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Donor Spotlight: Melanie Matthews

Donor Spotlight: Melanie Matthews (USC Upstate)

For Melanie Matthews (USC Upstate), Phi Mu has been more than just a sisterhood—it’s been a guiding force in her life, shaping her both personally and professionally. Through years of dedicated service, she has continued to give back to the organization that has given her so much.

Melanie currently serves as the Delta Area Alumnae Chapter Specialist and Legacy League Co-Chair, supporting alumnae engagement and strengthening connections among Phi Mu sisters. Her past roles, including National Alumnae Committee Member, Area Alumnae Director, and Collegiate Operations Director, reflect her deep commitment to ensuring Phi Mu’s impact extends to future generations.

For Melanie, supporting Phi Mu Foundation is about creating opportunities for the next generation of Phi Mu women.

“Since joining Phi Mu, it has continued to be one of the most important parts of my life. Phi Mu shaped me into the woman I am today, both personally and professionally. Donating to Phi Mu Foundation gives me the assurance that some young woman is being given the same opportunity that I was given to grow and become who she is meant to be!”

Her Favorite Way Phi Mu Foundation Gives Back

While Melanie appreciates all the ways Phi Mu Foundation supports its members, leadership development is closest to her heart.

“I love everything that Foundation does for Phi Mu and its members. My favorite is leadership development because I feel this was an area that truly impacted my life.”

Advice for First-Time Donors

If you’re considering making your first gift to Phi Mu Foundation, Melanie has one piece of advice: just start.

“Start somewhere. Even if you can only give a few dollars a month or even a year, it is a start, and it shows dedication. Every little bit is a boost for Phi Mu!”

To Melanie, giving back to Phi Mu Foundation is a way to ensure the lasting strength of an organization that has been an important part of her life.

Thank you, Melanie, for your unwavering dedication to Phi Mu and Phi Mu Foundation. Your generosity and service continue to make a lasting impact on our sisterhood!

Join Melanie in making a difference. Give back to Phi Mu Foundation today.

2025-26 Phi Mu Foundation Internship Program

Phi Mu Foundation is currently accepting internship applications for the 2025-26 academic year to support fundraising and communication efforts with collegiate chapter philanthropy chairs across the country.

Phi Mu Foundation is committed to the lifetime development of women through the support of the organization’s leadership, scholarship, philanthropic & educational programs, as well as historic preservation. 

The Opportunity:

We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic interns who are passionate about philanthropy, fundraising, nonprofit organizations, and development work. As a Phi Mu Foundation intern working remotely, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in these areas and work alongside fundraising professionals on meaningful philanthropic projects.

The majority of your specific responsibilities would be supporting the Foundation’s Collegiate Chapter Fundraising Program with ongoing education and communication with collegiate philanthropy chairs in your designated area. Funds raised through the Foundation’s Collegiate Chapter Fundraising Program benefit the Annual Fund, which helps the Foundation maintain healthy operations while also empowering the Board of Trustees to grant funds for academic scholarships, leadership and educational programs, emergency member assistance and the preservation of our Fraternity’s history.

Specific Program Duties:

  • Attend Phi Mu Foundation philanthropy training in May
    • Learn more about the mission and vision of Phi Mu Foundation, how 501c3 nonprofit organizations operate, the Foundation’s impact on Phi Mu members and the operations behind the Collegiate Chapter Fundraising Program.
  • Host Virtual Philanthropy Roundtable for Philanthropy Chairs in July
    • Work with Foundation staff to select 3-5 representatives to serve on a Philanthropy Roundtable to share information and impact stories with Philanthropy Chairs about fundraising for Phi Mu Foundation and answer questions.
  • Philanthropy and Fundraising Planning
    • Assist in planning and executing Phi Mu Foundation fundraising campaigns, including donor outreach and engagement strategies. More specifically creating a fundraising toolkit for the Collegiate Fundraising Program and developing a regular communications routine with Collegiate Philanthropy Chairs to provide education and inspiration and track fundraising throughout the academic year.
  • Donor Recognition/Stewardship
    • Support donor stewardship efforts, including creating personalized thank-you communications and updates for donors and more specifically developing a recognition program for chapters and philanthropy chairs who fundraise for Phi Mu Foundation.

Requirements and Expectations:

  • Be available to work 20-25 hours per month on average remotely beginning in late May 2025 to early May 2026
  • Be responsible, professional, flexible, hard‐working, ethical, self-motivated and committed to the mission of Phi Mu Foundation
  • Have a genuinely positive approach to work with a willingness to support other special projects to advance the mission
  • Possess a high level of organizational skills/attention to detail
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills 
  • Computer competency – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite or other design software preferred
  • Genuine interest in a nonprofit career ‐ particularly development and fundraising

To Apply:
Please submit a thoughtful cover letter describing your interest in the position, resume/experience history, and a reference letter from an Executive Committee Member or Chapter Adviser to Foundation Senior Director, Strategic Communications Jessi Horne at jhorne@phimu.org. Application deadline is February 14, 2025.

Compensation:
A $5,000 stipend will be provided based on 20-25 hours worked on average per month.

 

Donor Spotlight: Ellen Bower

Donor Spotlight: Ellen Bower (Illinois)

Phi Mu Foundation is proud to shine a spotlight on Ellen Bower (Illinois) whose enduring commitment to our sisterhood exemplifies the essence of giving back. Ellen has dedicated her time, talent, and treasure to the Foundation, serving in leadership roles such as Wesleyan Society Chair, 1852 Society Chair, Carnation Club Chair, and as Chair of the Foundation Nominating Committee. Her passion for our mission is equally evident in her extensive contributions to Phi Mu Fraternity, including roles on the Ritual Committee, Fraternity Nominating Committee, and as a National Leadership and Curriculum Development Coordinator.

When asked why she supports Phi Mu Foundation, Ellen’s response reflects her unwavering belief in the lifetime development of women:

“For me, Phi Mu was instrumental in my personal and professional development. Through the generosity of donors, we can continue pouring into the lives of Phi Mu women. It’s a blessing to see the full circle of gratitude come to life when someone is positively impacted by our sisterhood, as I know I have been.”

Ellen’s favorite way Phi Mu Foundation gives back? She highlights programs that create lasting impacts, such as mental health programming, the Chapter Consultant program, and philanthropy education. She believes these initiatives enrich individuals and, by extension, the entire sisterhood.

Ellen also offers sage advice for first-time donors:

“Giving is a habit, and even if you start small, it’s a lifelong habit you’ll never regret. Whether your dollars support scholarships, impactful programs, or preserving our rich history, your generosity shapes the future of Phi Mu and impacts generations of women.”

Reflecting on her own journey, Ellen credits Phi Mu Foundation for shaping her philanthropic mindset and fostering connections with sisters across the nation. She recalls a particularly touching moment witnessing a Heart and Hand Grant provide relief to a sister recovering from a natural disaster—a powerful example of the Foundation’s impact in times of need.

As Ellen looks to the future, she sees Phi Mu Foundation playing an essential role in addressing challenges like affordability, mental health, and leadership development. Her vision reinforces the Foundation’s mission: empowering women to thrive within and beyond their Phi Mu experience.

Ellen’s story inspires us all to embrace generosity and invest in the betterment of our sisterhood. Thank you, Ellen, for your leadership, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of Phi Mu Foundation.