Delta Gamma Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving (Service for Sight): $925,000 (2024-25 fiscal year)
• Number of Grants Awarded: 56 organizations (Service for Sight program)
• Average Grant Size: ~$16,500 (Service for Sight)
• Charity Navigator Rating: 4/4 Stars (94% score)
• Application Deadline: December 1 (annually for Service for Sight grants)
• Geographic Focus: United States and Canada
• Founded: 1951 (first women's fraternal group to establish an independent philanthropic foundation)

Contact Details

Address: 3250 Riverside Drive, Columbus, OH 43221 (Upper Arlington area)

Phone: 614-481-8169

Email: dgfoundation@deltagamma.org

Website: https://www.deltagamma.org/foundation/

Applications: https://www.deltagamma.org/foundation/applications/

Planned Giving: plannedgiving@deltagamma.org (Aleesa Ross, Senior Director of Development)

Scholarship/Fellowship Inquiries: FNScholarFellow@deltagamma.org (Christine Boring, Director of Scholarships and Fellowships)

Overview

The Delta Gamma Foundation was incorporated in Ohio in 1951, making Delta Gamma the first women's fraternal group to establish an independent philanthropic foundation. Since its founding, the Foundation has been committed to improving outcomes for people who are blind or have low vision while supporting the Delta Gamma sisterhood through educational programming and member support.

The Foundation recently concluded "Anchoring the Future: The Campaign for Delta Gamma," its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, surpassing its ambitious $50 million goal by raising an extraordinary $58,133,064 from 14,426 donors. This historic campaign established 61 new endowed funds and received the Foundation's largest gift in history: a $5.5 million unrestricted donation from an anonymous donor.

The Foundation fosters lifetime enrichment for members, promotes Service for Sight, and partners with the Fraternity to ensure the future of their sisterhood. With a 4-star Charity Navigator rating (94% score), the Foundation demonstrates strong financial health and accountability practices. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, $925,000 was awarded to 56 national organizations through Service for Sight grants, while 385 collegians received merit-based scholarships and 26 graduate members received fellowships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Service for Sight Grants (for nonprofit organizations)

• Amount: Approximately $16,500 average (based on $925,000 distributed to 56 organizations in 2024-25)
• Total Annual Distribution: $925,000 (2024-25); historically averages $800,000 to 50+ organizations
• Application Method: Online application portal
• Deadline: December 1 (annually)
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the United States and Canada

The Foundation has awarded over $2,800,000 in Service for Sight grants since the program's inception, supporting organizations and schools that promote sight preservation and assistance to children and adults who are blind or visually impaired.

Chapter Giving Program

• Allows Delta Gamma collegiate and alumnae chapters to support local 501(c)(3) organizations aligned with Service for Sight mission
• Collegiate chapters may designate up to 50% of fundraiser proceeds locally
• Alumnae groups may donate up to 90% locally
• Enables chapters to maintain strong presence with charities in their local communities

Member Support Programs (for Delta Gamma members only)

• Merit-Based Undergraduate Scholarships (385 awarded in 2025-26)
• Graduate Fellowships (26 awarded in 2024-25)
• Need-Based Scholarships (Sisters Helping Sisters - rolling basis)
• Crisis Grants (emergency support for members in extreme circumstances)
• Grants to Fraternity for leadership and educational programming

Priority Areas

Service for Sight Mission - Organizations must focus on:

• Sight preservation and conservation programs
• Access and advocacy for people in the blind or visually impaired community
• Educational services for children with visual impairments
• Support programs for adults who are blind or visually impaired
• Research and innovation in vision-related services

Five Delta Gamma Schools for Children with Visual Impairments (priority grantees):

1. Blind Children's Center (Los Angeles) - Founded 1938
2. Anchor Center for Blind Children (Denver) - Founded 1982, received $30,000 grant in 2024 for CVI Program
3. Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments (Kansas City area) - Founded 1951
4. Foundation for Blind Children (Arizona) - Founded 1952, designated Delta Gamma School in 2018
5. St. Louis area school

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Organization Type: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly detailed for Service for Sight grants, organizations must align with the sight-related mission. The Foundation does not appear to fund:

• Organizations outside the United States and Canada
• For-profit entities
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• Programs unrelated to vision, blindness, or visual impairment

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees (2025-2028 Term)

Elected Trustees:

• Chair: Jennifer (Jenn) Stuart Ragusa, Zeta Lambda-UC Riverside
• Secretary: Lee C. Deadwyler, Gamma Iota-DePauw
• Treasurer: Dr. Cyndy Burroughs Cycyota, Mu-Missouri
• Catherine (Kim) Schmoker Hunnewell, Alpha Upsilon-Southern Methodist
• Jennifer Surgalski, Zeta Sigma-Northern Kentucky
• Heather Shirk Patrick, Gamma Sigma-Houston

Ex-Officio Voting Trustees (serving concurrently in Fraternity leadership roles):

• Dr. Amy R. Ayres, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma (Fraternity President)
• Shenea Stephenson Strader, Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno

The Board of Trustees is comprised of six elected Trustees and three ex-officio voting Trustees. The three ex-officio members serve concurrently in the roles of Delta Gamma Fraternity President, Fraternity Treasurer, and Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming.

Campaign Leadership

The historic "Anchoring the Future" campaign was guided by a Cabinet of 17 dedicated Delta Gamma alumnae who helped raise over $58 million.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply (Service for Sight Grants)

Application Portal: https://www.deltagamma.org/foundation/applications/

Application Window: Applications open annually and close on December 1

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Must be located in the United States or Canada
• Mission must align with Service for Sight focus (sight preservation, assistance to blind or visually impaired individuals)

Application Materials:

• Complete online application through the Foundation's portal
• Organizations should review application information and criteria (available through the Delta Gamma member library or by contacting the Foundation)
• All application materials must be submitted by the December 1 deadline
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• The Foundation will not accept late application materials for any reason

Decision Timeline

Application Deadline: December 1

Notification: Applications for the 2025-26 cycle closed, and all applicants were communicated with as of July (approximately 6-7 months after deadline)

Grant Awards: Typically announced in summer for the following fiscal year

Success Rates

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, 56 organizations received Service for Sight grants totaling $925,000. While the Foundation does not publish the total number of applications received, this represents an average of approximately 50+ organizations funded annually.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation accepts applications annually. Organizations may reapply each year. Specific restrictions or waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly documented, but the annual application cycle suggests organizations can submit new applications each year.

Application Success Factors

Mission Alignment is Critical

The Foundation has a highly focused mission around Service for Sight. Organizations must demonstrate clear alignment with:

• Promoting sight preservation and conservation
• Providing access and advocacy for people in the blind or visually impaired community
• Supporting children and adults who are blind or visually impaired

Historical Context Matters

Service for Sight has been at the heart of the Delta Gamma mission since 1936 when Ruth Billow, Eta-Akron, a member who was blind, petitioned members to adopt "Aid to the Blind" as the official philanthropy. In 1942, sight conservation was added to the mission, and in 1955 the name was changed to Service for Sight. Applications that acknowledge and connect to this legacy may resonate with reviewers.

Application Best Practices

Based on the Foundation's guidance for member scholarship applications (which may provide insight into their overall application standards):

• Review all requirements carefully in advance
• Gather all needed information before starting the application
• Edit for accuracy - applicants are responsible for editing applications before submission
• Submit complete applications - incomplete applications will not be considered
• Meet deadlines - no late materials will be accepted for any reason
• Changes are permitted up until the deadline by logging in and resubmitting

Strong Financial Health Required

With a 4-star Charity Navigator rating and recent $58+ million campaign success, the Foundation values accountability and financial stewardship. Applying organizations should demonstrate:

• Sound financial management
• Effective use of grant funds
• Clear outcomes and impact measurement
• Governance and accountability practices

Connection to Delta Gamma Network

While not required, organizations may benefit from:

• Existing relationships with local Delta Gamma chapters through the Chapter Giving Program
• Participation in Service for Sight events or initiatives
• Recognition of the five Delta Gamma Schools as models of excellence in the field

Program Impact and Innovation

Recent grant recipient examples show support for:

• Anchor Center for Blind Children: Received $30,000 in 2024 to advance their Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Program
• RestoringVision: Received Service for Sight grant for their vision-related programs
• LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Supported Enchanted Hills Camp for inclusive camping experiences

These examples suggest the Foundation values both direct service programs and innovative approaches to serving the vision-impaired community.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Mission alignment is non-negotiable: Your organization must clearly serve people who are blind or visually impaired, or focus on sight preservation. Applications from organizations outside this focus will not be competitive.

2. Geographic eligibility matters: Only U.S. and Canadian 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible. International organizations cannot apply.

3. Plan ahead for the December 1 deadline: Applications open annually with a firm December 1 deadline. No late applications are accepted, and the decision timeline extends approximately 6-7 months.

4. Average grant size is approximately $16,500: With $925,000 distributed to 56 organizations in 2024-25, applicants should plan for grants in this range, though amounts may vary.

5. The Foundation values its history: Understanding the Service for Sight legacy dating back to 1936 and Ruth Billow's advocacy can help frame your application in terms the Foundation values.

6. Financial health and accountability are priorities: With a 4-star Charity Navigator rating and successful $58+ million campaign, the Foundation expects grantees to demonstrate strong governance and financial management.

7. Consider building local connections: The Chapter Giving Program allows Delta Gamma chapters to support local organizations. Building relationships with collegiate or alumnae chapters in your area could strengthen your application or provide additional funding opportunities.

References

• Delta Gamma Foundation Official Website: https://www.deltagamma.org/foundation/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Delta Gamma Foundation Applications Page: https://www.deltagamma.org/foundation/applications/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Delta Gamma Foundation Service for Sight: https://www.deltagamma.org/foundation/service-for-sight/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile for Delta Gamma Foundation (EIN 316034001): https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/316034001 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Delta Gamma Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/316034001 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "Delta Gamma Foundation Concludes Historic Comprehensive Campaign, Raising Over $58 Million": https://www.deltagamma.org/delta-gamma-foundation-concludes-historic-comprehensive-campaign-raising-over-58-million/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "Delta Gamma Foundation Elects Two Trustees for 2025-28 Term": https://www.deltagamma.org/delta-gamma-foundation-elects-two-trustees-for-2025-28-term/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Foundation for Fraternal Excellence - "Program Profile: Delta Gamma's Chapter Giving Connects With Local Service For Sight Organizations": https://foundationfe.org/program-profile-delta-gammas-chapter-giving-connects-with-local-service-for-sight-organizations-2/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "Delta Gamma Schools Help Children Reach Their Full Potential": https://www.deltagamma.org/delta-gamma-schools-help-children-reach-their-full-potential/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Anchor Center for Blind Children - Delta Gamma Partnership: https://anchorcenter.org/delta-gamma/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• RestoringVision - "The Delta Gamma Foundation Awards Service for Sight Grant to RestoringVision": https://restoringvision.org/the-delta-gamma-foundation-awards-service-for-sight-grant-to-restoringvision/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)