The Kappa Delta Rho Foundation traces its history back to a trust agreement dated November 12, 1960. This early document established a trust which was the predecessor of the Foundation that exists today.
The trust established in 1960 promoted charitable, educational, scientific, and literary purposes with the National Fraternity, its chapters, and its members. To encourage academic achievement, the early trust awarded a National Scholarship Trophy to the chapter with the highest grade-point average. Other awards were made to individuals and the most improved chapters.
The Privacy Act and the fraternity climate in the 1970’s, however, caused the early trust to cease operations. In 1980, the Board of Directors for the National Fraternity recognized that an important part of the future of the Fraternity would be the success of its charitable and educational programs. Efforts began to form a new foundation.
The Kappa Delta Rho Foundation was formed in 1984. The Foundation is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and registered as a charitable organization. The Foundation is also recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable Foundation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The visionary work of several alumni made the creation of the Foundation possible. Of particular note, a generous leadership gift by brother Alvah Borah, Eta ’32 provided the seed money for the new Foundation.
Once created, the trustees of the Foundation began to work with the Fraternity staff and volunteers to develop a program and structure for the future. They developed an Annual Fund, as well as an endowment and scholarship program.