Incorporated in the state of Missouri in 1990, the Pi Beta Phi Foundation was established as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). The reason for establishing the Foundation was to create a vehicle whereby Pi Beta Phi members and friends could make tax deductible donations to fund qualifying programs for the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity and its members. 

Early Foundation endeavors included:

• The Marianne Reid Wild Society for planned giving created in 1992
• Campaign for Arrowmont raised over $2.5 million (completed in 1995)

The Foundation inherited two of its major programs from
the Fraternity, enabling donations to those funds to be tax
deductible:

• In 1994, the Emma Harper Turner Fund was transferred
• In 1995, the Friendship Fund was transferred

Foundation Presidents from founding to present include: