Philanthropies
Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc.
Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. was created in 1974 to "support the educational and charitable goals of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity through philanthropic endeavors". This charitable arm supports many different nonprofit organizations as well as scholarships, grants, and internships. Here is a brief description of some of these organizations and awards supported by Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc.
People-to-People Project
People-to-People provides material assistance and encouragement to schools, music organizations and musicians in many parts of the world where small things can make a big difference. This project has been carried out in 60 countries.
Music Therapy
The Music Therapy Project began just after World War II with gifts of such items as tape recorders, record players, clinic organs, portable pianos, autoharps, and other small instruments to Veterans' hospitals. This was followed by personal work with veterans on the part of chapter members and soon the activity was expanded to include other hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools for handicapped children. This has continued throughout the years to help in healing, rehabilitation, and enrichment through music.
Bold Notes
The Bold Notes Project is a project that provides large-print sheet music for the visually impaired. Sigma Alpha Iota itself provides alternative format materials such as large print versions of Pan Pipes (the fraternity journal) and audio recordings of songs from our songbook to members if needed. Bold Notes is also a joint project with the Library of Congress.
Music Education Outreach Grants
Honoring the longtime focus SAI has given to music education, the Music Education Outreach Grants are awarded every three years to assist music programs in K-12 public schools to aid in purchasing supplies that are usually not affordable.
(Fun fact: You can choose to donate to ΣAI Philanthropies using Amazon Smile!)