ACCELERATING THE EXPERIENCE
DELTA SIGMA PHI FOUNDATION
THE LEGACY OF DELTA SIGMA PHI
From its inception, Delta Sigma Phi has been driven by bold, audacious ideas and a commitment to making a significant impact. For 125 years, our Fraternity has welcomed over 125,000 members into a brotherhood that changes individual lives and positively influences the communities in which our members live. Our legacy is built on the efforts of dedicated men who have continually stepped up, paying their debt to the Fraternity in countless ways, making the improbable possible.
Throughout our history, Delta Sigma Phi has produced civic leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, elected officials, and other history-making members, fostering bonds that create shared experiences and lifelong friendships.
Our physical homes across the country have served as beacons for our chapters, providing a foundation for our members to thrive. Thousands of brothers have built lifelong bonds beginning in our homes. Under the newly created National Housing Corporation and this campaign, Delta Sigma Phi intends to preserve, protect and grow our chapter facilities for the future.
During our last strategic initiative, Vision 2025, Delta Sigma Phi grew to its largest size, welcoming 30,000 members over the past 20 years. This growth is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the development of young men through innovative programs and initiatives, with leadership development at the core of our mission.
THE CHALLENGES YOUNG MEN FACE IN
TODAY'S SOCIETY
Today, young men face unprecedented challenges.
• Men are struggling to establish relationships, attain formal education, participate in the workforce, and volunteer in their communities.
• The landscape of higher education is evolving, facing declining enrollment, questions about its relevance, political polarization, and the rise of artificial intelligence.
• The educational gap has widened, with only 74 bachelor's degrees awarded to men for every 100 awarded to women.
• Men are facing significant loneliness: The male suicide rate is four times higher than that of women, with more than one in four men under 30 reporting no close social connections.
• The number of young men turning to friends in crisis has dropped from nearly half in 1990 to just 22 percent today.
As of 2023, 81% of working class males (age 25-54) are employed, compared to 89% in 1979
SOURCE: CPS VIA IPUMS
As of 2023, 21% of working class males say they have no close friendships, compared to 5% in 1990
SOURCE: SCAL & GALLUP
SOURCE: STATISTA RESEARCH DEPARTMENT, JULY 2024
HOW DELTA SIGMA PHI IS ADDRESSING THE ISSUES
Delta Sigma Phi is facing these challenges head-on. Through wars, depressions, economic markets, and technological advancement, the world has continued to change, but the desire for connection has not. The Fraternity has remained a cornerstone in creating and preserving lifelong relationships while developing generations of leaders.
Today, we are focused on providing modern leadership development opportunities and resources to ensure our members are well-prepared for the challenges of the present and future. Programs like LEAD Weekend, Leadership Institute, and our Courage & Culture initiatives empower young men to build
critical skills in leadership, emotional resilience, and personal well-being. Our internal assessments and national surveys consistently show that Fraternity men are better prepared for life's journeys, exhibiting higher emotional, financial, and personal well-being than their non-Greek peers.
By fostering a strong sense of brotherhood and providing robust personal development opportunities, Delta Sigma Phi helps young men build the confidence and friendships necessary for success. Our Fraternity serves as a cornerstone for creating and preserving lifelong relationships, ensuring that our members have the support they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
“I joined Delta Sig as a founding father because I liked the idea of creating something new and being able to help shape the culture. I had no idea that starting a chapter with these guys would play an integral role in my own personal development and be one of the best parts of my college experience. I was exposed to all different types of people who, on the surface, I didn't think I'd get along with. However, through fun times and challenges, I found a community of brothers who always supported me and granted me the opportunity to define myself. It's a support system unrivaled by anything I've encountered before or since.”
– VINCENTE VILLARREAL, TEXAS STATE ‘16
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
The new 10 year vision of Delta Sigma Phi's strategic plan was built on the feedback and voice of our members, alumni, parents and partner stakeholders over an 18 month period. We believe that through these efforts, and with the support of the Accelerating the Experience Campaign, Delta Sigma Phi will be able to sustain the the National Fraternity into perpetuity while meeting our mission and transforming lives of brothers across the country.
Launch groundbreaking programs that accelerate members toward our vision.
Mobilize leaders in every undergraduate and alumni chapter.
Cultivate communities that prioritize holistic health and eliminate hazing. Strengthen undergraduate and alumni membership.
Preserve, protect, and develop the most sought-after properties on every campus.
Inspire charitable giving that makes the “New Era” possible.
“I give because I believe in the organization and recognize how its national reach unites each chapter. I'm happy to pay that debt forward so that Delta Sig can provide the tools and opportunities for other young men looking to better themselves. None of that happens without support from alumni like myself.”
–
KEVIN COLE, HIGH POINT‘89
OUR VISION FOR DELTA SIGMA PHI
Under this strategic initiative, Delta Sigma Phi will expand and strengthen programming aimed at enriching the member experience, supporting our chapters, and ensuring the sustainability of our Fraternity for the next 125 years.
The National Foundation will allocate resources to three key areas: our members, our chapters, and the fraternity as a whole.
Delta Sigma Phi Member Experience
Delta Sigma Phi Chapter Experience
Fraternity Preservation & Stability
• Delta Sigma Phi will invest more dollars than ever before to support each individual member.
• Utilize an accredited online learning platform to provide comprehensive training and educational resources.
• Enhancing and revamping our in-person leadership programs:
• Leadership Institute, and new initiatives including the Career Accelerator and Civic Engagement Institute.
• Delta Sigma Phi will invest in building not just strong members, but stronger chapters.
• Multi-day in-person leadership and development retreats for our chapters:
• Beyond Brotherhood Retreats, Courage & Culture, Volunteer Training, and local Leadership Institute.
• Efforts will be made to digitize our history to preserve and ensure accessible records for future generations, safeguarding the legacy and achievements of Delta Sigma Phi.
• Build our endowment in order to provide ample funds each year for all Fraternity leadership opportunities.
• Secure funding for the preservation of chapter homes across the country.
“The Delta Sigma Phi Foundation has had numerous impacts in my life. It has allowed me to uncover invaluable leadership and interpersonal skills through event planning and execution that would have remained buried otherwise. I cannot express in words my gratitude for being a member of Delta Sigma Phi during the last few years. It has taught me so much and I am proud to say that I am a better person because of it.”
– SPENCER LIMCACO, INDIANA STATE ‘21
TRANSFORMING DELTA SIGMA PHI FOR THE FUTURE
As we celebrate 125 years of Delta Sigma Phi, we are launching Accelerating the Experience. This initiative aims to ensure that every member of Delta Sigma Phi can experience the profound impact of our organization.
Our vision is to continue being a transformative force in the lives of young men, providing them with the tools and support they need to overcome the challenges of today’s society. By investing in our members and our programs, we can ensure that Delta Sigma Phi remains a beacon of leadership, friendship, and personal growth for generations to come.
Accelerating the Experience has two main goals:
First, we want to foster engagement and participation.
We are asking you to get involved, to rekindle your spirit and energy for our Fraternity, and to contribute to this campaign through your time, talent, and treasure.
Our second goal is to raise the critical funds to achieve our strategic plan objectives effectively.
We believe in the commitment and generosity of our brothers to help us achieve this goal. Through firsthand experiences, our members have witnessed the transformative impact of Delta Sigma Phi, and we are confident in our collective ability to make a significant difference.
“Delta Sigma Phi has impacted my undergraduate college experience by providing me not only with a group of friends but also a brotherhood of men. The purpose of any fraternity is to cultivate relationships with brothers that will last for life, which I have cherished throughout my time in Delta Sigma Phi.”
– RASHAD ADAMS, TEXAS ’21
ACCELERATE THE EXPERIENCE
Brothers of Delta Sigma Phi, once again, we find ourselves amidst a season of change—an opportunity to elevate our standards and showcase the extraordinary potential of Delta Sigma Phi. So, how can you help?
1. Give your time and support to this initiative. Get actively involved by volunteering, participating in programs, mentoring undergraduate members, or attending national events. To learn more about these opportunities, visit deltasig.org/volunteer.
2. Give generously to impact the lives of our members and elevate the chapter experience. Your support will directly enhance leadership development, personal growth opportunities, and the overall experience for members across the country.
3. Tell us your story. We want to know how Delta Sigma Phi impacted your life. By visiting our story submission form at deltasig.org/stories, you can submit a video or written testimonial, photos, and so much more, allowing us to inspire future generations of members.
This initiative requires collective effort. We all have a part to play in shaping the next vision of Delta Sigma Phi. As we move forward, let us remain bold, believe in our potential, and continue to transform lives.
“The Foundation may be the single most influential element of my leadership and personal life. From the Better Man Academy, Presidents Academy, and Leadership Institute, to all the other tiny opportunities they've created for brothers like me, I have discovered my passion for leadership and pursued a master's degree in Organizational Leadership. I am also grateful for the financial support I’ve received to help me in following my passion. The Foundation has truly embodied everything we preach about Repaying the Debt. My life has forever been changed by the members of The Foundation and all of the incredible things they have been able to provide to men like me.
Joining this organization was the single most impactful thing to ever happen to me and I am thankful every day for the opportunity to be a part of this.”
– CHRIS BLACKER, NORTHERN COLORADO ‘15
WHAT AND HOW YOU CAN GIVE
What’s the best way to give?
Our goal for this campaign is to raise one-time donations, multiyear pledges and planned gifts. If you’re able to do so, the best case scenario is for you to make a cash/pledge and a planned gift.
Gift Options
• Check
• Credit card
• Donation of stock
• Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
There are several ways to support our campaign:
1. Multi-year pledge (five-year pledges are the most helpful for planning purposes)
2. Planned gift (your chance to leave a legacy)
3. One-time gift
• IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
• Recurring gift (monthly)
• Corporate matching funds (check with your employer)
Planned Gift Options
• Will bequest
a. Gift a percentage of your estate
b. Gift a specific dollar amount
• Gifts of life insurance (you can designate the Foundation as a full or partial beneficiary)
• Gift of retirement assets (designating the Foundation as full or partial beneficiary of your IRA or 401k)
• Gift of real estate
