Philanthropy lies at the heart of Bucknell’s sorority life. The university’s seven National Panhellenic Conference chapters include Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma. These groups dedicate themselves to causes that promote compassion, awareness and community engagement. Whether raising funds for children’s hospitals, advocating for mental health or supporting survivors of domestic violence, these chapters are united by a shared purpose: using sisterhood to make a lasting difference.

Alpha Chi Omega

For Alpha Chi Omega, philanthropy means action, advocacy and education. The chapter supports domestic violence awareness, partnering locally with Transitions of PA, a Lewisburg-based shelter providing safe housing and resources for survivors.

Each year, AXO organizes a series of events to raise funds and promote awareness, including Healthy Relationships Week, which offers information on fostering respect and emotional safety and AXO Sweetheart, a friendly campus-wide competition centered around learning about domestic violence awareness. Their annual DVA 5K donates all proceeds directly to Transitions of PA.

“Domestic violence awareness is such an important cause that touches people’s lives in such different ways,” said Lexi Ross ’27, Vice President of Philanthropy. “I’m so proud to be part of AXO and help lead the charge in supporting this cause because I can see the changes that it makes in the community.”

This fall, Alpha Chi Omega raised over $1,500 during their DVA 5K, in addition to hosting smaller initiatives like a “Boo Bag” fundraiser run by new members. Students can continue to support by participating in events or volunteering at Transitions’ downtown Lewisburg office.

Alpha Delta Pi

Alpha Delta Pi has made service synonymous with sisterhood through its long-standing partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). The organization provides “a home away from home” for families whose children are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals.

The Bucknell chapter hosts its annual Lion Week each fall– a philanthropy-filled series of events that includes a LemonADPI lemonade stand, ADPihop pancake fundraiser, Pie a Pi pie-throwing event and ADThrift thrift shop. These creative fundraisers have helped the chapter raise over $3,000 in support of RMHC this year, with members also traveling weekly to the Ronald McDonald House of Danville to cook dinner for families.

“Philanthropy to ADPi means service, compassion, leadership and love!” said Madison McKay ’27, Director of Philanthropy. “Philanthropy is at the heart of our sisterhood and is something that we truly value as members of Alpha Delta Pi.”

Chi Omega

Chi Omega channels its energy toward granting hope. The chapter’s national philanthropy, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, offering moments of joy and optimism in difficult times.

Bucknell’s Chi Mu chapter hosts Wish Week each October, alongside events like waffle sales during Waffles for Wishes and a Make-A-Sip lemonade fundraiser, popular spring events that drew strong campus participation. “It was great to see so many Bucknellians support our philanthropy,” said Philanthropy Chair Bella Bankert ’27, reflecting on last semester’s Make-A-Sip fundraiser. “We had it outside on the quad for three days right before finals and there was so much campus involvement!.”

In total, the chapter raised approximately $4,000 last year, helping fund the dreams of children battling serious illnesses. Students can continue to support by attending Chi Omega’s campus events throughout the year.

Delta Gamma

For Delta Gamma, philanthropy is not just an annual tradition, but a defining value. The chapter’s national mission, Service for Sight, supports schools and organizations dedicated to helping people who are blind or visually impaired while promoting sight conservation and accessibility.

Each semester, DG members also embrace their broader motto of “Do Good” by volunteering at local organizations, including Celebration Villa, an assisted living facility in Lewisburg and by participating in other campus fundraisers.

Signature events like Anchor Week and Anchor Splash in the spring, featuring everything from synchronized swimming to aquatic relay races and Anchor Slam, a basketball tournament held each fall, help raise funds and awareness. So far in 2025, the chapter has completed more than 1,300 service hours, with plans to surpass 1,500 by year’s end.

“Participating in our events during Anchor Week as well as joining in the fun for Anchor Splash and Anchor Slam helps support our cause in such a huge way!” said Chapter President Tess Betty ’26. 

Kappa Alpha Theta

The sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta advocate for some of the most vulnerable members of society through their work with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a nonprofit that trains volunteers to support and advocate for children in the foster care system.

Each semester, the chapter organizes a philanthropy week filled with engaging events, including Coffee for CASA, Cookies for CASA, Cards for CASA and toy drives. Every member of Theta also completes at least 10 hours of service each semester, reflecting the chapter’s hands-on commitment.

Philanthropy Chair Lauren Pulcini ’27 said, “CASA means a lot to Kappa Alpha Theta here at Bucknell because it represents our deep commitment to making a real impact in kids’ lives, showing our values of service and leadership!”

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Kappa Kappa Gamma’s national philanthropy, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), reflects a growing awareness around mental health. NAMI provides advocacy, education and resources for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Last year, Kappa members raised over $9,000 and completed more than 1,350 service hours through events such as Kappa Candy Grams, the Kappa x Sigma Phi Epsilon Pickleball Tournament and their signature Kappa Classic Golf Tournament.

“Kappa’s philanthropy is incredibly important in today’s day and age because mental illness affects everyone, either directly or through someone they know,” said Director of Philanthropy Sarah Tomb ’27. “Bringing attention to ending the stigma around mental illness is crucial, and we aim to do this every day.”

The chapter’s next Kappa Classic will take place on Nov. 2 and they would love to have as many attendees as possible.

Whether raising funds, volunteering locally or spreading awareness, Bucknell’s sorority members continue to prove that service can be both personal and transformative. Delta Gamma’s Tess Betty ’26 put it best, “Philanthropy isn’t a side project for us. It is the heart of who we are and how we show up in the world.”

The Bucknellian reached out to Alpha Xi Delta, but they did not respond for comment.