Zeta National Educational Foundation opens 2026 Giving Tuesday campaign

Zeta National Educational Foundation Incorporated is launching its 2026 Giving Tuesday push on Dec. 1 to raise scholarship support and expand educational opportunities. The campaign includes a gift incentive for the first 200 Sorors who donate at least $110.

Why it matters: - The campaign is aimed at funding scholarships and educational programs that help remove financial barriers for students pursuing higher education. - ZNEF says its work supports academic excellence and long-term community impact by investing in future scholars, leaders, innovators and changemakers. - The foundation’s Giving Tuesday effort also ties fundraising to Zeta Phi Beta’s sisterhood, which may help mobilize donors through chapter and alumni networks.

What happened: - Zeta National Educational Foundation, Incorporated launched its 2026 Giving Tuesday campaign in Washington, D.C. - The campaign theme is “Give Today. Empower Tomorrow.” - Giving Tuesday falls on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026. - The foundation is asking members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, along with community partners, alumni, friends and supporters nationwide, to contribute. - The first 200 Sorors who donate $110 or more will receive a complimentary commemorative T-shirt.

The details: - ZNEF says the shirt recognizes sisterhood, scholarship and service. - The campaign will use digital outreach, social media engagement, chapter participation, personal giving and philanthropic partnerships. - Supporters are being asked to participate in three ways: give, engage and inspire. - Give means making a tax-deductible contribution for scholarships and educational initiatives. - Engage means encouraging Sorors, chapters, family members, friends and community partners to join the campaign. - Inspire means sharing the foundation’s mission and Giving Tuesday message across social media and personal networks. - ZNEF says it has contributed almost $1 million to more than 100 students to date. - Five students have received funding to complete their Bachelor of Arts degrees tuition-free. - The foundation has operated for more than 50 years. - ZNEF’s broader mission includes scholarships, grants and programs that support students in reaching their educational and professional goals.

Between the lines: - The gift incentive is designed to create urgency early in the campaign and reward the most active donors. - The focus on Sorors suggests ZNEF is leaning on a built-in membership network that can drive both donations and message amplification. - The campaign frames giving as collective action, not just individual charity, which may help broaden participation beyond direct donors. - Chairwoman Valerie Hollingsworth Baker said Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to reaffirm responsibility to future generations and invest in stronger families, more vibrant communities and a brighter future for the nation. - Board member and Development Department Chair Gina Merritt-Epps said the campaign is about turning sisterhood into opportunity and helping students achieve educational dreams.

What’s next: - ZNEF is urging supporters to donate early to build momentum before Dec. 1. - Donations and campaign information are available at more information. - The foundation will continue promoting the campaign through its social and chapter networks leading into Giving Tuesday.

The bottom line: - ZNEF is using Giving Tuesday to convert sisterhood into scholarship dollars, with a clear target date, a donor incentive and a message centered on educational access.