponsor sisters will receive a mailed Thank You card along with recognition as a sponsor on the Sigma Alpha Omega® Foundation website under the "Special Recognition" tab after confirmation of receipt of payment by the Sigma Alpha Omega® Foundation treasurer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens if I fill out this form and submit?
By filling out this form, you are making a pledge to help a sister(s) in financial need to continue her membership in SAO this academic year in full or in part. These deserving sisters will be determined with the assistance of the chapters' Judicial Board and Treasurers by nomination/recommendation alone. Those who have been nominated or recommended for financial sponsorship will be extended the opportunity to be paired with one or more alumna sponsor(s) to accept or decline. Once our finalized list of sisters is complete, you will be matched and informed of how to submit sponsorship to the chapter treasurer from the Sigma Alpha Omega® Foundation.
Is this tax-deductible?
No. Your contribution directly to a chapter is not tax-deductible.
Is a sponsorship only for chapter or national dues?
Sponsorship funds will be assigned based on the reported quantifiable need of the sister. Each member pays her chapter dues, national dues, and a national insurance fee based upon her membership status of active or associate. Inactive members do not pay dues and alumnae are recommended to pay "dues" through a donation to Sigma Alpha Omega® Foundation as outlined in Sigma Alpha Omega®'s National Bylaws.
Can I remain anonymous from the sister I sponsor and from SAOF's "Special Recognition"?
Yes, simply mark such on the end of this form. The only persons who will know your identity will then be the chapter treasurer and Sigma Alpha Omega® Foundation. We will not post your name as a sponsor on our "Special Recognition" tab on our website.
What if I commit to sponsoring a sister but am unable to follow-through or remit a late payment?
Because sisters are reliant on those who pledge to support them through dues, any individual who does not honor her commitment will be flagged as an unreliable donor in Sigma Alpha Omega® Foundation donor management records and reported to Sigma Alpha Omega® for their records. This may lead to a ban on participation in future programs.
Can I sponsor an associate member?
Our sponsor-matching program is designed specifically for the benefit of active members. However, associate members could be sponsored on a case-by-case basis. Please have the associate member you are concerned about fill out an application through our interest form for us to decide.