Rebecca Klug | Delaware Community Foundation

Author Archive for Rebecca Klug

Romeo and Juliet in the middle of an audience during a performance by Delaware Shakespeare

Grants Available for Four Targeted Areas

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Thursday, December 5th, 2019

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Delaware nonprofits are invited to apply for the Delaware Community Foundation’s Specific Interest Grants, awarded from funds created at the DCF by donors for very specific purposes.

Starting on Monday, Dec. 9, grant applications will be accepted for programs to support:

• Delawareans in need of long-term health care.
• Small grants for arts in Wilmington.
• Fulfillment of terminally ill children’s wishes.
• Support animals and animal welfare.

An independent committee, formed of community leaders who are knowledgeable in these subject areas, selects grant recipients within the parameters established by the donors.

The deadline for Specific Interest Grants is Jan. 17, 2020. Applicants will be notified of decisions in March.

To apply or for more information, visit delcf.org/grants.

Photo: 2019 Community Tour performance of Romeo and Juliet by previous grant recipient Delaware Shakespeare.

Two young women - members of Kent County YPB - speaking at a podium

Grants Available from DCF’s Kent & Sussex Youth Philanthropy Boards

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019

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Delaware nonprofit organizations serving Kent and Sussex County are invited to apply for grants from the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) Kent and Sussex Youth Philanthropy Boards (YPB).

The Kent and Sussex County YPBs will award $10,000 each. Typical awards are $1,000-$2,500. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 1, 2020.

Each county’s board will award grants to programs supporting a unique focus area:

The Kent County YPB will consider organizations supporting programs that address mental health, substance abuse, or veterans’ needs in Kent County.

The Sussex County YPB will consider nonprofit organizations that focus on supporting and educating students through programs that address mental health, substance abuse, and/or sexual health, with a preference toward services that can be provided by wellness centers.

Organizations may apply for grants from each county’s YPB. To be eligible, the program for which funding is requested must directly benefit residents of that county and fall within that county’s unique focus area.

Grant requests must be submitted online through the link at delcf.org/grants. Information about New Castle County YPB’s grants also is available at this link. Applicants will be notified in each county in April 2020.

The DCF sponsors the YPBs to encourage younger generations to become more involved in philanthropy. Each board, composed of high school students from public, private and parochial schools, is allotted a pool of money to give as charitable grants. The students learn about philanthropy and effective grant-making, study youth issues in their neighborhoods and schools, solicit grant proposals, and award grants to those they determine to be most deserving.

Retired Delaware educator Phyllis Wynn established the Youth Philanthropy Fund in 1999 because she wanted to encourage youth to become more involved in philanthropic ventures. Students who serve on the YPB are nominated by their principal or guidance counselor.

“The Youth Philanthropy Board program gives students an opportunity to enjoy the pleasure and the challenges of charitable giving, including determining how to make the greatest impact on quality of life with the limited resources available,” said DCF President and CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay. “It’s an important program because we are cultivating the philanthropists of tomorrow.”

scholarship recipient in commencement gown and stole

DCF Announces Scholarships Available for 2020-2021 School Year

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Monday, December 2nd, 2019

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Delaware students are invited to apply for scholarships available through the Delaware Community Foundation. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2020.

Last year, the DCF awarded scholarships totaling $378,650 to 193 students to assist them in pursuing higher education. Students can apply for most scholarships by completing a single online application, available at delcf.org/scholarships.

On the website, students can review all criteria and award amounts before beginning the application process. Candidates also can view the DCF Scholarship Compendium, with information on all available scholarships.

The online application system guides applicants through a series of questions to determine which scholarships they may be eligible for. Students are automatically considered for every scholarship for which they meet the minimum criteria.

There is no cap on the number of scholarships or the amount students may receive. Funding from many of the scholarships may be applied to the costs of textbooks and fees, in addition to tuition. Some are one-time awards, and others are renewable.

“Many of our donors who care about education choose to create scholarship funds to help students and their families with rising college costs,” DCF President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay said. “Our goal is to empower people who care about education with people who are engaged about their futures.”

For more information, contact Kelly Sheridan, 302.856.4393.

DCF New Castle County Youth Philanthropy Board

Grants Available from DCF’s New Castle County Youth Philanthropy Board

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Tuesday, November 19th, 2019

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$15,000 available for New Castle County nonprofits

New Castle County nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for grants from the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB).

The YPB will consider applications for programs that advance equity and opportunity for at-risk youth with special consideration given to programs providing financial literacy, life skill training with a trauma informed approach, or addressing the challenges of recidivism.

Grant requests must be submitted at delcf.org/grants by 5 p.m. on Dec. 20. Applicants will be notified in April 2019.

Pictured above:

Front Row (L – R):
Jalia Lawrence, Senior, Mt. Pleasant High School
Eric Tlaseca-Morales, Junior, St. Georges Technical High School
Jessica Smith, Senior, Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Riley Cuddy, Senior, Tower Hill School
Caelin Foley, Junior, Delcastle Technical High School
Amber Cooke, Junior, Appoquinimink High School

Back Row (L-R):
Sam Margolies, Senior, A.I. Dupont High School
Claire Bolarinwa, Sophomore, Archmere Academy
Liam Furlong, Junior, Salesianum High School
Nashawn Smith, Senior, Howard High School
Chloe Nield, Junior, Brandywine High School
Cameron Smith, Junior, Sanford School
Frederick Bolarinwa, Junior, Concord High School
Fiona Fawcett, Sophomore, Concord High School

Not Pictured:
Dennis Chu, Senior, Charter School of Wilmington
Maria Kennedy, Junior, Ursuline Academy
Karen Paredes, Senior, St. Andrews School
Kimmi Woods, Senior, Tatnall School

Caesar Rodney Rotary Fund Accepting Grant Applications for 2020 Projects Serving At-Risk Youth in New Castle County

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Wednesday, October 16th, 2019

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The Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation (CRRF) New Castle County Youth Empowerment Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) will accept grant applications Oct. 15-Nov. 15, 2019.

The grant maximum is $2,500 and is available only to New Castle County nonprofit organizations serving youth and young adults ages birth through 25 years who are underserved and at risk for not having the skills and support for a self-sufficient future.

Grant applications can be accessed through the DCF website, delcf.org/grants. Selections will be made by Dec.6.

The CRRF was formed in 2018, as a means for the Caesar Rodney Rotary Club to accelerate the mission of educating the community and addressing the needs of youth at risk in New Castle County, Delaware. Educating the community includes providing public awareness of the need as well as encouraging volunteer opportunities to address the needs. More information about the CRRF can be found at crrfoundation.org.

This year, the Caesar Rodney Rotary Club is celebrating 30 years of “Service before Self.” The club meets Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at the University and Whist Club, 805 N. Broom Street, Wilmington. More information about the Caesar Rodney Rotary Club can be found at portal.clubrunner.ca/7000.

Informal conversations in an auditorium during the DCF's Latino Communities in Sussex County event

New DCF Report Highlights Complexities and Contributions of Latino Communities in Sussex County

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Wednesday, October 9th, 2019

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At its Oct. 7 Focus Conversation event in Georgetown, held in partnership with La Colectiva de Delaware, the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) released Perspectives on the Latino Population in Sussex County, Delaware, the result of a research project commissioned by the DCF and conducted by researchers at the University of Delaware. The report will serve as a resource for nonprofit organizations, funders, community leaders and others striving to engage and advance this important segment of the community.

The report shows that, with a population of over 20,000, Sussex County Latino communities contribute more than $50 million in tax revenue to Delaware annually. There are more than 800 Latino-owned businesses in the county. Sussex County Latinos are buying homes, holding jobs, and going to school and church. However, they still face challenges related to language and cultural differences, unfamiliarity with U.S. systems and processes, immigration status and more.

The research team identified important moments that can be leveraged by community members, nonprofits, and pro bono services to build opportunity, including through culturally sensitive and bilingual programs and services for immigration assistance, college and financial aid navigation, public transportation improvements, home buying, business training, and banking.

DCF President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay describes the report’s findings as encouraging and inspiring. “Sussex County’s vibrant and diverse Latino community is bringing new passion to the belief in the American Dream.”

The report was researched and written by Drs. Jennifer Fuqua and April Veness at the University of Delaware with the support of a grant from CFLeads to the DCF. The study was completed in collaboration with Dr. Christine Cannon, executive director of the Arsht-Cannon Fund at the DCF; La Colectiva de Delaware; La Esperanza; and many other partners.

For more information and to view the complete report and accompanying materials, visit delcf.org/sussex-latinos. Report materials are available in both Spanish and English.

Photo by John Mollura Photography

DCF Welcomes Satheesh Nadarajah as its New Accountant

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Friday, October 4th, 2019

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The Delaware Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Satheesh Nadarajah as an accountant. As part of the DCF’s finance team, Nadarajah will be the point of contact for various fundholders to process grant requests and resolve all accounting questions.

Nadarajah immigrated to the United States five years ago from Sri Lanka, where he worked as a national administrator for Handicap International and an accountant for World Vision International and the Family Rehabilitation Centre. After working at Bank of America in Newark, Del., for four years, Nadarajah began to further pursue a career in accounting. He holds an international Professional Qualification in management accounting from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK, and is currently in the process of obtaining his professional membership as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

“I am so excited to have found an opportunity at the DCF to return to working with philanthropy and nonprofit organizations,” Nadarajah said.

“As a key member of our finance team, Nadarajah will play an important role in helping donors support the charitable causes they care about,” said DCF President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay. “He shares our organizational values and is committed to helping us fulfill our mission to improve quality of life in Delaware.”

Delaware Community Foundation Announces 2020 Capital Grants

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Wednesday, September 25th, 2019

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Beginning Monday, Sept. 30, Delaware nonprofits are invited to apply for the Delaware Community Foundation’s 2020 Capital Grants.

These grants support projects and organizations working to build opportunity so all Delaware residents can overcome barriers to success, benefit equitably and thrive. Supported capital projects will have a lasting, positive impact on the population or region served by the applicant organization.

The DCF defines capital as “construction, major renovation or repair of buildings, and/or the purchase of land.” Capital Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with a maximum award of $25,000. Only 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations within the State of Delaware and those outside the state that benefit Delawareans are eligible to apply.

Applications must be submitted online at delcf.org/grants and must be received no later than 4 p.m., Nov. 8, 2019.

Over the years, the DCF has awarded nearly $5 million in capital and equipment grants, funded through the State of Delaware Fund and the DCF’s unrestricted and field-of-interest funds. Last year, the DCF allocated $256,000 in Capital Grants.

“Capital Grants enable nonprofit organizations to complete work that will benefit their communities for years to come,” DCF President and CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay said. “Each year, we receive dozens of applications, indicating a real need for help with capital projects that nonprofits’ funding doesn’t usually cover.”

Workshops

The DCF will host two optional workshops to help applicants become familiar with the program and online application. Participants will leave with clear expectations of the next steps in applying for funding. Workshops are free, but registration is required at delcf.org/2020-capital-grants-workshops.

• Georgetown Public Library, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, 3 PM
• Wilmington Public Library, Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, 10 AM

For more information, please contact Sarah Grunewald, 302.504.5267.

Photo: 2019 Capital Grant Recipient Southern Delaware Therapeutic & Recreational Horseback Riding
(John Mollura Photography)

Brittany Ostasewski holding a photo of the Tassones

Scholarship Recipient Meets Benefactor Moments Before His Fatal Heart Attack

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Tuesday, September 24th, 2019

· No Comments

It is a testament to Lawrence Tassone’s life that his final act was one of generosity and philanthropy.

Earlier this year, Brittany Ostasewski, a young nursing student at Delaware Technical Community College in Georgetown, was awarded the Delaware Community Foundation’s Elisabeth S. Tassone Oncology Scholarship.

Lawrence, who named the scholarship after his beloved wife after she passed away in 2017, loved to meet the scholarship award winners, and was looking forward to getting to know Ostasewski and hear about her career plans. On Aug. 16, they were scheduled to meet on the Del Tech campus for lunch and a photograph.

Tragically, shortly after Ostasewski met Tassone in Del Tech’s nursing office, he suffered a major heart attack and was rushed to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.

Stabilized, he was transferred to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, but suffered another heart attack and kidney failure there. He died on Aug. 20.

Ostasewski never got a chance to tell Tassone – “Tazz” to his friends – what his scholarship meant to her.

“I would have liked to thank Mr. Tassone for the honor in receiving this most generous gift in remembrance of his wife,” she said. “In the short time meeting him, I realized how much he truly loved her. This great gift will help me further my path in nursing. I will forever remember both their legacies and the good deeds of the Tassone family.”

After her graduation in May, Ostasewski will go on to complete her bachelor of science in nursing degree at Del Tech.

The DCF awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships each year, thanks to generous donors like Lawrence Tassone who are passionate about education. For more information about DCF scholarships, visit delcf.org/scholarships.

Donations in memory of Lawrence and his wife, Elisabeth, can be made at delcf.org/tassone.

Judge Gregory M. Sleet Joins DCF Board of Directors

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Friday, August 23rd, 2019

· 1 Comment

The Delaware Community Foundation welcomes Judge Gregory M. Sleet as a new member of its Board of Directors, filling a newly vacant seat.

The first African American to be appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, Sleet served first as judge, chief judge, and later senior judge of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. He served for the District Court for over twenty years before retiring in the fall of 2018.

Born in New York City, N.Y., Sleet graduated from Hampton University, then earned his juris doctor from Rutgers University School of Law where he was an Earl Warren Scholar.

He began his career as an assistant public defender for the Defender Association of Philadelphia, and continued to practice law in Philadelphia until 1990, when he served as deputy attorney general for the Delaware Department of Justice, later joining the law department at Hercules Incorporated.

Sleet has a wide range of law experience, including civil and criminal litigation and corporate law. He also served as an adjunct professor teaching patent litigation at Rutgers Law School, Widener University Delaware Law School and Duke University School of Law.

Sleet was vice chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, where he supported the U.S. Attorney General in policy and strategy for the U.S. Department of Justice. Sleet is also the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award of the NAACP, Central Delaware Branch, was named Delawarean of the Year for Delaware Today, and was named one of Rutgers University’s “Fifty of the Finest” graduates.

Sleet received the 2014 award from the New York Intellectual Property Law Association for outstanding public service as well as the 2014 award from the Philadelphia Intellectual Law Association for achievement in the field of intellectual property. This year, Sleet was awarded the Jefferson Medal for exceptional contribution to the field of intellectual property by the New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association. Next month he will be inducted into the Rutgers African American Hall of Fame.

“Judge Sleet has demonstrated his dedication to public service in over two decades of experience,” DCF President and CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay said. “We are honored to welcome him to the DCF board.”

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