History
The Educational Advancement Foundation was founded in 1980 by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an organization with a rich and distinguished history of service that spans nearly a century.
Alpha Kappa Alpha was the first Greek letter organization of its kind. The organization pioneered mobile health clinics in America, has been a leader in the fight against illiteracy, and has the distinction of being one of only a handful of women’s organizations to operate a federally funded Job Corps. But, ever since Alpha Kappa Alpha awarded its first scholarship in 1914 ($10 to a liberal arts student at Howard University), one program of service has endured—scholarships.
Creating the Educational Advancement Foundation was the method by which Alpha Kappa Alpha sought to ensure that there would always be support for education, its oldest program of service. Today, the Foundation, a financially strong and viable organization, is a powerful tool for good, pooling the resources of others who share this vision of providing a perpetual source of support for education.
Commemorating more than 25 years of service
1978
Constance Holland conceives the idea of a foundation and shares her vision with her sister, Dr. Barbara Phillips, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., who sets in motion the mechanisms to move the concept to reality.
1980
EAF is founded. At its national convention, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority appropriates $10K in seed money for the establishment of the Foundation.
1984
Holds first “Salute to Excellence” luncheon, whichserves as a forum to honor supporters andhighlights the Foundation’s work in the area of lifelong learning.
1987
Hires full time staff. Prior to 1987, administrative functions were carried out by Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Executive Director.
1988
Awards first scholarships ($10,000 to 14 students). Since then, more than 1,400 students have benefited from EAF’s scholarship programs.
1991
Awards first mini-grants.Since, EAF has distributed more than $200,000 to individuals and organizations to support local community service projects.
1992
Moves into separate quarters. The move from the Sorority’s office gives the growing organization ample space to efficiently conduct its operations and helps establish EAFas a separate and independent entity.
1996
Begins participation in the National Black United Federation of Charities & the Combined Federal Campaign, which diversifies and expands EAF’s donor base, making this one of the most significant events in the Foundation's history.
Awards 1st fellowships. Conceived to support individuals involved in scholarly pursuits at all stages of life, fellowships help EAF realize it mission of supporting lifelong learning.
1997
Reaches initial $1M capitalization goal, a milestone which ensures that the endowment fund generates sufficient income to sustain an annual awards program.
1998
Awards 1st Youth P.A.C. scholarships. By bringing young people into the award- and grant-making process, the program places EAF on an exciting trend in philanthropy.
History book
2000
Publishes history book. Perpetuating Our Posterity: A Blueprint for Excellence preserves EAF’s history and serves as a resource guide for other groups considering entering the field of philanthropy.
2003
Launches Web site. With more than 1.7M hits annually, the site has become a major business tool, enhancing EAF’s visibility and strengthening its brand in the marketplace.
General Fund Balance surpasses $2M. This benchmark solidifies EAF’s position as one of the largest foundations administered by African American women.
2005
EAF turns 25. It commemorates the milestone with a spirited marketing and development campaign that generates record support from its membership and culminates in an official 25th anniversary celebration in Nassau, Bahamas.
2007
Under the leadership of EAF President Barbara A. McKinzie, establishes Excellent Scholarly Performance and launches new projects for EAF funding.
