The St. Elmo Foundation

Established as a trust under the laws of New York and granted recognition by the Internal Revenue Service as an approved charity under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code, the Foundation is a vital entity dedicated to advancing the educational, leadership, and charitable pursuits of Delta Phi and its members. The Foundation operates under the stewardship of a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees, responsible for managing the endowment, overseeing solicitations, and vetting scholarship and grant applications.


One of the Foundation's noteworthy advantages lies in its tax-exempt, tax-deductible status according to the IRS code. This allows contributors to the St. Elmo Foundation to receive tax benefits for their support. Regrettably, contributions to the fraternity do not share the same tax-deductible status.



At the heart of the Foundation's initiatives are its flagship scholarship programs, each named in honor of distinguished alumni. These scholarships are competitively awarded, considering factors such as academic performance, leadership qualities, recommendations, and financial need. A Scholarship and Grants committee meticulously reviews applications, providing recommendations to the Trustees, with scholarships typically awarded in the fall of each year.

Nottingham Chapter Leader Awards

Named in honor R. Kendall Nottingham, Xi 1956, a trustee and major benefactor of the St. Elmo Foundation, and alumni leader at the Xi Chapter, the Nottingham Chapter Leader Awards recognize undergraduate members who have played a significant role in the success of their undergraduate chapters by taking on significant and sustained leadership responsibilities in their chapter.


  • For chapters with less than 25 active brothers, one award may be made per chapter, and with chapters with 25 active brothers or more, two awards may be made.
  • Awards are $2,000.00.
  • At the discretion of the St. Elmo Foundation Board, an exceptional candidate may be eligible for a larger award.
  • The Nottingham Award may only be awarded once to a single individual.
  • Nominations may be made by the undergraduate chapter (not an individual member), Alumni Boards, National Leadership and Staff, individual alumni, and university administrators. Nomination letters must be limited to no more than 500 words.
  • The nomination must include an endorsement letter from a chapter advisor who knows the nominee well.
  • It is encouraged that candidates be upperclassman, but underclassmen will be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Nominations for Nottingham Awards are made in writing to the St. Elmo Foundation Scholarship and Grant Committee through the National Headquarters in October each year. Use this link to access the online application.


William P. Carey Scholarships

Named in honor of William P. Carey, Eta 1951, long-time Chairman and major benefactor of the St. Elmo Foundation, National Fraternity leader, and alumni leader at Eta Chapter, the Carey Scholarships support members of Delta Phi in need of financial support for their academic studies.

  • Carey Awards range from $250.00 to $1,000.00 and are intended to cover educational or other incidental expenses.
  • Scholarship approval is limited to members in good standing.
  • Strong preference will be given to applicants who have not received a Carey Scholarship previously, and generally the scholarship is not awarded to a member more than once.

Applications are submitted in October each year. Please use this link to access the online application.


Gillet Chapter Academic Grants

Named in honor of J. McHenry ("Mac”) Gillet, Xi 1949, a long-time alumni leader at Xi Chapter and significant benefactor of the St. Elmo Foundation, the Gillet Chapter Academic Grants recognize chapters of the Delta Phi Fraternity that achieve academic excellence, and support leadership development and training at the undergraduate chapter.

  • Gillet Grants are limited to undergraduate chapters in good standing that are current on their insurance obligations and National fees.
  • Grants are $4,000 per qualifying chapter.
  • A written proposal should highlight how the grant will benefit the brotherhood in academics and leadership. It must also have a budget which details the manner in which the funds will be used if the award is granted. 
  • Chapter GPA must be above the all-men's average for the fall semester.  
  • Grants are to be used for leadership development or other educational activities within the chapter.

The Foundation Board will review candidates at the Spring meeting in April, after which time funds will be disbursed. Grades and proposals must be submitted in March each year.


St. Elmo Foundation Grants

St. Elmo Foundation grants have a strong bias toward grants that benefit the National Fraternity, an entire chapter, or, at minimum, a broad cross-section of a chapter, rather than one individual. Applicants for St. Elmo Foundation Grants must complete a written proposal that details the need for grant funds and the purpose for which the funds will be used. 


There is no specific deadline for St. Elmo Foundation grants; however, they will be considered by the Foundation Board during their biannual meetings in April and November. Proposals should be submitted to the National Headquarters.


Honors Fees (Phi Beta Kappa and other Academic Honor Societies)

  • Any member earning membership in academic honor societies may have their membership fee reimbursed by the Foundation.
  • There is no specific deadline for Honors Fees Reimbursements; however, they will be considered by the Foundation Board during their biannual meetings in April and November. To request reimbursement send a receipt showing the amount paid and a certificate or letter which shows your induction to the society. This information should be emailed to the Delta Phi Headquarters.

Board of Trustees

Paul N. Leitner, N (Lehigh) '73 (President) 

Robert P. Torretti, Ξ (Johns Hopkins) '93 (Secretary/Treasurer)

Gary L. Klestadt, Γ (NYU) ‘75

George Sykes, Ξ (Johns Hopkins) '88 

Joseph F. Scognamiglio, E (Rutgers) '77

Clifford W. Moodie, N (Lehigh) '74 

Joshua D. Greenman, Λ (RPI) '05
J.D. Bowers,  (William & Mary) '87

Executive Director 

Gregory E. McElroy 

The St. Elmo Foundation 

PO Box 1170 

Pearl River, New York 10965-0570 


(914)582-6466