CBT Greek Giving Challenge

Nothing stirs anticipation for Coming Back Together (CBT) like a little friendly competition over who can raise the most money in support of the Our Time Has Come (OTHC) Scholarship Program.

The Office of Multicultural Advancement has challenged itself to raise $15 million in gifts and pledges by December 2024. Fundraising by Black and Latino Greek organizations will play a big role in the success of that effort.

“Pooling resources is something that communities of color have always done to make an impact as a collective,” says Bria Sowell, director of development in the Office of Multicultural Advancement and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., who has supported her collegiate chapter’s fundraising campaign. “It allows everyone to participate by giving a gift that is comfortable for them personally while also meaningful for the collective. Group giving is one of the unique aspects of how Multicultural Advancement engages with alumni in culturally relevant ways.”

Here are the Greek fundraising totals as of May 1:

The sorority and fraternity that raise the most funds will be recognized during the CBT Gala; all groups that have raised more than $50,000 in cash contributions since September 2023 will be able to present a check during the celebration.

Sowell stresses that participation of members at any level is the key to group success. “We can assist by speaking at planning meetings to provide giving options, by providing donor pledge forms, assisting with outreach to potential donors in your group, and providing fundraising reports,” she says. “There are many giving options in addition to cash pledges that people don’t always think about, including recurring credit card payments and non-cash gifts like bequests, insurance policies, stock transfers and even real estate.”

For more information, or to discuss your group’s goals, contact Bria Sowell at bmholnes@syr.edu.