Tri Kappa History

The purpose of Tri Kappa is "...to bring women into close, unselfish relationship for the promotion of charity, culture, and education."

Tri Kappa is a philanthropic organization that exists only within the boundaries of the state of Indiana.

The object of this organization shall be to bring women into close, unselfish relationship for the promotion of charity, culture and education.

Kappa Kappa Kappa, Inc. commonly known as Tri Kappa, is a unique philanthropic organization existing only within the boundaries of the state of Indiana. Seven young ladies met at the Girlsʼ Classical School of Indianapolis (May Wright Sewall) and founded the sorority in 1901. Each young lady was to begin a chapter in her hometown. From these humble beginnings, Tri Kappa has thrived throughout the state with 146 Active Chapters and 114 Associate Chapters, totaling almost 9000 actively participating members.

The main work of each chapter is to conduct special projects locally to support each of our three goals. Local chapters also support statewide projects and scholarships. Our statewide projects include:

Philanthropy Committee giving continuous support to the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children since the hospital's inception in 1922. The support Tri Kappa gives includes the Riley Children's Foundation, Camp Riley and Cheer Guild. Along with financial donations, ladies all across the state have sewn thousands of Riley dolls, puppy pillows and blankets for Riley children. Learn about everything the foundation provides at www.rileykids.org
Financial as well as physical donations from our members to the Ronald McDonald House serving Riley families.
Contributions to a variety of Mental Health organizations through the work of the State Mental Health Committee. Other charitable organizations receiving assistance include such groups as Junior Mental Health America of Indiana, ARC and Best Buddies Indiana.
Hoosier Salon, providing an outlet for Indiana artists, is close to the hearts of our members. Tri Kappa funds several Fine Arts awards at the Hoosier Salon Annual Exhibit in Indianapolis. Additionally, individual chapters support Hoosier Salon through yearly memberships and by providing assistance during the annual exhibit at the Indiana State Museum. Our New Harmony ladies also help by staffing the satellite gallery in their historic community.
The Tri Kappa Art Collection, with almost 100 paintings by Indiana artists, is on permanent loan to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute. The collection has recently been restored and may be viewed online though the Rose-Hulman link Tri Kappa Art Collection or by visiting the art collection in person.
Also supporting the arts through scholarship awards, the Fine Arts Committee selects several students statewide each year as they pursue art, music, dance, or drama. An added award is also given to a talented student who intends to teach music in a public, private or parochial school.
Through our commitment to education, Tri Kappa gives Statewide “Academic?as well as “Key? (non-traditional student) Scholarship Awards. Statewide applicants are sponsored by local chapters. State and local awards combined total almost $500,000.00 each year. Students applying must be Indiana residents and sponsored by a local chapter. Those interested may contact their local chapter for more details. In addition to those State awards, the organization supports the emergency funds of nearly twenty-seven colleges and universities across the state through the continued service of a Memorial Fund.
The Beryl Showers Holland Fellowship is named in honor of our founder, Beryl Showers Holland, who lived in Bloomington. The Fellowship was established in 1931 and is awarded to Indiana University-Bloomington senior students for graduate study. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership ability, potential in the field of study, and financial need. Applicants apply through the Dean of Students, Campus Life Division, at Indiana University.
Our Gifted and Talented Committee oversees the support of monies going to several programs throughout the state including those at Purdue, Rose-Hulman and Ball State. Also supported is the “We the People?program designed to engage high school and elementary age students in a rigorous six-week study of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.