Delta College Foundation

History of Delta's foundation

The Delta College Foundation began in November 1978, when three men — Stuart Bergstein, Donald J. Carlyon and Everett Luce — signed articles of incorporation for a new organization. The Foundation became officially incorporated by the State of Michigan on January 12, 1979.

The Foundation exists to raise, receive and administer donations for Delta College, a related organization, by building relationships with donors and directing fundraising efforts to benefit the College’s students, educational programs, staff development, capital projects and other critical financial needs. 

The Foundation has ranked in the top 20 community colleges in the nation, multiple times over the past two decades.  Our efforts ensure a margin of excellence for our students and programs.

Our mission, vision & values

Mission

To change lives by supporting opportunities and innovation at Delta College.

Vision

To be the primary choice for giving.

Values

Focus, Accountability, Integrity and Respect (FAIR)

Our goals for the year ahead

The Delta College Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 that exists to help fill critical financial needs of the institution.  We will achieve our vision and grow our resources by pursuing the following goals, which align with the Delta College Strategic Plan.

Building student scholarships

• Our goal is to increase the dollars available for scholarships by seeking additional annual and endowment contributions, as well as building our Foundation Student Scholarship Fund.
• This includes awarding and tracking the success of Possible Dream student scholarship recipients in the year ahead.

Art, humanities and public broadcasting

• Define and launch a “Placemaking” initiative, focused on spaces both inside and outside the campus buildings.
• Assist Delta College’s WDCQ-TV in moving to a new generation of broadcast equipment.
• Help fund PBS and NPR on-air content including local documentaries.
• Help students become educated in social justice, sustainability and the impact of humanity on our society.

STEM education in the region

• Seek funding to support students engaged in STEM learning.
• Engage more businesses in the STEM Explorer and its activities.
• Fund initiatives to get more young people engaged in STEM learning, while making connections to Delta College’s relevant curriculum.
   

 

"Connecting with community supporters to talk about Delta College brings a tremendous amount of satisfaction.  It's rewarding to know that the work of our Foundation Board members and staff can have such a positive affect on students and the residents of the Great Lakes Bay Region."

Pamela Clark
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement