Delta Fortitude Foundation
About Delta Fortitude Foundation
The Delta Fortitude Foundation (DFF) was established under the leadership of past president Cheryl Strong. Soror Strong envisioned an entity to support tax deferred, nonprofit charitable activities and increase scholarship dollars, so she and past president Dianne France led the initiative and laid the groundwork to form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A statement of purpose and vision and mission statements were drafted to govern the entity; in March 2001, during the presidency of Carolyn Jennings, the Delta Scholarship Fund-PAC was established.
In 2002, the Board of Directors recommended a name change in order to reflect the intent of a foundation status. On April 1, 2004 the change took effect and the Delta Scholarship Fund-PAC was renamed the Delta Fortitude Foundation (DFF).
The Mission of DFF is to enhance the quality of the life for citizens within the city of Pontiac and its metropolitan communities. DFF's Vision is to increase financial resources in order to fund community programs in the Pontiac area and its Purpose includes receiving and administering funds for educational and charitable programs, usually in memory of a person. DFF also provides financial support for community development programs and public welfare.
DFF partners with the Pontiac Alumnae Chapter (PAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST)* and through the generous contributions of corporate donors and private citizens, DFF and DST-PAC is able to provide premier programs that enrich the lives of others.
Key DFF Programs include:
Key DFF programs include:
Salute to Our Young Heroes - a program designed to assist 11th and 12th grade African-American males with building leadership and task oriented skills, gaining cultural exposure, and giving back to the community through public service and involvement. To qualify to receive the prestigious "Mr. Hero Award", participants are required to complete a community service project, submit an essay (topic to be determined by the DFF-PAC committee), fundraise, and demonstrate an interest post secondary education.
Chitlins &Champagne Gala - provided in partnership with DST-PAC, this is an elegant gala event that has proven to be a highlight for the community and a pinnacle for Black History Month's recognition of African roots and history. Funds from this affair directly support community youth scholarships and the awards presented to the participants of DFF's Salute to Our Young Heroes program.
*While members of DST-PAC serve as the DFF Board of Directors and members of the foundation, the two are distinctly separate organizations due to IRS regulations.
Salute to Our Young Heroes - a program designed to assist 11th and 12th grade African-American males with building leadership and task oriented skills, gaining cultural exposure, and giving back to the community through public service and involvement. To qualify to receive the prestigious "Mr. Hero Award", participants are required to complete a community service project, submit an essay (topic to be determined by the DFF-PAC committee), fundraise, and demonstrate an interest post secondary education.
Chitlins &Champagne Gala - provided in partnership with DST-PAC, this is an elegant gala event that has proven to be a highlight for the community and a pinnacle for Black History Month's recognition of African roots and history. Funds from this affair directly support community youth scholarships and the awards presented to the participants of DFF's Salute to Our Young Heroes program.
*While members of DST-PAC serve as the DFF Board of Directors and members of the foundation, the two are distinctly separate organizations due to IRS regulations.
