The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) has recognized Cindy Stellhorn, Beta/Indiana, as a 2024 Outstanding Philanthropist.
“By championing best practices and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Cindy Stellhorn is helping to build a stronger, more resilient Greek experience that is better equipped to address complex challenges. Cindy leads by example, inspiring those around her to act with empathy and generosity. She is truly an outstanding philanthropist whose selfless actions have made a profound impact on Kappa Alpha Theta and the Greek community,” said Kappa Alpha Theta nominators Jenni Schmaltz, CEO; Kelley Hurst, Foundation Executive Director; and Teresa Smith, FHC Executive Director.
Cindy is the Sorority Division manager for MJ Insurance, Inc., the premier resource for property and casualty insurance for Greek-lettered organizations. She has financially supported the sorority women for almost two decades through both special initiatives and educational and professional development opportunities including the Give to Lead, Give to Learn capital campaign; Risk Management on the Road which trained traveling consultants; and Financial Head Start, a personal financial planning podcast series. Additionally, she is a member of Theta Foundation’s Gerlach & Stockwell Society, which acknowledges donors who have given $25,000 or more in their lifetime.
Cindy not only gives to Kappa Alpha Theta, but also to numerous other industry organizations including the following:
- FFE’s Amplifying Sorority Campaign; Cindy not only made the largest individual gift to the campaign, but she was responsible for MJ Sorority’s gift to the campaign: the lead organizational donor. Additionally, she serves on the Campaign Committee and actively engaged with numerous industry professionals and partners to cultivate additional gifts in support of the sorority-focused, sorority-led research agenda.
- The Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC); In 2005, Cindy was one of eight people who came together to form the FSPAC. Under her vision and leadership, the PAC grew substantially and has raised more than $6 million for federal supporters of Greek life since it was formed. Cindy and Jeff Stellhorn are lifetime leading donors to the FSPAC.
- The Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund (FSAF); In 2015, Cindy became a co-founder of the FSAF, a 501(c)(4) organization. She was instrumental in helping the FSAF raise several million dollars for the Hear Her Harvard campaign that funded two lawsuits against Harvard and created a grassroots engagement campaign. Cindy is one of the three leading individual donors to the FSAF over its lifetime.
Her award will be presented on Tuesday, Aug. 20 during the FFE Awards of Distinction Program, part of FFE Seminar.
FFE cultivates a culture of care, provides connections and supports research across the fraternal community. Often known as the “heart” of a fraternal organization, foundations and fundraising professionals come together to comprise membership and benefit from programs, services and resources for fraternal fundraising. FFE also provides operational support for established, new, and emerging fraternal foundations and works together with several fraternal communities to strengthen and improve the entire fraternity/sorority experience.