About P.E.O.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), one of the pioneer societies for women, was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Originally a small campus friendship society, P.E.O. soon blossomed to include women off campus.

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. We are also stewards of Cottey College, a women’s institution which is a nationally ranked, fully accredited, independent, liberal arts and sciences college located in Nevada, Missouri.

What started as a bond of friendship among seven women in 1869, P.E.O. is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America. A legacy passed down through generations of women, P.E.O. has deep roots in local communities and our influence reaches to all corners of the globe.

A Bit of Alberta-Saskatchewan History...

P.E.O. is organized into multiple chapters throughout Canada and the United States.

  • Chapter A, Edmonton, organized November 7, 1944, and was the first chapter in Alberta.
  • Chapter A, Moose Jaw, organized March 12, 1947, and was the first chapter in Saskatchewan.
  • The Alberta Provincial Chapter began in 1963 and Saskatchewan began in 1947.
  • Alberta and Saskatchewan merged in 2008 to become the Alberta-Saskatchewan Provincial Chapter.

Chapters coordinate a variety of fundraising events each year. The money raised is put directly into our International and Provincial Philanthropies.

 

To date, P.E.O. has helped more than 129,000* women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $462 million* in educational assistance.

* As of July 2025

Maybe there is a local chapter near you?

Alberta-Saskatchewan Chapter Locations:

  • Chapter A, Moose Jaw
  • Chapter A-E, Edmonton
  • Chapter B, Calgary
  • Chapter C, Edmonton
  • Chapter D, Saskatoon
  • Chapter F, Calgary
  • Chapter H, Edmonton
  • Chapter J, Medicine Hat
  • Chapter K, Edmonton
  • Chapter L, Calgary
  • Chapter M, Calgary
  • Chapter N, Calgary
  • Chapter O, Red Deer
  • Chapter P, Calgary
  • Chapter Q, Edmonton
  • Chapter R, Calgary
  • Chapter S, St Albert
  • Chapter T, Sherwood Park