FAQs

Common Questions About The Ability Experience

We are proud of the mission and impact of The Ability Experience, and we understand that members, volunteers and supporters often have questions about how our work is carried out and the difference it makes. We’re always glad to provide clarity and help you learn more about what we do and how you can be part of it. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

The Ability Experience is the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Since 1977, we’ve empowered men of Pi Kappa Phi to live the value of service by creating shared experiences with people with disabilities through service, fundraising and leadership development. Learn more about our mission and our impact.

While some experiences are unique to Pi Kappa Phi members, non-member volunteers, corporate partners and community members are an integral part of supporting our mission. At the center of every program are people with disabilities, ensuring our work builds meaningful and inclusive relationships.

Our programs span the country. From local chapter projects led by Pi Kappa Phi undergraduate chapters on more than 160 college campuses, to national initiatives like Ability Camps, Journey of Hope, Gear Up Florida and Gear Up New York, our impact is felt nationwide.

You can give in many ways: 

  • One-time or recurring donations 
  • Donor-advised funds or stock transfers 
  • Employer matching gifts 
  • Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #10254) or United Way campaigns 
  • Online cashback programs like Givebacks 

Your gift funds inclusive events, accessibility projects, leadership programs and chapter service initiatives. Click here to learn more about giving.

Every donation helps Pi Kappa Phi members live Pi Kappa Phi’s mission of developing leaders and encouraging service to others for the betterment of our communities. Your support funds Friendship Visits, Ability Camps, national events and leadership training that create stronger communities and change lives.

Friendship Visits are simple yet powerful opportunities, like dance parties, that bring the men of Pi Kappa Phi and people with disabilities together to build connections and have fun.

Pi Kappa Phi chapters that maintain a local partnership and raise $25 per member per semester (or $2,500 total) may apply for a Circle of Giving Grant. This allows up to 25% of their fundraising to go directly to their partner organization. Learn more about Circle of Giving Grants here.

Volunteers are vital to our mission! You can support by: 

  • Hosting a meal or providing lodging for national cycling events 
  • Helping at rally points during national events 
  • Serving on planning committees 
  • Using your skills to create meaningful experiences 

Click here to learn more about volunteering.

Ability Camps are national service projects where students and volunteers build or renovate accessible facilities — like pavilions, boardwalks or cabins — at camps serving people with disabilities. Click here to learn more.

Journey of Hope is a cross-country cycling event each summer. Cyclists and crew members travel from the West Coast to Washington, D.C., raising funds, spreading awareness and participating in Friendship Visits along the way. Click here to learn more.

Gear Up Florida is an iconic two-week, 850-mile cycling adventure. Each May, a team of Pi Kappa Phi brothers cycles from Miami to Tallahassee, visiting local communities where they participate in Friendship Visits that bring people with disabilities and fraternity brothers together in moments of shared joy and connection. Click here to learn more.

Gear Up New York is a new summer cycling adventure from The Ability Experience. Riders traverse approximately 560 miles across New York State. beginning in Buffalo, moving through Syracuse and Albany and ending in New York City, bringing the message of inclusion to communities along the way. Through Friendship Visits and outreach events, this journey fosters powerful connections with people of all abilities, delivers servant leadership opportunities and raises visibility for our mission throughout the Empire State. Click here to learn more.

We were founded in 1977 as Push America and have nearly 50 years of experience creating servant leadership opportunities and fostering inclusive communities. Click here to learn more about our history.

Absolutely! Community members, alumni, corporations and nonprofit partners are welcome to volunteer, participate in events or collaborate with us to create inclusive opportunities. Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

If you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, please feel free to email us.