It began as a settlement school for children of mountain people in the Appalachian region. Pi Beta Phi is the only sorority that owns its own philanthropy project. The Emma Harper Turner Memorial Fund is a special endowment which makes gifts to assist Pi Beta Phi alumnae in tragic circumstances or in times of hardship. These gifts are never given as charity but as an act of love. This is truly the definition of sisterhood.
Chapters collect books of all sorts as well as money to contribute to various literacy programs.