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About The Pearls of the Ivy Foundation

The Pearls of the Ivy Foundation, Incorporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in DeSoto, Texas was founded in 2008, to empower communities throughout the southern sector of Dallas and Ellis counties. The membership is composed of active members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Upsilon Lambda Omega Chapter. 

Since its inception, the Foundation has focused on advancing educational opportunities through scholarships, supporting community empowerment programs, and providing meaningful service. In addition to funding impactful initiatives, the Pearls of the Ivy Foundation actively partners with and supports other nonprofit organizations by offering volunteers and resources to strengthen collective community efforts. Through dedicated service and strategic outreach, the Foundation continues to create pathways for growth, opportunity, and lasting impact.

2008
  • May 22, 2008 - PIF awarded 501(c)3 status by Internal Revenue Service
  • December 15, 2008 - PIF launched the foundation’s governance framework through the creation of its official Bylaws.
2010
  • May 2, 2010 - The inaugural Day at the Races. A derby day affair held at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, TX.
  • 2010 - 2011 - PIF secures $2,500 in Community Assistance Grants from Junior League of Dallas for Ladies Who Launch.
2014
  • PIF offers Board training for its Directors and members of the public interested in serving on Boards. Instructors included Board Members from Junior League of Dallas, and YMCA of Arlington.
  • In its first year of awarding scholarships, PIF proudly awarded three scholarships: the Pearls of Knowledge Scholarships to Jordan Butler and Michael Cunningham, II, and the ALDH Educational Enrichment Scholarship to Aliya F. Logan.
2015
  • July 25, 2017 - PIF hosted its first in person Scholarship Recognition program where six scholarship recipients were recognized.
  • March 1, 2015 - PIF launched social media platform Facebook.
  • April 10, 2015 - PIF launched social media platform Instagram.
2017
  • December 2017 - The Pearls of the Ivy Foundation, Incorporated® Financial Standard Operating Procedures Manual was created.
2019
  • October 18, 2019 – PIF signature event Bags for Grads was introduced which raised $3,750.
  • December 6, 2019 - PIF held its first Skating for Scholars event.
2023
  • 2023 - HEB Grant was awarded.
2024
  • September 13, 2024 – Wiley University recognized the Foundation for its generosity as a member of the 2024–2025 Giving Society “President’s Club” through the donation of the Dr. Joslyn Harmon Transition Success Scholarship.
  • June 2024 - PIF received a $3,000 Walmart Spark Good Local Grant to support Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® 71st national conference’s community service project of packing and distributing 25,000 food powerpacks in southern Dallas County.
  • June 2024 - PIF awarded $28,500 in scholarships to 19 scholars.
  • October 2024 - The “reset” of Bags for Grads was launched, raising $11,846. A signature Louis Vuitton handbag was added as a raffle prize to generate additional scholarship funds.
2025
  • February 2025: PIF spotlighted daily for 28 days, featuring past Pearls of the Ivy Foundation scholarship recipients as “Destined to Soar Scholars.” These spotlights were shared across PIF social media platforms, highlighting how the foundation continues to support and uplift its scholars.
  • March 22, 2025 - Members of the Pearls of the Ivy Foundation, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Upsilon Lambda Omega Chapter “Bowling Squad” laced up their bowling shoes and supported the Concerned Desoto Citizens in their annual fundraiser Bowling for Scholars.
  • April 30, 2025 - The Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation, Inc. recognized the Pearls of the Ivy Foundation for establishing the Pearls of the Ivy Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Fund in the amount of $5,000.
  • May 2026 - PIF recognized on Benevity.
  • May 18, 2026 - PIF recognized on Guidestar.
  • September 2025 - PIF designed and launched their first polo-style shirt for members to further enhance their visual presence in the community.
  • December 2, 2025 - PIF participated in its first ever #GivingTuesday and $913 was raised using the new non-profit Zeffy platform.
  • December 29, 2025 - PIF received its first donation through Benevity.
2026
  • February 2026 - The Pearls of the Ivy Foundation, Incorporated® Scholarship Development and Maintenance Guidelines was created to provide guidelines for establishing a new scholarship and continuing established named donor scholarships
  • February 2026 - PIF Received Armanino Foundation “Dollars for Doers” grant in the amount of $500.
  • May 2026 - PIF partnered with Pfizer for a Patient Advocacy & Engagement event that focused on Alopecia Areata.
  • May 2026 - PIF About Us was updated on the website