The IFC Awards Program aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding Interfraternity Council (IFC) communities, student leaders, and campus partners positively impacting and advancing the fraternal experience. Notably, those selected for these awards exemplify NIC Standards and Positions, and align with IFC Standard Operating Procedures. 

Applications are now being accepted for 2026 IFC Awards.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 1, 2026. 

Note: The IFC Awards Program is separate from the NIC Awards of Distinction. 

APPLY NOW

Application Process 

One (1) application should be submitted on behalf of an IFC to be considered for any and all awards. Applicants shall indicate which awards they are applying for in a single submission. 

At least two (2) letters of recommendation are required and should be submitted with the application. These letters may be from the IFC itself, an IFC member chapter, the college or university, an inter/national fraternity, another council, other student organizations, or community groups — whoever is most appropriate to speak on authority in support of the IFC’s application. A single letter may support multiple award categories. 

It is strongly encouraged to include letters from senior student affairs leadership and an inter/national fraternity. 

To be considered for Outstanding IFC, councils must apply for one or more other award categories. 

Winners will be notified in December and publicly announced in January. 

Awards Categories 

Outstanding IFC 

A select number of IFCs that excel in overall operations and are accomplished in other award categories shall be recognized as Outstanding IFCs. Further, these councils should exemplify the following criteria: 

  • Demonstrated advancement of the value of and access to the fraternity experience. 
  • Effectively creates interest in joining fraternities. 
  • Coordinates impactful educational experiences. 
  • Promotes safety and prevention efforts collectively addressing critical issues. 
  • Influence and engagement throughout campus activities and with administration. 
  • Champions cooperative action among fraternities. 

Outstanding Community Impact 

Councils should exemplify the following criteria: 

  • Initiatives dedicated to campus leadership and community building. 
  • Elevates nonprofit partnerships, community service, and philanthropic opportunities for member chapters. 
  • Productively engages in neighborhood relations and community outreach. 

Outstanding Peer Governance 

Councils should exemplify the following criteria: 

  • Committed to appropriate standards, accountability, and conflict resolution. 
  • Advocates for equal treatment and due process for its member chapters, especially as compared to other student organizations. 
  • Maintains appropriate levels of administrative oversight and staffing support. 

Outstanding Responsible Growth 

Councils should exemplify the following: 

  • Demonstrated commitment to supporting pathways to expansion and recognition for all fraternities interested in establishing chapters. 
  • Free from unnecessary associational or recruitment restrictions. 
  • Open and dynamic fraternity recruitment practices. 

Outstanding IFC President 

These student leaders should exemplify the following criteria: 

  • Driving force for growth, positive change, and interfraternalism. 
  • Respected and admired by their peers. 
  • Man of character and exemplary member of their own fraternity. 

Outstanding IFC Advisor 

These campus-based professionals should exemplify the following criteria: 

  • Provides exceptional guidance and support to an IFC community. 
  • Appropriately challenges fraternity men to be the best they can be. 
  • Collaborative partner addressing critical issues, supportive of NIC Standards and Positions. 
  • Note: This award is for college/university staff, not chapter or alumni volunteers.  

Check out the 2025 IFC Award winners. 

Please direct questions to awards@nicfraternity.org.  

APPLY HERE