P.E.O. Membership
P.E.O. is an organization of women, by women and for women. P.E.O. supports women both through friendships and the bonds of sisterhood and through educational scholarships, grants, awards and loans.
Since its inception in 1869, over 150 years ago, what started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, has now helped more than 122,000 women pursue educational goals by providing nearly $415 million in grants, scholarships, awards, and loans and the stewardship of Cottey College*. Explore each of the six projects here.
Becoming a Member
Membership begins at the local chapter. Women can become members after being introduced and invited by current members of a local chapter. Talking to a member in your community will give you an opportunity to find out more about their chapter and what P.E.O. means to them. If you do not know someone who is a member, please contact us.
Women over the age of 18 are eligible to be considered for P.E.O. membership. When a prospective member accepts the invitation to membership, a written acceptance must include an affirmation of her belief in God. P.E.O. does not discriminate against any woman based on age, ethnicity, religion or education. Our Sisterhood is based on friendship and mutual respect. P.E.O. is not a political or political action group. Individually, each member may work for causes of her choice outside of P.E.O. As members, we respect one another's political and/or religious views and activities. We meet to support each other, for fellowship and for the common and uniting purpose of assisting women with their educational goals.
Click on any of the buttons below to get more information.
If you’re interested in learning more about starting a new chapter or beginning the process, complete the short form below.
Benefits of Membership
Personally, P.E.O. is a source of encouragement and support for women, both for members through chapter life and for women who benefit from P.E.O.'s philanthropic assistance. Collectively, P.E.O.s take great pride in providing educational opportunities for women all over the world.
P.E.O. is a respected, established women’s organization with a multi-generational membership, where members:
- participate in philanthropic outreach to positively impact women’s lives in their community, state/province and worldwide
- help to provide life-changing educational opportunities for women
- are involved in opportunities for personal growth and advanced leadership skills
- share in fun and friendship with wonderful and diverse women
- become part of a Sisterhood, beyond their own chapter, which provides loving concern and support to all members
Active Membership
Even if a member is unable to fully participate in her local chapter, she can still support the work of the organization and its support of women's education by paying annual dues. To be considered an active member, regardless of involvement, dues must be paid to the member's local chapter by the end of February. If you do not have a contact person for the chapter, please email membership@peodsm.org.
Supporting Our Mission
P.E.O. supports six projects that include ownership of Cottey College, a woman’s college in Nevada, Missouri, and five programs that provide higher educational assistance through scholarships, grants, awards and loans. Local P.E.O. chapter fundraisers and individual and chapter donations support our projects, while local chapters seek applicants. Cumulatively, P.E.O. has given nearly $415 million in financial assistance to more than 122,000 women*. Click on the links below to learn more about our each of our philanthropic projects.
*As of April 2023
