Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

What Delta Sigma Theta Sorority does

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is a 501(c)(7) private, not-for-profit service sorority founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University. Headquartered at 1707 New Hampshire Avenue in Washington, D.C., the organization operates through more than 1,050 chartered collegiate and alumnae chapters across the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, West Africa, Southern Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Korea, with an initiated membership exceeding 350,000 predominantly Black, college-educated women. It is governed by an elected International President (Cheryl W. Turner, elected 2025) and National Executive Committee, with an Executive Director (Dorcas Washington) overseeing operations at a National Headquarters staffed by 11-50 employees.

The sorority's product portfolio centers on its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust — Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. Core platforms include the Member Portal (members.dstonline.org), the online application system (apply.dstonline.org), the Delta Red Pages member business directory, the Financial Fortitude financial literacy program, the Collegiate Connection transition program, and licensed certified-vendor merchandise channels. Newer offerings include the BOSS Business University and BOSS Network online community delivered through the Sage Foundation partnership, and the Invest in Progress Grant Program for Black women entrepreneurs.

Revenue is generated across four streams: recurring membership dues, licensing and merchandising royalties, corporate sponsorship (Amazon, Google, Johnson & Johnson, Morgan Stanley, Macy's, AARP), and charitable contributions and fundraising. The organization conducts biennial national conventions (20,000+ attendees) and an annual seven-region conference cycle (37,086 registrations in 2024), and pursues civic impact through partnerships with charitable organizations (American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, UNICEF, NAMI, St. Jude), litigation partnerships (NAACP Legal Defense Fund, ACLU of Mississippi), and membership in the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Name

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Legal name

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

Website

https://deltasigmatheta.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1913

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is a 501(c)(7) nonprofit service sorority founded in 1913 at Howard University, serving over 350,000 predominantly Black college-educated women across 1,050+ chapters worldwide through community service, scholarship, sisterhood, and civic action programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Civic and Social Organizations

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Student Organizations & Club Administration (EDALAHAB)

Keywords

• Women's service sorority
• Nonprofit membership organization
• Community service programs
• Black Greek letter sorority
• Scholarship and sisterhood

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues and Fees: Members pay dues to support sorority operations, national programming, and local chapter activities. The organization maintains a member portal for access to resources.
2. Licensing and Merchandising: Delta Sigma Theta licenses its brand and trademarks to certified vendors for merchandise production. The organization has a formal licensing and merchandising program with certified vendors list.
3. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate sponsors provide financial and marketing support in exchange for access to Delta's membership base and brand association. Sponsors include major brands like Amazon, Google, Johnson & Johnson, Morgan Stanley, Macy's, and others.
4. Charitable Contributions and Fundraising: The sorority raises funds through chapter events and donations to support charitable partners and community programs. Funds are used for scholarships, grants, and programmatic initiatives.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Delta Sigma Theta is a private, member-governed service sorority founded in 1913 that delivers public service programming and member support to over 350,000 initiated members across 1,050+ chapters worldwide. The organization operates programs through its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust covering economic development, educational development, international awareness, physical and mental health, and political awareness, alongside a digital member portal, licensed merchandise program, and charitable partnerships with major health and humanitarian organizations.

Product overview

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated operates as a membership-based service organization rather than a technology company. The organization provides a suite of programs and digital platforms supporting its mission of public service, sisterhood, scholarship, and social action. Core offerings include the Member Portal for member services and chapter management, the Delta Red Pages business directory, the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust framework guiding public service initiatives, and the Financial Fortitude financial literacy program. Additional offerings include the BOSS Business University entrepreneurial education platform and BOSS Network online community access provided through partnership with Sage, as well as the Invest in Progress Grant Program for Black women entrepreneurs. The Collegiate Connection Program supports collegiate-to-alumnae transitions. These programs work together to advance the sorority's goals of economic empowerment, educational development, health awareness, international engagement, and political participation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Member Portal Online member portal providing access to resources, chapter management tools, chapter locators, membership services, disciplinary action reporting, and fine payment functionality for Delta Sigma Theta members.
• Delta Red Pages A business directory platform connecting members who are entrepreneurs and small business owners with potential customers and networking opportunities within the Delta Sigma Theta community.
• Five-Point Programmatic Thrust Initiatives Organizational framework guiding Delta's public service programming across five areas: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
• Financial Fortitude Program Annual financial literacy initiative providing education on emergency fund building, debt management, skills investment, diversifying income streams, and financial planning for members and communities.
• Delta Days at the Nation's Capital Annual legislative conference bringing together members for policy education, civic engagement training, and social action programming in Washington, D.C.
• Collegiate Connection Program National program connecting collegiate members with resources, mentorship, and support for academic success, leadership development, and transition to alumnae life, including the Collegiate Connection Handbook.
• BOSS Business University Entrepreneurial education platform sponsored by Sage, offering quarterly business training courses focused on marketing, finance, customer service, and business strategy for grant awardees and program participants.
• Invest in Progress Grant Program Three-year $1.5 million grant initiative providing $10,000 capital investments, entrepreneurial mentorship, and business training to Black women entrepreneurs, including Delta members.
• Licensing and Merchandising Program Brand licensing program authorizing certified vendors to produce and sell Delta Sigma Theta merchandise under formal trademark licensing agreements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 350,000 initiated members and 1,050+ chapters worldwide
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024Co-plaintiff in Harris v. DeSoto County lawsuit challenging racially discriminatory voting maps in Mississippi. Delta is represented along with DeSoto County NAACP and individual residents.
• ACLU of MississippicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024Legal partner in voting rights litigation (Harris v. DeSoto County) challenging discriminatory electoral maps that dilute Black voting power.
• Harvard Law School Election Law CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024Legal partner providing pro bono litigation support in voting rights cases including Harris v. DeSoto County.
• Storytelling for GoodminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2024Social impact communications firm partnered for nationwide get-out-the-vote campaign featuring TV and digital ads. Leveraged storytelling to inspire and mobilize voters.
• Warner Bros. DiscoveryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2024Media partner for PSA campaign airtime distribution as part of Delta's nationwide voting engagement initiative.
• The BOSS NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2024Partnership to award $250,000 in grants and scholarships to Divine Nine sororities and Chicago Urban League to support Black women entrepreneurs. The initiative is part of BOSS Network's 15th anniversary celebration and promotes small business and career development among women of color. Four Delta Sigma Theta members were among the awardees.
• SagecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2024$250,000 partnership through Sage Foundation to support the BOSS Impact Fund focused on raising investment funding for 500+ Black women-led businesses. Includes a three-year, $1.5 million commitment to fund Black women entrepreneurs through the Invest in Progress Grant Program.
• American Cancer SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner supporting cancer awareness, research, and patient support programs. Joint initiatives include Vaping Prevention Program and Relay for Life participation.
• American Diabetes AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner addressing diabetes prevention and management in communities of color. Programs include internships and awareness initiatives.
• American Heart AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner focused on cardiovascular health. Programs include EmPOWERED to Serve Scholars and EmPOWERED Deltas initiative.
• American Red CrosscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner for disaster relief and blood donation initiatives supporting communities in need.
• CAREcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner advocating for global economic justice, working with policymakers through Congressional testimony, briefings, and reports.
• Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister foundation focused on identifying issues affecting Black women, their families, and communities of the African Diaspora, creating solutions through research and education. Provides grants and scholarships.
• March of DimescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner improving maternal and infant health. Programs include NICU Homecoming Project and March for Babies fundraising.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner promoting mental health awareness and providing advocacy, education, support, and public awareness for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
• National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner led by Delta alumna Shavon Arline-Bradley as President and CEO. Programs include HBCU Tour and Committee on Young Adult & Collegiate Affairs.
• St. Jude Children's Research HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner supporting pediatric cancer research and treatment. Programs include St. Jude Walk/Run fundraising events.
• UNICEFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner supporting children's welfare globally through fundraising initiatives and awareness programs.
• Habitat for HumanitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partnership where Delta members helped build over 350 homes for families in the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa, addressing housing insecurity.
• National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelta is one of nine member organizations of NPHC (Divine Nine). NPHC Council of Presidents coordinates joint advocacy on civic engagement, voting rights, and social justice issues affecting the Black community.
• AARPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing brand association and marketing support to Delta's initiatives.
• AmazonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing brand association and marketing support to Delta's initiatives.
• GoogleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing brand association and marketing support to Delta's initiatives.
• Johnson and JohnsonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing brand association and marketing support to Delta's initiatives.
• Morgan StanleyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing brand association and marketing support to Delta's initiatives.
• Macy'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing brand association and marketing support to Delta's initiatives.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The largest of the four Black Greek-letter sororities (Divine Nine) and the closest peer to Delta Sigma Theta — both target college-educated Black women, operate collegiate and alumnae chapters nationwide, and deliver community-service programming through national programmatic thrusts.
• The Links, Incorporated: Invitation-only African American women's service organization with comparable Five-Point programmatic thrust structure, national convention cadence, and corporate sponsor model — the most direct non-Greek peer to Delta Sigma Theta.
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Divine Nine counterpart founded at Howard University; comparable in chapter network, biennial conventions, and Five-Point Thrust-style programmatic framework, serving the same demographic via the fraternal mirror of the sorority model.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Another Divine Nine sorority chartered at Howard University; directly comparable in operating model, chapter structure, and community-service focus, though smaller in membership scale.
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Divine Nine sorority serving college-educated women with national community-service programming; comparable in chapter structure, regional conference cadence, and membership-driven revenue model.
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Oldest of the Divine Nine Greek-letter organizations; directly comparable governance and programmatic structure including regional conferences, national conventions, and corporate-sponsored programming targeting the African American community.

Broad incumbents

• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): America's largest and oldest civil rights organization; comparable in mobilizing Black civic participation, legislative advocacy, and partnership ecosystem (Delta is a partner on Harris v. DeSoto County through NAACP LDF).
• National Urban League: Historic civil rights and direct-service organization operating through 90+ local affiliates; comparable in mission around economic empowerment, education, health, and civic engagement for the African American community.
• National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC): Historic federation of African American women's clubs founded in 1896; comparable civic engagement, education, and social-service mission targeting Black women and families, with comparable chapter-based operating model.
• National Council of Negro Women (NCNW): Long-standing umbrella organization for African American women's civic and service groups; led by a Delta alumna (Shavon Arline-Bradley) and explicitly partnered with Delta Sigma Theta on the HBCU Tour. Overlapping membership base and policy advocacy mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dstinc1913
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCFWiq46q4gpvOHS8QrsSBIA
• Facebookfacebook.com/dstinc1913
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/dstinc1913

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority