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GAC Philanthropy Project evolves due to COVID-19

Phi Kappa Psi’s Grand Arch Council (GAC) has a long tradition of bringing  brothers together from across the country and providing opportunities to volunteer in the host community. As a result of COVID-19, the Executive Council of Phi Kappa Psi voted to declare a state of emergency in the fraternity, leading to the decision to cancel the 2020 GAC.  

In addition to GAC being canceled, most nonprofit organizations are no longer hosting large groups of volunteers to adhere to social distancing recommendations, but communities need our support now more than ever. While we can’t gather as a large group this year, we can still unite to address poverty in our local communities. Below are ways you can engage with Phi Psi brothers and make a difference: 


Host a virtual food drive

As a result of COVID-19, demand on Feeding America® member food banks have increased greatly, with higher costs of pre-packaged food and fewer volunteers to help. While many chapters and alumni associations have hosted food drives in the past, the most efficient and effective way to support food banks now is with a virtual food drive. In just a few easy steps you can share your drive with family, friends and your social media network: 

  • Find your local food bank and search Food and Funds drive on their website, or host a drive for Feeding America
  • Follow the steps on the food bank website to register your virtual food drive, which generally include: 
    • Name your virtual food drive
    • Provide contact information
    • Set start and end dates for your drive (recommend to schedule two weeks in advance)
    • Drives can be held anytime July through August
      • Complete registration to receive your customized virtual food drive link
  • Communicate your virtual food drive via email and social media

Complete acts of kindness

Our world is evolving because of COVID-19 and how we donate our time looks different too. Volunteering isn’t limited to an experience with a nonprofit. Consider how you and your brothers can help others through acts of kindness, such as: 

  • Write friendly and uplifting notes and deliver them to brothers, family, friends, neighbors or frontline workers 
  • Offer to do yard work or run errands for someone who needs assistance 
  • Take a walk with your family and pick up trash around your neighborhood 
  • Contact a colleague, friend or family member who may be struggling
  • Donate blood (be sure to make an appointment first) 
  • Complete a virtual COVID-19 Relief Race 
  • Make masks and donate them (resources for making and donating masks here) 
  • Find a virtual volunteer opportunity you can do from home 

Make a financial gift (every dollar counts)

Nonprofits around the world are being challenged by this pandemic. Many have temporarily closed their doors while others are working with fewer resources to meet increased demand. Making a financial gift is the most effective way you can help. Donations help keep nonprofits operationally stable and gives them maximum flexibility to allocate resources where they are needed the most. 

Consider making a gift to a local organization that is making strides to end poverty, supporting the Black Lives Matter movement or to the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation to benefit future chapter leaders and initiatives.

Share your event information and outcomes by August 31 for inclusion in future communications.