Alpha Kappa Alpha Affiliated Foundations
Pearl Elegance Foundation, Inc.
Founded in 2014, Pearl Elegance Foundation, Incorporated (PEFINC) is a dynamic 501(c)3 nonprofit rooted in Maryland with a passion for service. Bringing together members from diverse professional backgrounds, we unite talent, experience, and dedication to uplift and enrich communities across Maryland.
As the philanthropic heart of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter, PEFINC exists with a simple yet powerful mission: "We give to help others." We understand that community needs come in all forms—from straightforward support to intricate, high-impact solutions. Through impactful service projects, scholarships, grants, and charitable donations, we’re dedicated to bridging the gaps within Maryland communities, responding to challenges both big and small with unwavering commitment.
PEFINC’s community service projects align with the Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International Program Initiatives under the Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood administration, which currently includes:
- Strengthen Our Sisterhood
- Empower Our Families
- Build Our Economic Wealth
- Enhance Our Environment
- Advocate for Social Justice
- Uplift Our Local Community
PEFINC service projects have provided more than $75,000 annually in monetary and in-kind services in our communities.
Since its inception, PEFINC has proudly invested over $190,000 in the future of Maryland’s high school and college students through scholarships. In 2024 alone, we empowered 34 students with $52,000 in awards to help them reach their educational dreams. Each year, we also contribute $3,000 to local nonprofits, amplifying essential services within our communities. To further support impactful work, PEFINC awards up to $5,000 annually in grants to deserving individuals and organizations, strengthening Maryland’s network of care and opportunity.
"We give to help others"—this guiding principle fuels every initiative and every act of generosity by the Pearl Elegance Foundation, Inc. It’s why we continually champion service projects and drive fundraising efforts, each designed to meet and uplift the diverse needs within our community. Our dedication goes beyond words; it’s a commitment to making a lasting impact where it’s needed most.
For more information about the Pearl Elegance Foundation, Inc., visit us at www.pefinc.org.
Pearl Foundation, Inc.
The Pearl Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 under the laws of the State of Maryland in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Iota Lambda Omega Chapter.
The primary purpose of the Pearl Foundation is to raise funds to advance educational and charitable giving goals. Recognizing the need for funding options and the increased cost of higher education, the foundation generates funds from foundation members, other contributors, grants, and various initiatives.
The Pearl Foundation has awarded a nearly $1 Million dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors with high scholastic standing and a demonstrated passion for serving their community. In 2024, the foundation awarded $82,000 in scholarships to 23 Howard County seniors interested in pursuing postsecondary educational opportunities. Award recipients are enrolled institutions such as:
- Duke University
- Howard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- New York University
- Stevenson University
- Temple University
- University of Maryland
Educational pursuits include pre-medicine, biology, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, psychology, and performing arts. We are pleased to continue the legacy of supporting students throughout their post-secondary pursuits.
The Pearl Foundation supports other educational opportunities in Howard County, Maryland. In partnership with Iota Lambda Omega Chapter, the foundation has donated funds to support the Monarch Mills community through the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement program. The foundation also partners with the Howard County Public School System to fund the annual Youth Leadership Summit, which provides education and college preparation guidance. The foundation pledged $15,000 to the Howard Community College Health Sciences Building and the Silas Craft Memorial Scholarship. Annually, the foundation donates funds to local and global organizations that support cultural awareness and offer services to underserved individuals and families. Contributions to charitable organizations include:
- A-OK Mentoring
- Africare
- Bridges to Housing Stability
- Filostin School in Haiti
- Grassroots DAY Resource Center
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- HopeWorks of Howard County
- Howard County Center of African American Culture
- Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement
- Museum of African Art
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- United Negro College Fund
The foundation accepts in-kind services, contributions, and sponsorships from corporations and other organizations to help promote its goals.