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The Delaware Community Foundation began in 1986 when community leaders realized the need for a permanent source of funding to provide for Delaware's current and future needs. Pierre S. duPont III and United Way of Delaware were among the individuals and organizations that helped launch the DCF.
The leadership of Pierre S. duPont III
In 1985, Pierre S. duPont III, an active Board member of United Way of Delaware and Longwood Foundation, realized that the charitable needs of Delaware's nonprofit agencies and institutions were more than existing resources could support. He was concerned that most fundraising efforts were directed at meeting current operating needs and that none were focused on raising endowments to meet the ever-increasing needs of the future.
DuPont believed that one solution to these problems would be the creation of a community foundation. He knew that many communities already had established foundations; the oldest in Cleveland was begun in 1914, and now has over $1.5 billion in assets. Today there are more than 700 community foundations in the U.S. It was duPont's vision that led to the creation of the Delaware Community Foundation in July 1986.
Early DCF leaders
DuPont approached DuPont CEO Edward G. Jefferson and Hercules CEO Alexander F. Giacco for help in recruiting Board leadership for the project. John J. Quindlen was asked to become Chairman of the first DCF Board with Arden B. Engebretsen as Vice Chairman. The first Board Meeting was held in December 1986. Chaired by Quindlen, 19 men and women from across the state resolved to "encourage greater philanthropy."
A distinguished group of founders, including Donald L Cielewich, Harry Corless, Brian J. Donnelly, Mrs. H. B. duPont, Pierre S. duPont III, Giacco, James H. Gilliam, Sr., Genevieve Gore, Howard M. Handleman, Richard E. Heckert, Robert M. Hoyt, Jefferson, William C. Lickle, Thomas L. McFalls, Irving S. Shapiro, Jeremiah P. Shea, and Bernard J. Taylor, provided start-up operating support and encouragement. Seed money was provided locally by The News Journal and nationally by the Gannett Foundation. DuPont's son Gov. Pierre S. (Pete) duPont IV later successfully chaired the DCF's Founding Donor Campaign.
The DCF has continued to have an influential and dedicated Board of Directors. In addition to Quindlen, past chairmen include Jeremiah P. Shea, Elisabeth S. Poole, Paul R. Fine, Sherman L.Townsend, Edward J. Bassett, Judith H. Hoopes, D. Wayne Holden, Donald R. Kirtley, Thomas R. Pulsifer and Kathleen Furey McDonough. Thomas D. Wren is the Chairman of the current Board of Directors.
Support from the state
The DCF received the endorsement of Governor Michael N. Castle and the State of Delaware in July 1989. The state provided a $2 million grant "to be used as an investment in the charitable future of Delaware." Since that time, the Foundation has awarded hundreds of capital grants, funded mainly through the State of Delaware Fund.
Professional leadership
At first, the Foundation functioned exclusively with volunteers, but it soon became apparent that a full-time professional employee was needed to oversee its day-to-day activities. Collis O. Townsend was hired and began work on November 1, 1987 as Executive Director. The DuPont Co. contributed office space for him on the ground floor of the Nemours Building. Townsend worked tirelessly to promote the Foundation throughout the state.
With the growth of the foundation came additional staff and a series of moves. Today, the DCF has its main office in the Community Service Building in downtown Wilmington and has added an office on The Circle in Georgetown. Collis Townsend, who ended his term as Executive Director in February 2001, was succeeded by Dr. Paul C. King Jr. Since 2002, Fred C. Sears II has been President and CEO of the Foundation.
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