Program Overview

The Building Better Men program is one of the most unique programs in the fraternity world, providing up to $150,000 a year to Chapter Endowment Funds within the Triangle Education Foundation. These funds generate earnings each year that chapters can use for scholarships, educational programs, or to pay annual National Education Fees.

Chapters will be judged on the five Better Men Program standards: Scholarship, Leadership, Diligence, Citizenship, and Character as measured by the Pyramid chapter assessment. Below is a breakdown of what each standard considers.

  • Scholarship: Shown by a commitment to academic success through high academic standards and consistent improvement.
  • Leadership: Shown by high involvement in both on and off campus organizations.
  • Diligence: Shown through a commitment to marketing the strengths and benefits of Triangle to ensure chapter growth and retention.
  • Citizenship: Shown through a commitment to philanthropy and service to the National Organization or campus/community to alleviate critical issues in society.
  • Character: Exhibited by the behavior of active and new members through the education and support around current issues and trends facing fraternity members and college students

Chapters must maintain a basic standard of performance, but each is encouraged to set goals for National Awards and the potential to win the Building Better Men grand prize.

Application & Evaluation Process

Scoring for the Building Better Men Program is based on numerical scores calculated by completeness of your application; a self-assessment essay or video; and a letter of recommendation from an advisor or alumni.

For detailed application instructions, check out the BBM Quick Reference Guide.

Application materials are due by May 15 EXTENDED – Materials now due May 22. You can submit your application via the link at the bottom of this pageTo apply, you will need the following:

  • Chapter academic plan/programs, chapter GPA, all-men’s GPA, all-Greek GPA
  • Member attendance at Triangle’s national programs (LTW, Convention, etc.)
  • Record of member involvement/leadership in other campus organizations
  • Marketing/recruitment plan
  • Chapter membership totals for last and current academic years
  • Campus fraternity average membership
  • New Member Education plan
  • Philanthropy report
  • Community service hours report
  • Record of all chapter-hosted events
  • Record of all campus-hosted trainings/events that the chapter attended
  • Standards board operating procedures
  • Crisis management plan
  • An alumni/advisor to write a letter of recommendation
  • A reflection detailing your successes and challenges over the past year; 400 – 750 words in written form or 3 to 8 minutes of a self-recorded video

The reflection letter and/or video should summarize your chapter’s year by including what you felt were the chapter’s strengths and weaknesses, what you worked hard to overcome and improve, and why you feel you are deserving of the grand prize.

First Place will be a $100,000 contribution to your Chapter Endowment Fund CEF) in the Triangle Education Foundation. Second Place is a CEF award of $25,000. We also have added a new award for Best Young/New Chapter (also known as the Rattle Award) also with a CEF prize of $25,000.

This money will reside in your CEF and earnings each year can be used for chapter education or leadership, or for educational resources/equipment/services such as –

  • Help fund brothers to Scobie, LTW, a Regional Conference or another accredited leadership development program
  • Supporting area charitable or educational efforts, such as FIRST Robotics
  • WiFi (hardware and monthly bill) for your chapter house
  • Desks, bookcases, books, computers and software
  • Creating a newly updated study space in your chapter house
  • A recruitment scholarship for potential new members
  • Scholarship grants to members of your chapter
  • A leadership retreat at an off-site location
  • A leadership speaker, facilitator or trainer
  • Educational grants to cover registration, travel, accommodations, supplies and equipment for academic competitions in which the chapter is participating.

Winners will be announced via social media during Triangle’s National Convention in July and will be added to our roster of winners below.

  • 2022/2023 Winners: Will it be Your Chapter?
  • 2021/2022 Winners: Rose-Hulman (1st Place – $100,000), Ohio State (2nd Place – $25,000), Virginia Tech (Rattle Award – $25,000)
  • 2020/2021 Winners: Michigan State (1st Place – $100,000), Wisconsin (2nd Place – $25,000), Washington (Rattle Award – $25,000)
  • 2019/2020 Winners: Iowa State (1st Place – $100,000), Michigan State (2nd Place – $25,000), Washington (Rattle Award – $25,000)
  • 2018/2019 Winners: Louisville (1st Place – $100,000), Cal Poly-Pomona (2nd Place – $25,000), Washington (Rattle Award – $25,000)
  • 2017/2018 Winners: Penn State Behrend (1st Place – $100,000), Michigan (2nd Place – $25,000)
  • 2016/2017 Winners: Michigan (1st Place – $100,000), Michigan Tech (2nd Place – $25,000)

National Headquarters Address

120 S. Center Street
Plainfield, IN 46168
P | (317) 837-9640
F | (317) 837-9642

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern)