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About the Foundation

The mission of the National Education Fund, Inc. is to:

  1. provide scholarship aid to students with financial need from all backgrounds, and

  2. to conduct educational programs, workshops, symposiums, and forums that enhances quality of life.

The Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National Education Fund, Inc. (NEF) is an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for students. Through scholarship aid, educational programs, fellowships, grants, and other assistance, the Fund encourages the pursuit of education in institutions of higher learning, while also providing opportunities for leadership development, community involvement, and greater civic/social collaboration.

NEF was incorporated in 1984 as a public non-profit scholarship mechanism for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Since its inception, it has expanded to:

  • Ensure perpetual support for the Sorority's commitment to education;

  • Encourage among its members, affiliates, and the community the continuation of education in institutions of higher learning;

  • Promote and engage in studies and research dealing with education and related matters; and 

  • Cooperate with other individuals, organizations, or foundations whose purpose and activities are similar to those of the Fund.

Today, NEF remains a strong philanthropic program dedicated to meeting the needs of deserving students. To date, NEF has:

  • Awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships

  • Awarded scholarships to more than 600 students

  • Provided approximately $200,000 in grants to implement programs within NEF

NEF and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. receive annual donations from members and friends. The proceeds support the scholarship programs that provide traditional scholarships, mini-grants, fellowships, educational stipends, educational travel grants, and other assistance.

For more information about Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., please visit www.sgrho1922.org

2020-2024 NEF Board of Trustees

Karen Y. Williams, MLIS

Fund Fellow

Juanita S. Love, M.S.

President/CEO

Nadine Nolen Dillanado, M.A. 

Vice-President & Board Life Member

Theresa Armistead, B.S.

Treasurer & Fund Fellow

Georgia L. Johnson, M.Ed.

Financial Secretary

Tamesha Favors, M.A.,
Secretary & Southeastern Region Trustee

Evelyn H. Hood, M.A.

Founder & CEO Emerita

Board Life Member

Annie L. Brown, Ed.D.

Board life Member

Lora J. Vann, Ed.D.

Board Life Member

Jimmie C. Jackson, Ph.D.

Fund Fellow

Katie K. White, Ph.D.

Fund Fellow

Patricia Daniels, Ph.D.

Central Region Trustee

Carnetta Blakley, M.A.

Northeastern Region Trustee

Tyshara Lawson, M.S.

Southwestern Region Trustee

Tadzia Dennis, Ed.D.

Western Region Trustee

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