The Minerva Education and Development Foundation (MEDF) is a 501(c)(3) Michigan non-profit corporation established in 1992 by visionary women, all members of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In 1992, MEDF began a new tradition of philanthropy in the African American community by way of endowed and planned-giving. From 1993 to 1997, MEDF solidified its permanency by successfully raising over $100,000 to fund the MEDF endowment which is housed (and continues to grow) at the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan. During MEDF’s early years, MEDF was a founding member of the African American Legacy Program and served as a frequent presenter at the National Conference on Black Philanthropy.
Decades after its founding, and having awarded over $600,000 in grants and scholarships, MEDF continues to support local scholars and provides grants to organizations that provide inter-generational community services, education, arts, health, or economic development programming.
