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Scarlet & Blue Brotherhood Emergency Fund

The hand of Brotherhood is always extended.

It is a statement that has rung true and been the foundation of the Chi Phi Fraternity since its founding. The first example of this dates back to 1874 when the three Orders came together after overcoming massive losses in the Civil War. Defying the bounds of sectionalism, Chi Phi established itself as an organization truly built upon the values of Truth, Honor, and Personal Integrity.

Since then, the loyalty and dedication of its members have been tested through two world wars, the Civil Rights Movement, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and more recently the COVID-19 Pandemic. Through almost 200 years of Brothers striving to better themselves through the teachings of the Fraternity, we find ourselves in a unique opportunity to give back and help in a way we’ve never needed to before: through the Scarlet and Blue Brotherhood Emergency Fund.

The Scarlet & Blue Brotherhood Emergency Fund will provide financial assistance to Brothers in their greatest time of need. This fund will offer active and Alumni Brothers a grant (up to $1,000) to help cover basic needs and or/unexpected expenses such as groceries, rent/mortgage payments, utilities, medical expenses, etc.

Donations to the Scarlet & Blue Brotherhood Emergency Fund are tax-deductible. If you would like to mail your donation, please note EMERGENCY FUND on the memo line to ensure that your gift is properly designated.

Questions or concerns? You may reach our office at any time by emailing educationaltrust@chiphi.org or calling our office at 404-231-1824


How can I apply for a Scarlet and Blue Brotherhood grant?

If you are facing financial hardship during a global pandemic, natural disaster or medical emergency, please apply for an emergency grant through the Scarlet and Blue Brotherhood Emergency Fund by completing the application. Your financial hardship must arise from an unexpected and unforeseen event or circumstance, and the urgent nature is unavoidable. You must have demonstrated good faith in exploring other funding options (insurance, free or low-cost services, other student aid, etc).


FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for a grant?

All alumni and initiated undergraduate members may apply for a grant. New members may apply, but the application will not enter the review process until the member is initiated into Chi Phi.

What are the allowable expenses that would qualify for a grant?

  • Food
  • Travel expenses due to serious illness or death in the immediate family
  • Emergency Medical expenses not covered by insurance
  • Essential utilities (e.g. electric, gas, water, cable, internet, cell phone)
  • Rent, homelessness or sudden loss of housing
  • Replacement of essential personal belongings due to accident, fire, theft, or natural disaster
  • Other financial needs arising from individual and specialized circumstances to be determined on a case by case basis
  • All distributions are subject to IRS limitations on 501(c)(3) organizations

What expenses would not qualify for a grant?

  • Tuition and fees (The Educational Trust offers undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Apply for a scholarship)
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Non essential bills such as credit card bills, etc.
  • Parking tickets, fines, or other expenses mistakenly incurred or preventable expenses
  • Costs for entertainment, recreations, or non-emergency travel
  • Standardized testing and application fees
  • Fraternity dues and insurance or any other fees incurred and owed to the Fraternity

Is there an average grant amount?

All emergency grants will be awarded based on the individual applicant’s situation but will not exceed $1,000. In the event of a special circumstance, the review committee may recommend a grant that exceeds $1,000. All grants will be pending available funding.

How many times can I receive a Scarlet and Blue Brotherhood Grant?

Grant recipients may only receive one grant per year.

Who will determine if I qualify for a grant?

A committee of Chi Phi Alumni Brothers will review all applications and make recommendations based on each individual situation to the Chi Phi Educational Trust Board of Trustees for approval. All applications will be sent to the review committee & the Board of Trustees without any identifying factors; therefore, applications and recipients will remain confidential.

When will I hear back about my application and if I have been awarded a grant?

We recognize these are extremely challenging times and are working to help as many Brothers as we can, as quickly as we can. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and all applicants will be notified within fourteen days of applying for assistance.

Do I have to pay this grant back?

No, grant recipients are not required to pay back the grant. The Educational Trust hopes that Brothers, when financially able, will consider donating to the Scarlet and Blue Brotherhood Emergency Fund to ensure all Brothers in need are given aid.

How can I help support the Scarlet and Blue Brotherhood Emergency Fund?

Donate to the Fund. All gifts made to the Scarlet and Blue Brotherhood Emergency Fund are tax-deductible. Donations to the fund can also be mailed to the address below. Please note any mailed donations to the Emergency Fund so that your gift is properly designated.

Chi Phi Educational Trust
PO Box1177040
Atlanta, GA 30368

Donations can be made over the phone by calling 404-231-1824

“Becoming unemployed due to COVID presented more challenges than I anticipated. Of my challenges, food insecurity was perhaps the most pressing. This is something that I never imagined could happen to me. Fortunately, the hand of brotherhood was extended. I found Chi Phi was there to support me during a time of crisis. Thanks to the Scarlet & Blue Emergency Fund, I was able to eat another day. I cannot express my gratitude enough.”

“I didn’t think much about the pandemic when it first started. Then my school and my work both closed. This left me in a tough situation–having to pay out-of-state tuition without a job. No income resulted in me without a place to stay for the summer. Thankfully because of the Scarlett & Blue Emergency Fund, I was granted enough money to get back on my feet. I am beyond grateful to all the Brothers who donated. I cannot say thank you enough.”

“When the coronavirus started spreading, I had no clue how much my life would change. Early on in the pandemic, my father was one of the first people in my state to contract COVID-19. While my mother and father were out of work, my summer job was suddenly put on hold. I had no clue how I would get by. Thanks to the Scarlet & Blue Emergency fund, I’m able to take a second to stop and breathe for a while. I’m truly grateful to those who donated to the fund to help me in my time of need.”