P.E.O. was founded by seven young women in 1869 in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Today, P.E.O. has a membership of over 235,000 women in chapters throughout Canada and the United States. P.E.O. has been in Manitoba since 1926 and the Manitoba Provincial Chapter was organized in June 1951. In 2008, the provincial chapter was expanded to include Northwest Ontario. Currently, Manitoba-Northwest Ontario P.E.O. has about 400 members.
As with the young women who founded P.E.O., a sisterhood relationship among P.E.O.s has continued to be a cornerstone of our organization. We meet to support each other, for fellowship and friendship, and for the common and uniting purpose of assisting women with their educational goals.
The P.E.O. Sisterhood is passionate about its mission to promote educational opportunities for women. Our organization proudly makes a difference in women’s lives with seven philanthropies: six international and one local to Manitoba. You may hear them called either philanthropies or projects; both are the same and all provide financial assistance to women pursuing higher education.
Are you a student needing financial assistance or interested in a scholarship or loan?
P.E.O. financial assistance, scholarships and awards (with the exception of the International Peace Scholarship) require the applicant to be sponsored by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
Learn more about P.E.O. Financial Assistance
How do we raise funds?
P.E.O. is organized into multiple chapters throughout the United States and much of Canada. There are currently 15 chapters in Manitoba-Northwest Ontario. Each chapter organizes one public fundraising campaign annually. Note: 100% of the money raised in these fundraisers is put directly into our philanthropies. Nothing is held back for overhead.
If you see a poster or hear about a P.E.O. fundraiser (e.g. garage sale, ticket sales for a prize draw, paint night, bingo night, fashion show), we gratefully accept your support. People also can make tax-deductible charitable donations directly to The Manitoba P.E.O. Foundation through The Winnipeg Foundation.
Where do I find out more about being a P.E.O.?
The best way to find out about P.E.O. and how to become a member is by talking to P.E.O. members. Ask around in your community to see if anyone you know is a member of P.E.O. or if they know someone who is.
P.E.O. members are proud of their organization and are committed to helping women pursue higher education. Talking to a P.E.O. in your community will give you an opportunity to find out more about her chapter and what P.E.O. means to her. If you do not know a member of P.E.O., please contact us.
Our Provincial Chapter hosts a Coffee Party Open House twice a year where attendees are introduced to P.E.O. For details of the next event, contact us.