SHAPING THE FUTURE... ONE STEP AT A TIME 2010–2011 ANNUAL REPORT OUR MISSION Delta Research and Educational Foundation promotes research which identifies and fashions solutions to issues affecting African American women and their families, nationally and globally, through funding and support of public service programs of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and collaborative organizations. TABLE OF CONTENTS Delta Research and Educational Foundation — 2010–2011 Board of Directors . 2 Message from the President ................................................................... 3 Fund Development ................................................................................ 5 Scholarship ......................................................................................... 9 Community-Based Grantmaking and Program Partnerships ........................... 11 Charitable Giving Services .................................................................... 19 Research and Public Dialogue on Socioeconomic Policy Issues ....................... 21 2010–2011 Financial Statements ............................................................ 23 Donor Roll-Call .................................................................................. 24 1 DELTA RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION 2010–2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Alison J. Harmon, Ed.D., President Gloria Hardiman-Tobin, Esq., Vice President Venida Y. Hamilton, Secretary Larry P. Suarez, Treasurer Members Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Constance E. Clayton, Ed.D. Margot James Copeland Fernando Daniels lll, MD, FACEP Thelma James Day, Ed.D. Deborah Elam Teresa Harman, CPA, CISA Michele Fantt Harris, J.D., SPHR Anthony F. Holt Deborah A. Jones-Buggs Carolyn E. Lewis Jerry Malone, Esq. Xavier R. Richardson Elizabeth Seja Min Mia S. Smith Deborah C. Thomas, Ed.D. S. Jenell Trigg, Esq. Ex Officio Members Roseline McKinney Executive Director Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Madeliene H. Dobbins, Esq. Director and Chief Administrative Officer Staff Madeliene H. Dobbins, Esq. Director and Chief Administrative Officer Deborah Peaks Coleman, Program Officer Antonette Bruno, Development Associate Shalieda Marquez, Administrative Assistant Cheryl M. Thomas, Financial Consultant 2 Message from the President Dear Friends and Supporters, and gratefully thank you. Our passionate I am once again proud to share with you how The work of “Shaping the Delta Foundation makes a difference. Not a day goes Future…One Step at a by that I do not pause and reflect on how we, together Time,” might not have with our partners, supporters and friends, have opened been as successful, or doors of opportunity that changed the lives of African indeed possible, if you American women and their families. were not sharing and This fiscal year stands firm in the Foundation’s supporting our vision. tradition. Your contributions enabled us to help shape In closing, please take a moment to read our 2010- the destinies of countless girls and young women. 2011 Annual Report. I encourage you to share it Community programs we funded taught young with your colleagues and a friend so they, too, may men, through the EMBODI initiative, how to develop choose to become supporters of an organization that independent, rewarding lives. Scholarships awarded effectively creates possibilities and improves lives. bridged the gap between entering college or facing the disappointment of a dream deferred. The premier edition of PHILLIS, The Center’s scholarly journal re-named in honor of Phillis Wheatley, compellingly sheds light on the devastating effects of trauma on Alison J. Harmon, Ed.D. the African American woman. Poignant personal President perspectives, coupled with research shared by noted The Delta Foundation African American female scholars, opened the eyes of readers to the many insidious ways that traumatic experiences shape life choices. I remain deeply touched by the continued commitment of The Foundation’s donors. One at a time, each of you has contributed to our mission of supporting public service. On behalf of The Delta Foundation’s Board and our dedicated staff, I humbly 3 4 FUND DEVELOPMENT The Delta Foundation’s donors share our vision of enabling, empowering and transforming the lives of African American women. With their partnership and support, we continue to create possibilities. Dr. Louise A. Rice 23rd National President Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The accomplishments of Dr. Louise A. Rice can fill a sure my spirit of giving was volume. Her vision, her practice, and ability to lead are influenced by her spirit of all testimony to a life spent encouraging and engaging generosity.” After completing others to give their best, do their best, and expect her undergraduate education at Tuskegee Institute and the best without reward. During the four years Dr. beginning her first employment, Dr. Rice started on her Rice served as National President, the people of the own path of contributing and sharing her resources Gulf Coast suffered an unimaginable tragedy — the which she continues today. loss of life, property and general disruption caused “I am committed to the principle of tithing and to by hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Rather than sit on the annual giving to selective organizations and institutions sidelines, Dr. Rice mobilized the Delta Sigma Theta on a tier-level basis. The Delta Foundation is among Sorority, Inc. network, along with all of its resources my annual top tier groups to which I contribute,” to provide aid, comfort, strength of the sisterhood, she remarks. Considering the many giving options and funds to begin the long road to recovery and available to Dr. Rice, when asked why the Foundation reconstruction. she responds, “I made the decision on the basis of my Sharing and giving have been central points of being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and my focus throughout Dr. Rice’s life. An early role model recognizing the necessity and importance of the work was her mother, whom she credits and says, “I am the Foundation does in improving lives.” Deborah A. Elam Corporate Executive, and Member The Delta Foundation Board of Directors Serving others comes naturally to Deborah Elam, time to serving an expanded currently Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer community’s interests and at the global corporate giant, GE. Deborah has been needs. “hands on and involved with service” ever since she Her compassion, coupled with her solid understanding donned her first Brownie cap. She continued as a of how to make a difference in the lives of African full-fledged Girl Scout earning badges for her Americans in general and women in particular, community service. Taking her high school’s motto, spurred her to be a change agent who embraced “I Will Serve” to heart, she gave back to the New philanthropy as an avenue to make social change. She Orleans community where she was raised. It comes as understood that matching workplace gifts increased no surprise that as a college student, Deborah chose an organization’s ability to carry out its mission. to join the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to continue her charitable giving and to devote meaningful 5 In her adult life, Deborah learned the value and Deborah remarks, and considers a workshop on meaning of a nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) Federal tax philanthropy a worthwhile effort for the Foundation designation — value not only to the charitable group, to undertake. but also to the donor. Elam believes that nonprofit When asked how and why she contributes, Elam organizations like The Delta Foundation could realize responds, “I give to those activities that are of interest more and larger individual donations if the tax to me, because they strike a chord.” Clearly, her service benefits were more clearly understood. “Younger on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and her annual [Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.] members may not financial contributions strike some resonating notes. understand what philanthropy is and what it means,” Michele Fantt Harris, J.D., SPHR Corporate Executive, and Member The Delta Foundation Board of Directors Paying it forward fittingly describes how Michele Fantt The Delta Foundation meets Harris views her deep commitment to education and both of her contribution helping to shape futures for African American women. criteria. As an active and In her current position as Managing Director, Human involved board member, Michele serves along with Resources for NCB, Michele knows the importance her board colleagues to ensure not only that the of a solid education and being prepared for career Foundation abides by its founding mission, but also that advancement. the organization’s finances can withstand scrutiny. She knows every contribution counts and believes the board Michele’s passion for giving rests in her fond and staff stewardship makes every spending decision remembrances of an aunt. “Every pay period she gave efficient and effective. Fantt Harris remarks, “No amount to charity.” She inspired me… My aunt would say, ‘You [is] too small or too large…your dollars are leveraged.” can always give a little something.’” And into her 90s, Fantt Harris recalls that her aunt continued to give. When asked why she supports the Foundation with her “She always gave something.” Honoring her aunt’s time, talents, and contributions, she confidently states, tradition, Michele has constructed a dual philanthropic “The Foundation helps to broaden the lives of African mission — to support African American women and American