FAQ
Why did TNX transition to the ONE Future Foundation as its national philanthropy?
Theta Nu Xi moved to the ONE Future Foundation so the Sorority could support its own mission directly.
In the past, Theta Nu Xi partnered with outside organizations for philanthropy, starting with the Conference for Community and Justice. Over time, members began exploring the idea of creating a charitable partner that could focus specifically on the Sorority’s values and community impact, and by 2007, a concerted effort was made toward that goal.
The ONE Future Foundation was established in 2023 to serve that purpose. By making this Foundation the national philanthropy, Theta Nu Xi can raise funds that go directly toward programs, scholarships, and initiatives that support the Sorority’s mission and the communities it serves.
With the Foundation as our national philanthropy, how should chapters think about programming around service/fundraising? When Girl Up was our national philanthropy, things around women/girls and empowerment seemed naturally fitting as thematic guidance.
Chapters are encouraged to focus on supporting leadership, scholarship, and community empowerment, creating programs and events that make a real difference in their local communities. This could include initiatives that support education, professional development, community resources, or social justice efforts. The goal is to create programs that reflect Theta Nu Xi’s core values and have a meaningful impact.
While the Sorority’s previous philanthropy focused primarily on women and girls, the ONE Future Foundation supports a broader mission. The Foundation works to expand opportunities for historically and strategically minoritized communities. This still includes women’s empowerment, but it also includes education, leadership development, and wider-ranging community support.
What resources will be provided to help chapters transition and plan programming?
The Foundation continuously provides information, guidance, and training to help chapters learn about programs and fundraising opportunities. Updates about programs, funding opportunities, and initiatives are shared through the Foundation’s website, blog, newsletters, and social media. Members who want updates are encouraged to sign up for Foundation news and announcements, and follow the Foundation on social media platforms.
Some programs also include learning opportunities for members. For example, the SOAR Grant Program helps Sorority members practice grant writing while applying for funding to support community initiatives. Participants can attend workshops and Q&A sessions to learn how the process works.
What kinds of events and initiatives are appropriate to raise money for the ONE Future Foundation?
Chapters can host many different types of events as long as they support the Foundation’s mission. Theta Nu Xi members have a strong history of organizing engaging events that bring communities together. That creativity and leadership will continue to be important in supporting the Foundation.
Events that focus on community service, leadership development, education, social justice, or professional growth are especially aligned with the Foundation’s work. Chapters are also encouraged to reach out to the Foundation if they want to collaborate or explore new fundraising ideas.
What is the relationship between the Foundation board and the Sorority board? Does the Sorority run the Foundation?
The ONE Future Foundation is a separate nonprofit organization and is not run by the Sorority.
The Foundation has its own legal structure, finances, and board of directors. Its board is responsible for the Foundation’s daily operations and decisions. While the Foundation and the Sorority work closely together because they share many of the same goals, they remain separate organizations. The Foundation plans its own programs and fundraising activities while staying aligned with the values and priorities of Theta Nu Xi.
One Sorority board member, the Director of Philanthropy and Fundraising, participates in Foundation board meetings as a non-voting representative. All other Foundation board members operate independently and are legally required to act in the best interest of the Foundation and its charitable mission.
How will funds raised by chapters be used by the ONE Future Foundation?
Funds raised by chapters support the Foundation’s programs and community initiatives. Like many nonprofits, the Foundation carefully manages its resources to ensure that the majority of funds go toward programs that benefit communities.
The Foundation is led by a fully volunteer board, which helps keep operating costs low. When possible, the Foundation also works with vendors who offer nonprofit discounts. Members can learn more about how funds are used by visiting the Foundation’s Programs page.
How does the Foundation protect donor funds? What is the Sorority’s involvement in the Foundation’s financial decisions?
Donor funds are protected through standard nonprofit financial practices and legal requirements. All donations are held in Foundation-controlled accounts and can only be used for charitable purposes that align with the Foundation’s mission and donor intent. The Foundation also follows IRS regulations for tracking and using restricted gifts.
Foundation funds are kept completely separate from Sorority operating funds. The Foundation is its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with its own EIN, bank accounts, financial reporting, and governance structure. Because of this separation, Foundation funds cannot be used to pay Sorority expenses or debts. Even if the Sorority were to restructure in the future, the Foundation would continue to operate independently and carry out its charitable mission.
What is the meaning behind the Foundation’s logo?
The Foundation’s logo is inspired by the milkweed flower, a symbolic link to Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc., as it is closely connected to butterflies.
Milkweed is the main food source for many butterflies and helps them grow and transform. This symbol reflects the Foundation’s role in supporting the growth and impact of Theta Nu Xi members and the communities they serve as the Foundation generates funding to expand the reach of the Sorority in impactful, tangible ways. Like the milkweed, we hope to nourish the beautiful butterflies of Theta Nu Xi in their endeavors, supporting their service to the community.
The colors in the logo are inspired by the Monarch and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies. The gold tones represent strength and confidence, while the blues reflect trust and tradition. Carolina blue also connects to the shared history of the Foundation and Theta Nu Xi’s origins.
The logo was designed by Soror Kimberly Shrack (Upsilon), whose beautiful design reflects both the Foundation’s mission and its connection to the Sorority.