Despite the continuing uncertainty around us, I’m pleased to share with you as a long-term generous supporter that Delta Institute continues to grow, evolve, and explore what impact we want to have on our home, the Midwest. You’ve likely seen from our newsletters and past messages that Delta has recently completed a refinement of our strategy to focus on amplifying our impact on the Midwest between now and 2025. In brief, our work and focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as the myriad of systemic crises—health, economic, climate, and justice—that pinpointed many societal needs over the last 18 months, that led us to refine our existing Strategic Plan and identify three key impact areas: Resilient Agriculture, Nature-Based Climate Solutions, and Sustainability and Support Services (all detailed below).
During this holiday season and on #GivingTuesday 2021 (November 30th!), please make a charitable investment in our work, partner communities, and continued evolution so that we create a resilient, inclusive, and thriving Midwest—together.
Thank you again, and may we all look toward a better 2022.
Bill Schleizer, CEO
Resilient Agriculture
Our Resilient Agriculture program builds upon Delta’s 20-year history of working with rural communities to improve soil health, increase conservation, reduce local water pollution, and increase economic vitality. All the while, our work helps mitigate climate change by capturing carbon from the atmosphere and sequestering it into the soil. We have set a goal to partner with at least 1,000 farmers, spanning one million acres, to expand these regenerative agriculture practices by 2025.
Nature-Based Climate Solutions
Through our Nature-Based Climate Solutions program, we are focused on reducing 100 million gallons of stormwater flooding in the Midwest while leveraging $100 million in investment on behalf of our partner communities. We are dedicated to helping Midwestern communities meet their resiliency goals by developing natural, green installations like wetland construction, stormwater planters, and urban tree plantings—all through inclusive community engagement.
Sustainability and Support Services
Through our Sustainability and Support Services program, we utilize our staff’s skills and expertise to align with other emerging needs identified by the communities and partners we work with. This can include projects like our partnership with the City of Chicago in releasing the 2021 Chicago Waste Strategy, which proposed over 60 strategic recommendations to reduce waste; increase diversion through reuse, recycling, and composting; and increasing economic and environmental justice opportunities.
The CARES Act and Charitable Giving
The CARES Act extended an annual deduction of $300 into 2021 (for filing in 2022), giving extra incentive to those who take the Standard Deduction to deepen their impact (and reduce their liability) via a charitable gift to Delta Institute. If you are considering how you can use these incentives to both make an impact on the Midwest while reducing your payment next April, click here to read more.
Leave a Lasting Impact in the Midwest
Bequests are simple and straightforward. As you plan your long-term philanthropic legacy, please consider including Delta Institute and our programs benefiting hundreds of Midwestern communities in your will and estate planning. And of course, we’re here to assist you and your loved ones—with respect and intention. Click here to learn more about your planned giving options.
Delta Earns the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency in 2021
We are pleased to share with our supporters that Delta continues to maintain a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar. All of us on our staff, Board, and Delta Emerging Leaders are committed to the highest level of accountability to our donors, funders, and stakeholders—allowing you to rest easy when you make a gift to Delta. Click here to visit our GuideStar Nonprofit Profile.