The Delaware Community Foundation has awarded $290,000 in Potter Trust Grants to Kent County nonprofit organizations providing services ranging from emergency food and shelter to medical care for low-income children.

The grants were awarded from the Benjamin F. Potter Trust, which was created in 1843 and is one of the oldest continuing trusts of its type in the nation. The purpose of the Potter Trust is to aid the economically underprivileged in Kent County by supporting charitable organizations serving these individuals.

The CenDel Foundation, which brings expertise in needs in Kent County, serves as the grant recommendation committee. The Potter Trust grants target crisis/emergency assistance funding for basic needs, homelessness, hunger and health care. This year the committee also considered needs stemming from the COVID-19 crisis.

This year’s grantees are:

Central Delaware Housing Collaborative/House of Hope Women’s Shelter – $20,000 to implement the New Horizons Financial Assistance Program for residents.

Harry K Foundation – $25,000 to expand the food pantry backpack program in Kent County.

YMCA of Delaware – $15,000 to expand food service for children and families in need at Kent County locations.

Communities In Schools Delaware – $30,000 to provide intensive, trauma-informed, strengths-based services to homeless single women.

Ronald McDonald House – $15,000 to help provide access to specialized pediatric medical care for seriously or chronically ill or injured children

Catholic Charities – $30,000 to support Catholic Charities’ Basic Needs-Homeless Prevention Service program.

Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Dover & Vicinity, Inc. – $30,000 to provide short-term and long-term support to prevent homelessness.

Hope Medical – Dental Clinic – $20,000 to provide dental and medical services.

First State Community Action Agency – $30,000 to meet immediate family needs of low-income Kent County residents.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware – $30,000 to support essential before and after school services aimed at meeting children’s basic needs in Kent County.

Code Purple Kent County – $15,000 to support four homeless shelters.

Caring Hearts Helping Hands, Inc. – $10,000 to provide assistance at Christmas to low-income Kent County families to provide new clothes and toys.

Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity – $20,000 to support Home is Key, an affordable homeownership program.