When you hear the word “service,” two things often come to mind: volunteering time and giving money. It is important to realize that these do not mean the same thing. Service is hands-on interaction with organizations or individuals that benefit from your time. Philanthropy is the act of donating money to organizations or individuals for various reasons. Both service and philanthropy should be important to brothers of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity.

Service and philanthropy activities are important to the overall development of each of us as members of our communities. Not only does helping our communities benefit those in need, but it also contributes to our personal growth.

The value our organization places on service and philanthropy is evident in the fact that it is referenced in our Mission, Credo, and Ritual. It is also one of the six aspects of programming outlined in the Brotherhood Circle. They are integral aspects of what it means to be a true ZBT and to represent the values of the Fraternity both within our own organization and in our communities.

These opportunities provide you with valuable practical experiences with leadership, team-building, goal-setting, networking and many other skills that are important regardless of where your professional careers take us after college.

With regard to your local chapter/colony, service and philanthropy offers a chance to stand out and show your university community one of the many reasons Zeta Beta Tau is a Powerhouse of Excellence.

For more information or ideas on how to actively engage in service programming, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Director of Chapter Affairs.

National Philanthrophies:

Children's Miracle Network Hostpitals

At the Summer 2002 meeting of the ZBT Supreme Council in Pittsburgh, PA, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals was named the official adopted philanthropy of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. While this does not mandate our chapters/colonies to participate in fundraising events for a CMNH hospital, it does encourage our chapters to look into options of raising money for this charity.

Reasons why CMNH was adopted as our philanthropy

• There are over 170 CMN Hospitals nationwide with one being in driving distance of all of our chapters and colonies.
• Brothers can actually see the difference they are making in their communities by visiting their local CMN Hospital.
• Adopting a national charity provides our brothers with a common cause to work for and allows them to team up regionally to perform fundraising projects.
• ZBT is the 5th Greek-letter organization to partner with CMNH allowing our Brothers a chance to collaborate with other Greeks for a good cause.
• This relationship provides our undergraduates with a chance to learn valuable civic responsibilities and program planning skills.
• CMNH is known nationally for its dedication and support of children across the world.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most.  When a donation is given it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids.  Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 million, most of it $1 at a time.  These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save an improve the lives of as many children as possible.

Get on the Ball

“Get on the Ball” was started by the Zeta Beta Tau brothers of the Beta Zeta Epsilon Chapter at the University of Maryland – College Park. Designed to create a fun, worthwhile way of raising funds for charity, this event quickly became not only a chapter favorite, but also something that the campus community at the University looked forward to each year.In its simplest form, “Get on the Ball” is the process of rolling a ball six feet in diameter around campus to collect signatures for a chosen charity (or charities). Funds can be raised through a number of ways, including:
- Pledges from surrounding businesses to donate a set amount of money per signature on the ball.
- Donations from businesses to sponsor the event
- Donations to specific areas of the event such as t-shirts or the purchase of the ball
- Donations from individual signees at the time of signing the ball

The event may last anywhere from two days to two weeks, depending on the size of the chapter/colony conducting the event and the size of the campus. On smaller campuses, it may not be necessary to roll the ball around collecting signatures for two weeks. On larger campuses, two weeks may be necessary in order to maximize participation by students, faculty, staff, and guests.

ZBT Guide to Get on the Ball

Track your fundraising

Maccabi World Union

The Maccabi World Union is a global Jewish organization spanning five continents, more than 50 countries and boasting some 400,000 members.  Many Maccabi clubs serve as community centers, providing a diversity of education, cultural, social, and sports activities under one roof.  Maccabi offers sports and educational programs throughout North America and Israel aimed at strengthening Jewish Identity, integration into the life of the Jewish communities, developing a personal connection and strongly identifying with Israel.

Some of Maccabi World Union's key events

• The infamous JCC Maccabi Games held annually in August at multiple North American Jewish communities.  It's a week-long sporting event for Jewish teens 13-16, since 1982.
• The JCC Maccabi Israel programs, designed to enrich and enhance the Jewish identity of North American Jewish teens and young adults in the context of Israel.
• The Chanukah Torch Relay, in which a delegation from Maccabi Tzair, the Maccabi youth movement, comes annually to the Jewish communities in North America with the spirit and message of Chanukah.