Uplift Foundation History

Xi Pi Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s Uplift Foundation was incorporated on February 7, 2003, as a Colorado nonprofit corporation. The Foundation’s By-laws were approved by its Board of Directors on March 10, 2003. The Foundation applied for and received an advance ruling as exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(a) as a 501(c)(3) organization from the Internal Revenue Service on April 24, 2003, retroactive to its date of incorporation. On October 10, 2003, the Foundation was granted a certificate of exemption for Colorado state sales and use taxes. On April 25, 2008, the Foundation was granted permanent status as a public charity exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

The idea for creating a Foundation to facilitate the Chapter’s public service endeavors was first envisioned by Walter Glover, who was a recent transfer to Xi Pi Chapter in November 2000. Later, during Walter Glover’s service as the Chapter’s Keeper of Finance in 2002, he led the efforts to bring his vision to reality. All along, he spoke of such a Foundation to serve as a vehicle, which allows the local chapter to solicit tax-deductible contributions that better funds and promulgate charitable community programs that Xi Pi Chapter routinely sponsors as part of its annual commitment to community service. Upon becoming Chapter Basileus (President) in October of 2002, Walter Glover with the assistance of Vroman Wright completed the necessary application and certification with the state of Colorado. On February 7, 2003, the Uplift Foundation, Inc. was officially approved and recognized by Colorado and the United States Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt public charity.

The purpose of the Foundation is to assist Xi Pi Chapter in promoting and funding charitable programs and activities in the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Region. The major programs and activities include:

• Uplift Foundation Scholarship Program: Awards local college-bound High School Seniors with a stipend intended to assist with first-year tuition costs. As of October 31, 2016, the Foundation has awarded over $117,000 in scholarships to 71 deserving students.
• African American Health Fair and Charles Drew Blood Drive: An annual event since 2003, it is designed to encourage African Americans to live healthier lives my consciously monitoring their health and diet on a regular basis.
• The local African American Youth Leadership Conference receives both monetary and volunteer support on an annual basis.
• Uplift Foundation Charity Golf Tournament: An annual tournament serves as a major fundraiser, which specifically earmark funds for the Uplift Foundation Scholarship Program.
• Omega Showboat Talent Extravaganza: An annual occurrence and serves as the Foundation’s second major fundraiser, which also provides critical funding for the Scholarship Program.
• Care and Share Food Bank Support: Annually, Xi Pi Chapter members, their families and friends travel to the food bank each December to assist with food sorting and repacking. In addition to the work, the Foundation provides a financial donation to further the organization’s mission.

The Foundation, since its inception has significantly enhanced Xi Pi Chapter’s support and leadership throughout the Pikes Peak Region, not only the local Colorado Springs community. The Uplift Foundation continues to be a standard-bearer for other local organizations who wish to maximize their reach and resources, while successfully supporting our community.