IFC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

The mission of an Interfraternity Council (IFC) is to foster a healthy and vibrant fraternity community. The IFC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) provide structure and support—a baseline for policies and practices—for IFCs to operate in accordance with NIC Standards, endorsed by all inter/national member fraternities of the NIC.

Implementing the Standard Operating Procedures will help an IFC anticipate and address critical operational needs, while serving its member chapters and advocating for the fraternity experience.

IFCs should aim to align with the IFC SOP — first ensuring that baseline, Level 1 expectations are achieved, then focusing on higher-level, aspirational operations. For assistance, please contact your VP of Campus Support.

Watching April 2024 webinar on IFC SOPs.

IFC STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

IFC SOP

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Level 1

  1. IFC has in its bylaws criteria that only allows full membership to single-sex men’s organizations that align with NIC Standards. (Governance)
  2. IFC has policies and practices aligned with the NIC’s Responsible Growth and Interest Group Protocols that guarantee all students a path to IFC membership. (Membership Access)
  3. IFC pays its annual NIC dues. (Finance)
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Level 2

  1. IFC has proper insurance coverage for its officers, advisors and volunteers. (Finance)
  2. IFC has a constitution and bylaws that is reviewed annually. (Governance)
  3. IFC adopts an open bidding policy that allows member fraternities to extend bids to interested men at any time. (Recruitment)
  4. IFC has social event policies that align with the NIC’s Health and Safety Guidelines. (Health and Safety)
  5. IFC has health and safety policies that include a medical good samaritan policy. (Health and Safety)
  6. IFC has health and safety policies that include a process for implementing a temporary pause on social activities. (Health and Safety)
  7. IFC updates its contact information and chapter listing in FS Central. (Administrative)
  8. IFC Officers meet regularly with the IFC Advisor. (Leadership)
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Level 3

  1. All IFC bills are paid on time and in full. (Finance)
  2. IFC files required tax forms annually. (Finance)
  3. The IFC budget is approved annually by a vote of member chapters. (Finance)
  4. IFC operates within a financial planning framework which includes basic financial controls. (Finance)
  5. IFC provides a detailed reporting on its financial performance to all IFC delegates at least twice per term. (Finance)
  6. IFC has a governance structure which consists of chapter presidents as the primary delegate. (Governance)
  7. IFC has a clear document retention policy with centralized file storage system. (Administrative)
  8. IFC conducts an annual officer training / transition retreat. (Governance)
  9. IFC has a position responsible for planning and implementing risk management, risk prevention and student safety efforts. (Health and Safety)
  10. IFC provides health and safety education. (Health and Safety)
  11. IFC sponsors educational programs for fraternity members on alcohol, hazing, sexual misconduct and self-governance. (Programming)
  12. The IFC maintains a new member interest list. (Recruitment)
  13. The IFC recruitment officer compiles and distributes resources for chapter recruitment officers. (Recruitment)
  14. IFC completes the End of Term Report following each academic term. (Reporting)
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Level 4

  1. IFC has Policies and Programming for all-fraternity GPA to be above all-men’s average (AMA). (Academics)
  2. IFC has both a strategic communications and crisis management plan which is reviewed annually by all IFC officers and delegates. (Communications)
  3. The IFC maintains a website updated with information for members, chapters, parents, university administrators and potential members. (Communications)
  4. IFC officers conduct personal outreach to all chapter presidents and visit chapter meetings at least once a term. (Leadership)
  5. IFC sets multi-year goals that are passed on to future leadership teams. (Governance)
  6. The IFC has a service and philanthropy strategy with ongoing, active community partnerships. (Programming)
  7. The IFC provides belonging and inclusion programming and resources for member chapters (may be in conjunction with campus or fraternity/sorority community programming). (Programming)
  8. IFC provides education on peer governance to chapter leaders. (Accountability)
  9. The IFC conducts an annual goal-setting process that actively involves the chapter presidents in setting the direction and priorities for the council. (Governance)
  10. IFC has a cap on the number of events with alcohol. (Health and Safety)
  11. IFC Officers meet regularly with the counterparts on other undergraduate fraternity/sorority councils. (Leadership)
  12. IFC executes an annual marketing plan for its community. (Recruitment)
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Level 5

  1. IFC recognizes chapters for excellence in scholarship programs and high academic performance. (Academics)
  2. IFC actively partners with admissions, orientation and residence hall staff to introduce students and their families to fraternity membership. (Recruitment)
  3. IFC has in its bylaws a policy that prohibits an IFC from being involved in a sexual misconduct adjudication or hazing investigation process (Council can request an exemption to adjudicate a hazing case if it is an independent council or if the host institution does not hear organizational hazing cases). (Accountability)
  4. IFC has a community judicial policy and process with accountability mechanisms that align with NIC Standards, Position Statements and Health and Safety Guidelines. (Accountability)
  5. IFC provides judicial board training for its members. (Accountability)
  6. The IFC judicial board issues sanctions that are educational, developmental and consistent with the violation. (Accountability)
  7. The IFC judicial board uses a written sanction contract to explain the terms of each sanction and procedures for completing them. (Accountability)
  8. IFC judicial officers have a direct working relationship with campus conduct officials. (Accountability)
  9. IFC president meets annually with the university president and vice president of student affairs. (Leadership)
  10. IFC has a working relationship with undergraduate student government, programming and activities boards. (Leadership)
  11. IFC hosts an annual awards program for its member chapters (potentially in conjunction with campus recognition). (Programming)
  12. IFC submits awards applications for NIC or regional conference recognition. (Programming)
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About Interfraternity Council (IFC)

PROVIDING STRONG COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

“A CHANGE AGENT.” “STRONGLY COMMITTED.” “TRAILBLAZER.” “HOLDS MEMBERS ACCOUNTABLE.” A MAN WITH “TRUE INTEGRITY, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.” ONE WHO WORKS FOR “THE ADVANCEMENT OF THOSE AROUND HIM.”

These phrases have been used to describe the fraternity leaders honored with the NIC Undergraduate Award of Distinction. But these traits should not only apply to award winners. These are the characteristics interfraternal leaders need to make a positive difference in their communities, and the campus Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the group who should convene such leaders.

THE PURPOSE OF THE IFC

An IFC exists where there are two or more NIC member (or non-member) fraternities on a campus. The Council’s purpose is to advance fraternity on campus and provide interfraternal leadership to the entire community. The NIC provides direct support, resources and services to IFC officers, representatives, advisors and alumni to further the health and success of local fraternity communities.

NIC SUPPORT FOR YOUR IFC

  • Fraternities must provide leadership to shape our future, and IFC and fraternity leaders on your campus are the force that can drive that positively change on campus. The NIC is here to support your efforts in your fraternity community.

  • The NIC’s Campus Support Model assists councils by providing increased training and resources. This support focuses on the individual development and skills of officers, as well as providing coaching to advance the role of the IFC as the campus governing body that advocates and provides educational opportunities for the fraternity experience.

  • When your IFC pays its annual NIC dues (due Sept. 1), officers will gain access to specialized resources. Elevate support for your fraternity/sorority community by selecting an even greater level of Campus Support. Learn more here.

THE IFC CREED

We, the Interfraternity Council, exist to promote the shared interests and values of our member fraternities: leadership, service, brotherhood and scholarship. We believe in Fraternity and that the shared values of Fraternity drive the IFC to create better communities, better chapters and better men.

We work to advance the academic mission of the host institution, to enable fraternal organizations to grow and thrive through collaboration and teamwork, to provide an outlet for self-governance and accountability, and to model and teach ethical leadership. In a spirit of mutual support and betterment, we, the men of the Interfraternity Council, pledge to elevate the Ritual and the values of the member organizations.

NIC Announces 2024-2025 IFC Advisory Council

Indianapolis, April 23, 2024 – The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) has selected six individuals to join the 2024-2025 IFC Advisory Council. These undergraduate students are fraternity men who have held numerous chapter and campus leadership positions and currently serve their respective Interfraternity Councils. Council members include Griffin Forbes, Oklahoma State University; Jackson Gordon, Southern Methodist University; Sean Hoffmans, Kansas State University; Johnathan Martinez, University of Missouri; Sawyer McClure, Michigan State University; and Miguel Sobera, Florida International University. Learn more about each below.

“We commend these young men for their dedication to a positive fraternity experience,” said NIC Chief Operating Officer Will Foran. “I am excited to work with this group over the next year as they provide strategic feedback to support IFC resource development and engage with fraternity leaders, each providing their unique campus perspective.”

The IFC Advisory Council is a unique opportunity allowing undergraduate fraternity members to engage with industry leaders while helping to influence and shape the fraternity experience. They will assist with developing IFC resources, inter/national policy and mentoring other IFC officers. Service begins with orientation in mid-May and concludes after one year.

Griffin Forbes, Oklahoma State University

Griffin currently serves as OSU’s IFC President and is a member of Sigma Chi, having served in many chapter positions. In addition, he has served in numerous leadership roles with campus organizations including the Oklahoma State University President’s Leadership Council, Junior Greek Leadership, Greek Wide Student Ministry, Camp Cowboy and more.

Jackson Gordon, Southern Methodist University

Currently serving as Interfraternity Council President at Southern Methodist, Jackson previously held the role of IFC Vice President of Recruitment and is FSLead trained. A member of Sigma Nu, Jackson served his chapter roles including Ethics Chairman and Risk Reduction Chairman.

Sean Hoffmans, Kansas State University

Sean, current IFC Vice President of Recruitment Operations and Fraternity-Sorority Life Ambassador, is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. He is involved with K-State’s Student Governing Association previously holding roles of Senator of the College of Business and Director of Academic Affairs, interning for the Staley School of Leadership and participating in the University’s Homecoming Committee.

Johnathan Martinez, University of Missouri

A member of Phi Kappa Theta, Johnathan presently serves as Mizzou’s Interfraternity Council President. In addition to leading the IFC and contributing to his chapter, he actively participates in and holds leadership roles with the Association of Latin American Students, Missouri Student Association and First Generation Club.

Sawyer McClure, Michigan State University

Sawyer currently holds the role of IFC Vice President of Programming, serving the prior term as President. While IFC President he updated the council’s governing documents and implemented a men’s mental health program called MANUAL — where he continues to devote his time supporting the IFC’s programming. Sawyer is a member of Theta Delta Chi.

Miguel Sobera, Florida International University

Miguel previously served as IFC Vice President of Scholarship and Vice President of Recruitment and presently serves as IFC President. Before his IFC service, Miguel held various roles with his Pi Kappa Alpha and served as the Recruitment Chair for FIU’s Neon Nights which supports mental health education for students.

# # # 

The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is the trade association representing national and international men’s fraternities, including a diverse range of culturally and religious-based organizations. The NIC’s member organizations boast more than 6,000 chapters located on more than 550 campuses in the United States and Canada, with approximately 250,000 undergraduate members and nearly 4.2 million alumni. 

IFC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) 2.0 Introduction

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Summit Against Hate for Interfraternal and Council Leaders

Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority, Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, Sigma Delta Tau Sorority & Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity co-host the Summit Against Hate, a hate prevention workshop for undergraduate and interfraternal council leaders. During this program, attendees engaged with a panel representative of campus-based and Higher Education-adjacent professionals who work with the Jewish community.

Through a Q&A and a collective discussion format, attendees gained knowledge and confidence related to building meaningful community partnerships in order to support students who experience antisemitism and other forms of hate, developing individual and group coping strategies, and responding as active bystanders to address acts of hate and hate-fueled rhetoric on college campuses.

Statement on suspension of fraternity activities at University of Maryland

University of Maryland at Night; Photo by Ryan Kosmides/Unsplash

NIC members stand ready to hold the few involved in misconduct accountable while advocating for students who uphold fraternal expectations and provide thousands of young men a positive fraternity experience. Since our members’ top priority is health and safety, we oppose system-wide actions which research shows disincentivizes future reporting and fosters a culture of mistrust among students and administrators.

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Please direct media inquiries to pr@nicfraternity.org

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Applying David Brooks to the Fraternity

Lori Hart

By Dr. Lori Hart, Director of Educational Initiatives, Holmes Murphy Fraternal Practice

I grew up in the “values based” and “live your ritual” season of fraternity and sorority.  We talked about morals, being good people, we were always wearing our letters (even when we weren’t).

David Brooks was busy last fall writing about the human experience. I offer some of his insights below because digging into this work has made me wonder if “we” are getting it right with our curriculum, training, expectations, etc. and how we could take this premise, philosophy and utilize it to better fraternity.  I also believe the work that he talks about will and can lead to harm reduction, safer experiences, and reduced claims.

Mr. Brooks’ October 19, 2023, NYT Op Ed, The Essential Skills for Being Human, made me pause and think. 

People need social skills. The real process of, say, building a friendship or creating a community involves performing a series of small, concrete actions well: being curious about other people; disagreeing without poisoning relationships; revealing vulnerability at an appropriate pace; being a good listener; knowing how to ask for and offer forgiveness; knowing how to host a gathering where everyone feels embraced; knowing how to see things from another’s point of view.

Source: Opinion | How to be Human – The New York Times (nytimes.com)

How America Got Mean, popped up as a top 10 Atlantic article published in September 2023. Here are some nuggets I pulled. 

“Moral communities are fragile things, hard to build and easy to destroy,” the psychologist Jonathan Haidt writes in The Righteous Mind. When you are raised in a culture without ethical structure, you become internally fragile. You have no moral compass to give you direction, no permanent ideals to which you can swear ultimate allegiance. 

Moral renewal won’t come until we have leaders who are explicit, loud, and credible about both sets of goals. Here’s how we’re growing financially, but also here’s how we’re learning to treat one another with consideration and respect; here’s how we’re going to forgo some financial returns in order to better serve our higher mission.

Healthy moral ecologies don’t just happen. They have to be seeded and tended by people who think and talk in moral terms, who try to model and inculcate moral behavior, who understand that we have to build moral communities because on our own, we are all selfish and flawed. Moral formation is best when it’s humble. It means giving people the skills and habits that will help them be considerate to others in the complex situations of life. It means helping people behave in ways that make other people feel included, seen, and respected. 

Source: Why Americans Are So Awful to One Another – The Atlantic

His book “How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen” was released October 2023. 

David Brooks wants to create a society where people are seen and can be seen and that sounds like what we want for fraternal organizations as well.  This is the fabric of our work, or it should be. Human relations are hard, but skills can be taught. 

“There is one skill that lies at the heart of any healthy person, family, school, community organization, or society: the ability to see someone else deeply and make them feel seen—to accurately know another person, to let them feel valued, heard, and understood.”

Source: How to Know a Person by David Brooks: 9780593230060 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

How can we apply the work of David Brooks to fraternity? Don’t just focus on compliance, focus on creating experiences that lead to commitment.  The human commitment.

New member programs should not be content on a PowerPoint, they should be about opportunities to create open dialogue and shared experiences. Are the programs currently built to place relationship development at the core?

Make sure what you do and ask of members is connecting to the organization to its values, thus providing a moral compass for members.

Create expectations and education where Mentor/Mentee relationships provide a platform for personal and professional growth, guidance, and support. Steps to Develop Peer Mentor and Mentee Program (psu.edu).

Seek out, train, support and retain advisors who capture the philosophy of David Brooks.  As you all know, a successful chapter usually has a good volunteer guiding. And from my experience, the common factor of a good advisor is they are in relationship with the members.

The basics of philanthropy, ritual, brotherhood, safety should be constant in the work that is done.

The Medici Effect’s Frans Johansson suggests that all new ideas are a combination of old ideas. So, as you think big, brainstorm, and try to crack the nut on brotherhood and social connections, don’t miss the opportunity to pull those old ideas out and discuss how you came to love fraternity. My guess you will quickly starting talking about relationships and the heart of the things we should be focused on. 

IFC Awards: Current Recipients

The IFC Awards Program honors those who advance the fraternal movement and have a direct, positive impact on fraternity. 

In addition to the NIC’s Awards of Distinction, we look forward to continuing to celebrate student success through the expanded IFC Awards Program, recognizing those campuses and councils that exemplify NIC Standards and aim to align with IFC Standard Operating Procedures. 

2023 IFC Award Winners 

Outstanding IFC 

The Outstanding IFC Award recognizes Interfraternity Councils (IFCs) that excel in operations and positively impact their member chapters, their fraternity/sorority communities and host institutions. 

Augusta University

Augusta University Excellent website and communications, record recruitment, academic achievement, revised governing documents and reestablished a framework for effective peer governance. “As the Director of Student Engagement, I have recognized this council’s endearing efforts to embody the core values of our institution while being change agents for our student body,” wrote Dr. ShaRon S. Dukes. 

Clemson University

Clemson University Strong institutional partnership with advisors and administration, highly-respected council leaders, effective programming and special events. Aly Thieman-Ruhl, Associate Director of Chapter Services, wrote that “They hold their member organizations to a high standard and facilitate building relationships between the chapters and university/community officials. They are strong partners with the university and are proactive with their partnerships and communications. Clemson IFC demonstrates excellence in all areas…” 

Kansas State University

Kansas State University Tremendous leadership and interfraternal spirit, impactful community service and philanthropy, commitment to peer governance, and have successfully navigated reaffiliating with the university. Dee Hawks, new Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, shared that “The passion of K-State students was something I felt the moment I stepped onto campus. The students are deeply committed to their university, to their community, and more directly to each other. They challenge each other every day and weave their values throughout their experience. The community sets their standards high and works to bring everyone up, together.” 

The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Robust health, wellness and prevention education, high-functioning judicial and peer accountability processes. Hunter Hartwig, Associate Director of Council Leadership and IFC Advisor, wrote: “Since my arrival to Ohio State’s campus in 2016, I have personally witnessed the council transform into an engaging and premiere student leadership experience for Buckeyes in fraternity who are committed to improving our entire campus community and surrounding Columbus area.” 

University of Tennessee-Knoxville

University of Tennessee-Knoxville Consistent commitment to leadership development, peer governance, DEI and responsible growth. “The mindset in the community has really shifted to a ‘what next motto.’ Instead of sitting on changes that have been made, the IFC constantly looks for ways to keep improving, and even if something works, they look at how it can be improved,” wrote IFC Coordinator Ben Libon. 

University of Texas-Austin

University of Texas-Austin Streamlined standards, safety protocols and governing documents. Commitment to transparency, inclusivity and responsiveness. Marilyn Russell, Director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, expressed “They are an organization that challenges and supports their member organizations and they have created a stronger, safer, and more ethically minded fraternity experience at UT Austin that is deserving of the highest accolades.” 

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech Prioritizes health, safety, wellbeing and risk management resources for the community. Strong engagement with university leadership and campus athletics. Record recruitment and responsible growth. Abbi Hanson Allen, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, endorsed: “The member organizations excel in their academics, recruitment, member development, programming, philanthropic efforts, and many other areas. The executive board are a hard-working group of collegians who care about making sure that fraternities are leading the way at Virginia Tech.” 

Outstanding Community Service  

This award recognizes Interfraternity Councils that participate in and provide opportunities for meaningful service within their campus community. 

  • Iowa State University IFC Fall and Spring Days of Service 
  • Kansas State University Partnership with Kansas Big Brothers, Big Sisters, B+ Foundation and more 
  • Michigan Tech Community outreach with Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly 
  • Pepperdine University Aligned recruitment events with Step Forward Day, the university’s annual day of community service 
  • Texas Christian University Fort Worth local schools outreach, Movember awareness and Boys and Girls Club event 
  • University of Arizona Support of Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse 
  • University of New Hampshire Support of numerous philanthropic endeavors and socially-responsible initiatives, including partnership with Southern District YMCA 

Outstanding Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  

This award recognizes Interfraternity Councils that actively practice adherence to the NIC DEI Position Statement recognizing that human diversity and embracing differing points of view allows for innovation and growth. 

  • Texas Christian University DEI committee with representatives from all chapters, advocates for LGBTQ+ community and sexual assault survivors  
  • Texas State University Advocacy alongside LGBTQ+ community, including Pride Month and National Coming Out Day, and multiple events celebrating multicultural awareness and identity 
  • University of Arizona Hosted Qy’Darrius Z. McEachern, renowned national speaker and consultant, among other efforts 
  • University of Tennessee-Knoxville Written DEI commitment plan and education modules, partnership with Bias Education in the Office of the Dean of Students 

Outstanding Peer Governance  

This award recognizes Interfraternity Councils that excel in operations and adhere to the IFC Standard Operating Procedure: Governance. 

  • Ball State University Re-established council judicial board, initiated voluntary pause of social events to enhance prevention and education training 
  • Clemson University Robust “Honor Court” in coordination with Office of Community and Ethical Standards 
  • Cornell University IFC Recommitment to Safe Social Events program 
  • Kansas State University Thrived in absence of professional staff before reaffiliating with the university 
  • The Ohio State University Refreshed governing documents, conducted community assessment on recruitment practices 
  • University of Tennessee-Knoxville All around high-functioning council with strong commitment to code of conduct and risk reduction 
  • University of Texas-Austin Overhaul of governing documents and commitment to transparency 

Outstanding IFC President 

The Outstanding IFC President Award recognizes IFC Presidents whose leadership has been a driving force for growth, positive change and interfraternalism on their campus. 

  • Greg Abraham University of Arizona 
  • Justin Bharucha Lafayette College 
  • Braeden Boyle High Point University 
  • Kyle Calvey Bowling Green State University 
  • Connor Dickel Temple University 
  • Christopher Higby The Ohio State University 
  • Tyler Johnson University of Tennessee-Knoxville 
  • Shayan Karimy Kansas State University 
  • Deren Purisic SUNY-Plattsburgh 
  • Gabriel Smedes Pepperdine University 
  • Jack Tanner University of Texas-Austin 
  • Matt Tavares West Chester University 

Outstanding IFC Advisor 

This award recognizes campus-based professionals working in fraternity/sorority life providing exceptional support to an Interfraternity Council in a manner that contributes to overall Council excellence, enhances peer-governance among students, exemplifies interfraternal values and models effective partnerships.

  • Grace Bova University of Texas-Austin 
  • Hunter Hartwig The Ohio State University 
  • Madi Heerdt University of New Hampshire 
  • Spencer Laiben University of Mississippi 
  • Molleigh Pompilio Pepperdine University 
  • Madison Simmons High Point University 
  • Mat Greer Temple University
PAST RECIPIENTS

Please direct any questions about the awards process and the development of this program to awards@nicfraternity.org. 

IFC Awards: Past Recipients

The IFC Awards Program honors those who advance the movement and have a direct, positive impact on fraternity. We are proud to recognize campuses, councils and individuals that exemplify NIC Standards and aim to align with IFC Standard Operating Procedures.

Please direct any questions about the awards process and the development of this program to awards@nicfraternity.org.

IFC Awards: Past Recipients

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Outstanding IFC

Year Interfraternity Council
2022 Iowa State University
2022 Purdue University
2022 University of Idaho
2022 University of Tennessee-Knoxville

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Outstanding Community Service

Year Interfraternity Council
2022 Iowa State University
2022 Texas State University
2022 University of Texas-Austin

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Outstanding Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Year Interfraternity Council
2022 Drake University
2022 Iowa State University
2022 University of Idaho

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Outstanding Peer Governance

Year Interfraternity Council
2022 Indiana State University
2022 University of Southern Mississippi
2022 University of Tennessee-Knoxville

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Outstanding IFC President

Year IFC President Interfraternity Council
2022 Matt Halverson University of Oklahoma
2022 Jonathan Jenkins University of Southern Mississippi
2022 Mason Miller University of Iowa
2022 Harrison Murphy University Park
2022 Michael Rodriguez University of Tennessee-Knoxville
2022 Michael Walker University of Arizona

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Outstanding IFC Advisor

Year Name Interfraternity Council
2022 Abbi Hanson Allen Virginia Tech
2022 Hunter Carlheim University of Tennessee-Knoxville
2022 Nick O’Neal University of Idaho

Back to IFC Awards page

Crowded Case Study: Delta Kappa Epsilon

By Darryl Gecelter

We built Crowded to make the lives of treasurers easier. Crowded is a platform where treasurers can collect dues, track chapter spending, issue digital debit cards (no more reimbursements!) and more. Everything is digital and on-demand. 

Fraternity chapters make up the majority of our clients. From the national to the chapter level, we simplify financial management for these fraternities. Keep reading to hear about how our partnership with NIC member, Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) transformed their ability to manage their chapter’s finances. Spoiler – DKE saves $48,000 each year on fees since they switched to Crowded.

Before DKE’s partnership with Crowded:

DKE’s banking and tax compliance were scattered and needed unification. 

As a national organization with around 50 chapters, DKE did not have an official banking partner. Each DKE chapter maintained its own local bank account. Oftentimes, these accounts were at local credit unions or regional banks with no modern banking tools or online banking options.

DKE treasurers had some run-of-the-mill fraternity woes:

  • Managing treasurer officer handovers

  • Chapter funds commingling with personal through peer-to-peer payment apps

  • Chasing members for dues collection 

  • Dealing with reimbursements and receipts

As a registered 501(c)(7) nonprofit, DKE has tax-exempt status for their entire organization – a group exemption. However, with both frequent officer turnover and the officer transition happening around the same time as tax filing season, tax compliance sometimes fell between the cracks. Chapters weren’t sure which EIN they should be using and how to file the correct 990 form. Answers to these questions along with general banking questions and support are not given by your typical brick and mortar banks.

DKE was searching for a better way to manage their compliance and finances. They also were looking for a platform that eased the financial stress on their chapter treasurers. Even more so, the lack of insight over their chapters’ finances, inconsistent group exemption usage, treasurer handovers etc. had serious financial implications for the national organization. 

Crowded’s partnership with DKE helps them manage their finances and compliance

Unified chapter banking with Crowded

After DKE partnered with Crowded and encouraged their chapters to sign up, they felt better positioned to support their chapters. With all the DKE chapters unified under Crowded, DKE nationals are able to assist treasurers with transactions, tax filings and fraud assistance. They can ensure that funds aren’t trapped in dormant accounts. With Crowded, DKE can monitor their subsidiary chapter finances and can step in when necessary. 

Complete compliance with IRS regulations

DKE’s partnership with Crowded allowed for total compliance with IRS regulations regarding nonprofit tax-exempt status. Crowded assisted DKE in creating dozens of EINS for chapters who did not have one, and added many chapters to their group exemption.

Compared to online providers or accountants who charge hundreds of dollars per annual tax filing, Crowded files the annual forms for DKE in a cost-effective way.

DKE is saving thousands of dollars per year, from the funds saved from tax exemptions to using Crowded to provide them with annual 990 forms and manage their group exemption.

Collecting dues with Crowded

DKE chapters collect dues online from their members with just a few clicks with Crowded Collect. Chapter treasurers can track who has and hasn’t paid, and send reminders from the Crowded platform. When chapters host events or fundraisers, they can collect funds for supplies or accept donations with Crowded. 

Compared to their previous dues collection provider who charged a fee per member, per semester, DKE saves $48,000 per year using Crowded.

If you’re curious, here’s a short demo of the Crowded platform:

Convenience of Digital Banking

For the busy university student treasurers, managing their chapter’s banking digitally is a huge benefit. Everything from account setup, to maintenance, to handing over ownership can be done online. For new DKE chapters, it used to take weeks to get a bank account set up and start collecting funds – from coordinating schedules to physically go to the bank to filling out lots of paperwork. With Crowded, it only takes a few days! When it comes to the end of the year, outgoing treasurers can hand over their account in a few simple steps. No need to coordinate schedules to go to the bank and fill out more paperwork.

“Since our guys are young volunteers gaining experience, it’s awesome to partner with a company that has tools to fit their needs. Things like transition assistance between officers or digital cards (the physical frat card always goes missing!) keep our guys focused on their mission and not bogged down administratively.” Turner, Director Of Administrative Services, Delta Kappa Epsilon

Spending chapter funds with Crowded digital debit cards

After DKE chapter treasurers collect dues and other funds from their members, they use Crowded’s Visa digital debit cards to spend the money. Treasurers can issue digital debit cards on demand for their members to make purchases on behalf of the chapter. Treasurers receive a digital receipt for all goods bought, and best of all, there is no need for them to do any reimbursements! They save, all together, 6,000 hours a year on reimbursements.

DKE leverages Crowded Rewards to fundraise

The Rampant Lion Foundation is the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of DKE that assists members with scholarship assistance. This foundation was previously using Amazon Smile to generate donations, but when that program shut down, they turned to Crowded Rewards as their alternative. Similar to Amazon Smile, DKE supporters can do their regular shopping through Crowded Rewards and generate donations for The Rampant Lion Foundation. But, with Crowded Rewards, DKE supporters also get cashback – making it a win-win!

Continue reading about Crowded’s partnership with Pi Kappa Alpha, or get in touch with us for more information. 

Winter 2023-24 Prime/IFC Academy Facilitator Training

Download slides here

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The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is a trade association that represents national and international men’s fraternities, including a diverse range of culturally and religious-based organizations, on campuses in the United States and Canada. The NIC is committed to supporting opportunities for young men to seek and form positive, enriching fraternal bonds. The health and safety of students guides our advocacy, standards and education.

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