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Delaware Community Foundation Announces 2020 Capital Grants

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Wednesday, September 25th, 2019

· No Comments

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)

5 Questions with Stu: Stephanie Staats, CEO, YWCA of Delaware

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Monday, August 5th, 2019

· No Comments

Stephanie Staats, CEO at YWCA Delaware began working at the YWCA almost 10 years ago as the Chief Programs Officer. Prior to that role she was the Development Director for something called the Delaware Community Foundation.

She also served as an Adjunct Instructor at DelTech, and the Chief of Staff at Delaware Humanities Forum. Stephanie has shown strong leadership skills as she has helped the YWCA continue its role as a leading social change organization in the state.

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1. What motivated you to get into public service?

I developed an awareness of inequality as a child. I grew up in a diverse city, but it was socially segregated. I noticed who lived in the wealthiest neighborhoods, got treated kindly in stores and on the streets, and who did not. I experienced the overt distrust between people who were different from one another. I heard and felt how women and girls of all backgrounds were devalued. It troubled me greatly. So I would say that public service chose me. Leading YWCA Delaware has been an amazing opportunity to work toward the elimination of racism and empowerment of women.

2. What community endeavors are you proudest to engage in?

Since we launched YWCA’s Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) in 2016, it has been a privilege to provide 24/7 crisis support to victims statewide and to amplify the community conversation about the causes and effects of sexual assault. The numbers are staggering, as are the negative long-term impacts on economic success, physical and emotional health. There are many misunderstandings about the issue of sexual violence and until we de-stigmatize open conversation about it there will be no advancement in social attitudes, institutional practices and systems response for victims.

3. How does your organization contribute to expanding opportunity for people in Delaware?

YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. We achieve this by offering programs that advance housing stability, health and safety, and economic empowerment for women and their families. Specific programs can be found on our website at www.ywcade.org. In 2018, we served more than 5,200 Delawareans. Our social advocacy initiatives concentrate on racial justice, gender-based violence, civil rights, and economic opportunity for marginalized communities. In 2019, we launched “Dialogue to Action” groups to facilitate individuals’ understanding of inherent bias, its effects, and to inspire action as a result. More than 200 individuals participated in the first three months.

4. What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing philanthropy today?

An overall challenge is that as corporate giving has become more targeted on a regional scale, the administrative burden for government funding has increased, and it puts more pressure on individual giving. Organizations have an opportunity to be innovative in how they secure diverse revenue sources while staying in alignment with organizational values. YWCA included this opportunity as a priority in its 2019-2021 Strategic Plan.

5. If you could do one thing to increase equity in Delaware, what would you do?

At YWCA we practice our belief that issues overlap and intersect, and in order to achieve equity in opportunity, each issue must be addressed. To put it simply: you can’t solve for one without the other and expect lasting change. This belief is why YWCA offers programs and advocacy in the core areas of women’s lives: economic empowerment, personal safety, legal rights, health and education. It is why we work collaboratively with more than 50 other organizations across the state when a client has a specialized need for a service that we don’t provide. A holistic approach will increase equity.

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About 5Qs: Each month, we ask local philanthropic leaders to answer five questions about how they view philanthropy in their work, their lives, or their organizations. It’s a chance to hear from people we all know, and some you may not know – but in a different way. This is the second in the series.

5 Questions with Stu: Michelle Taylor, President & CEO, United Way of Delaware

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Monday, June 3rd, 2019

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Michelle Taylor has served Delaware’s communities through her work at United Way of Delaware for almost 20 years – more than half of that as the organization’s president & CEO, where she leads the organization’s focus on early education, college and career readiness, and financial stability in eight “promise communities.” She is an important voice among Delaware’s nonprofit infrastructure, and always exhibits a deep passion for those who have fewer resources and greater need. Michelle serves on a number of local boards (including as an ex oficio member of the DCF Board.)

5 Questions with Michelle Taylor

What motivated you to get involved in public service?

I’ve always been involved in the public service sector, which is what I believe I’ve been called to do. Every day, I get to work with amazing people and together we’re changing lives for the better across our community. The fact is, if you love what you’re doing like I do, you never really work a day in your life. And public service work is definitely what I love doing.

What community endeavors are you proudest to engage in?

I’m most proud of our collective work with partners on issues of common cause, especially when we can leverage United Way’s breadth of relationships. As I look back, one thing I am proud of is United Way’s leadership in Governor Markell’s effort to organize and launch Delaware Stars. In those early years, United Way was part of a group of determined advocates who saw the value of ensuring that children were prepared to succeed in school, and who stuck with it and propelled that work forward. Today, Delaware Stars is a given; but at that time, it was not. And so, I’m proud that United Way was a part of laying that foundation.

How does your organization contribute to expanding opportunity for people in Delaware?

United Way is focused on changing more than the conditions we see in our under-served communities. Our real goal is to change the long-term trajectory for the people living in these communities, and by doing that, to change the trajectory for the entire community. We work at both the systemic level, on things like advocacy and policy, and at the grassroots level on programming that impacts people where they live. We focus on evidence-based strategies, on working with the right partners, and on advocating for communities of greatest need. It’s not easy, and not every organization has the capacity to do that. But I think working to change the trajectory of our community is one of our sweet spots.

Is there a philanthropist or philanthropic organization that inspires you?

I’ve been fortunate to work with so many who’ve inspired me; identifying one by name is nearly impossible. But I can tell you the qualities that these individuals have in common. Each is able to look beyond themselves, and beyond the immediate situation, and to feel true empathy, not pity, for those who may not be as fortunate. Knowing that but for a chance encounter, a lucky break, or even the zip code where they were born that they too might be walking a different path in life, they never lose sight that we’re all in this together. I’m also struck by the fact that these people never seek credit for what they do. I find all of that pretty inspiring.

If you could do one thing to increase equity in Delaware, what would you do?

I’d be sure every child in Delaware was reading on grade level by the end of third grade. That’s when kids stop learning to read and start reading to learn. Doing that one thing alone would make Delaware a more equitable place because it would even the playing field. If every child, regardless of zip code, was reading on grade level, and had equitable access to resources, we could increase equity in Delaware in a generation. The great thing is this: We know how to do it. What’s required now is the will.

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Field of Interest Funds: Hitting the Target, Now and Forever

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Friday, August 10th, 2018

· No Comments

Here is another post about working with DCF, and why it can be a great way to achieve charitable goals…this one describes the Field of Interest fund.

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We all have passions that drive us, that occupy a space in our heart and motivate us to improve the world. One way to address those passions – and invest in our community’s future – is through the Field of Interest Fund. These funds are designed by the donor to focus gifts in an area that is important to them, such as protecting the environment, supporting educational advances, or expanding access to the arts. And then, instruct the DCF board and staff to make sure good grants are made on that issue now and in the future.

It’s a way to narrow philanthropic giving, but keep your donation flexible enough to meet the changing needs of the community. The fund type allows for long-term community impact on issues that matter, while providing immediate benefit for the donor in the form of a tax deduction at the time the gift is made.

Think of it as hitting the target without having to nail the bullseye.

Here’s how it works:

1. Donors identify an area of personal interest, as broad or narrow as desired. (DCF staff can help narrow the focus if you wish). For example, the Jonathan Moyed CARE Fund, established at the DCF in 2001, is focused on innovative and creative ways to provide/support long term health programs for Delawareans. The DCF researches the organizations doing effective work in this important area and awards grants to make the greatest impact possible. Over the years, Moyed CARE fund has supported the Mary Campbell Center, Ingleside Homes, Nanticoke Health Services and other important organizations.

2. Donors create the endowed fund at DCF with a gift of cash, securities, or other property worth $15,000 or more. That gift becomes a permanent source of community funding, targeting the donor’s area of interest. Donors can add more funds at any time.

3. The DCF board awards grants to community organizations and programs that are making a difference in the selected area of interest. All the while, DCF handles the administrative requirements for the fund, including managing the fund assets and overseeing the fund’s investment.

There’s a lot of great work being done in philanthropy today. A field of interest fund is a great way to not only protect and promote the issues you care about, but also to ensure they get the support they need in the future.

It’s hitting the target — even from far away.

Donor Advised Funds at the DCF: Make a Difference that Lasts Longer than the Latest App

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Tuesday, June 19th, 2018

· 1 Comment

I usually write in my blog about trends and activities in Delaware and the country. But with this blog, and some others to come, I am going to explain a bit more why working with the DCF can be a great way to achieve their charitable goals…in this blog, I talk about Donor Advised Funds at the DCF.

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Technology allows us to do almost everything in an instant — order groceries, stream our favorite shows, even pay a parking ticket.

But not everything is meant to over in a flash, especially if you want to give with lasting impact.

For those who are looking to make a difference with their charitable dollars, a donor advised fund at the DCF remains a great way to make meaningful contributions to the causes and organizations that personally matter to you while also taking advantage of significant tax benefits. And donors who work with the DCF also get the benefit of the expertise and experience that DCF staff have about organizations and initiatives that are making a difference in Delaware.

Every year, our donor advised fundholders give away millions of dollars (almost $8 million in FY 2017 alone) to help important causes in Delaware and around the world, ranging from the 1916 Fund’s gifts to the Delaware Theatre Company and the Delaware Humane Association to the Charles C. Allen Jr. Family Fund’s support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Seaford and Nanticoke Health Services.

Every day at the foundation, our staff works with donors to help them achieve their greatest charitable goals. For instance, you may want to help with efforts to improve literacy but don’t know which nonprofits are doing the kind of work in Delaware that is making a difference.

Our staff at the DCF does.

Whether your interest is children’s issues, the arts, the environment, education, health or more…by working with us to create a donor advised fund, you can get help developing a plan that allows you to directly invest in meaningful programs and projects that benefit the community. We welcome the opportunity to work with you to identify meaningful grant making opportunities.

Quite simply, donor advised funds are an efficient way to leverage your personal resources to help others while also enjoying an immediate tax benefit.

Compare a DAF to a private foundation – it provides many of the advantages without the cost and time-consuming administrative responsibilities.

As the donor, you direct where you want your money to go. Of course, you don’t have to decide right away which nonprofits to support, but know that your gift rests with a local staff keenly aware of the needs of the community and the best way to create impact within it.

Donor advised funds aren’t a new idea — they were first established in the 1930s — and they provide community foundations like ours with a means to address some of the critical challenges in our area by putting resources where they are needed most. They’ve gone through some changes in recent years, but when coupled with a strong local organization like DCF, they remain a powerful tool for meaningful giving.

Donor advised funds are just that — donor advised. You choose what organizations to support. When you want to recommend a grant to be dispersed from your fund — either to an organization in Delaware (most grants given through DCF funds are to local organizations) or around the world — you can do so at any time by contacting us.

Philanthropy, like volunteering, is a way to feel good about helping others. It can be an empowering experience, but it doesn’t have to be over in the same amount of time it takes to download a new app.

A strong donor advised fund can provide an opportunity to strategically link philanthropic giving with community needs.

We’d love to talk with you to learn more about how to make that happen.

Grants Available from African American Empowerment Fund of Delaware

Posted by Allison Levine

· Thursday, March 29th, 2018

· No Comments

Delaware nonprofits are invited to apply for grants from the African American Empowerment Fund of Delaware (AAEFD), a giving circle of the Delaware Community Foundation.

The AAEFD invites nonprofit organizations in Delaware to apply for a grant. The grantmaking focus area for 2018 will be education, and more specifically, higher education access and retention. Grant awards will be up to $2,500, and funding requests should not exceed this amount.

The AAEFD was formed to establish a legacy of leadership in promoting philanthropy to fund causes important to the education, social, and economic empowerment of African American Delawareans.

Each grant request must be submitted electronically an AAEFD Grant Application Form, available at delcf.org/grants. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., May 31, 2018.

All applicants will be notified of decisions by June 30, 2018.

For more information, please email aaefd99@gmail.com.

About the African American Empowerment Fund

The African American Empowerment Fund of Delaware (AAEFD) is a giving circle of the Delaware Community Foundation. The fund was formed to establish a legacy of leadership in promoting philanthropy to fund causes important to the education, social, and economic empowerment of African American Delawareans. A giving circle is a group of people who give and raise money for a charitable fund and make grants from that fund to support a shared interest. It is the belief of AAEFD that the power of collective giving can immeasurably improve the worth and potential of African Americans in Delaware.

Inspiration

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Friday, February 9th, 2018

· No Comments

I hardly know where to begin.

For the first time ever, community foundations from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico held a summit in Mexico City last week – to discuss common concerns and strategies, and how we can work together. My mind is overflowing with inspiration ideas, questions and plans.

Following are three projects which have fired my imagination.

Community Foundations are all about improving quality of life, equity, social capital, and strengthening our social fabric, our “connectedness.” That means addressing many different issues and how they’re interrelated. In 2015, the United Nations created a framework called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to help us think and talk about those big goals – and the smaller goals to help us achieve the big ones. Importantly, the goals were developed in an inclusive process, engaging hundreds of thousands of people across the world.

The result is a set of 17 specific, measurable goals, with 169 identifiable and achievable targets, in areas such as poverty, hunger, gender equality, health, energy, climate change, and equality.

Sixty-four countries are already voluntarily reporting their progress; over 9,500 companies are signatories on a compact, pledging commitment to the SDGs; more than 65 mayors have agreed to implement them. The goals haven’t taken root in Delaware yet, but the framework – while massive – can provide a valuable touchstone for the work many of us engage in. Many community foundations around the globe have adopted one or another of the goals to guide their work.

And here’s amazing very cool way to start. The Foundation Center’s Indicator Wizard allows us to enter our goals – the things we’re working on here in Delaware – and it will identify which of the SDGs we fit in – and what the global targets are. Check it out.

Mapping the Latino and Hispanic communities in our region. The Boston Foundation, working in collaboration with a new initiative of CFLeads, (funded by the Inter-American Foundation and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation), has developed a powerful map of the Latino community in their region. Where is their Latino population from? What countries and cities? What kind of work are the communities involved in, what education levels, what needs?

The results are inspiring new projects, new funds, and new focus areas for that foundation.

The mapping itself is a model we are going to look at here in Delaware as we begin to focus in on the needs and interests of our own fast-growing Latino community.

Finally… On the Table. I’ve been terribly impressed by these community conversation “On the Table” projects – which have been organized by community foundations in dozens of cities across the U.S. The model – citizens hosting discussions about whatever matters – is deeply important. It re-introduces the idea that all of our voices matter, and the fundamental concept that talking with each other will help us become community again. The project in Chicago is most impressive. Last May almost 100,000 Chicago-area folks participated through social media, at workshops, or mealtime conversations. Philadelphia held their first on the table last spring, at which over 150 host locations brought people together. I hope we’ll be able to share more about this idea in the future. (If you’re interested in thinking about this, too, let me know.)

There are endless opportunities for good work, and boundless good ideas, and we’re keeping our eyes open for projects that will help us sharpen our DelawareFocus indicators website, and make a difference in the state. These three are certainly in the discussion.

Year-End Giving. It’s different this year.

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Friday, December 15th, 2017

· No Comments

Getting a few dollars knocked of your tax bill probably isn’t the main reason you give to charity.

If you’re like most of us, you give because you care about the health of children, about a clean environment, or great arts programming, because a neighbor asked you, because quality education is important. You give because you care about the quality of life in our community, and in the world.

But a little financial incentive certainly doesn’t hurt.

Unfortunately, for approximately 95 percent of Americans, the value of the charitable giving tax deduction is going to disappear under tax reform, if it passes in its current state.

This is not to comment on the overall merits or demerits of tax reform. This is to say that the tax incentives for giving – on which we have all relied for longer than we can remember – are going away.

And it’s to say that it might be a good idea for you to go ahead and make charitable gifts now — before January 1, 2018 — so you can take the deduction in the 2017 tax year.

To be clear, the deduction itself isn’t being eliminated. Rather, by doubling the standard deduction, the proposed tax plan will mean that the vast majority of taxpayers will no longer itemize. Since itemizing is how we take advantage of the charitable giving tax deduction, most taxpayers won’t be able to deduct gifts from their taxable income.

Let me repeat: We know that a tax deduction is not the primary reason that people give to charity. Study after study has shown that people give because they want to make an impact and because it brings them joy.

But the ability to take a tax deduction can affect how much people give to charity, according to preliminary research on the potential impact of tax reform. As one donor told us at the Delaware Community Foundation, “I will still give. I just might not give as much.”

That’s not because people are less generous or caring. It’s simply math.

Say you’re on a tight budget, but you figure out that you can afford to give $75 to your favorite charity. Then, you know you’ll qualify for a tax deduction, so you can really afford to make a $100 gift because you’ll get $25 back at tax time.

Under the pending tax reform, when you no longer itemize, you won’t be able to deduct that gift. So now, that $100 gift is really going to cost you the full $100. If your budget only accommodates $75, you end up giving $75 instead.

Who loses? Your favorite charity and, most importantly, those it serves. This worries us.

The undisputed estimates are that tax reform will result in a drop in charitable giving amounting to between $12 billion and $20 billion per year.

But many taxpayers have the opportunity to maximize the charitable giving tax deduction between now and December 31. While everyone should consult with a financial adviser before making major decisions, there are a couple of tactics that will be advantageous for many people.

First, consider making some of next year’s charitable gifts right now. If you typically give to certain organizations each year, you (and the recipient) may benefit by accelerating those donations to the 2017 tax year.

Second, talk to your adviser about whether a donor advised fund or similar vehicle might be right for you. With a donor advised fund, donors make a gift into a fund (like an account) at the local community foundation, take the tax deduction immediately, and then can decide later what nonprofits to support and when, with the added benefit of community knowledge and philanthropic expertise from the foundation team.

Generosity is a constant in our society. We are confident that next year and after that, Delawareans will continue to support things that matter to our communities. At the same time, tax policy matters.

During this season of giving — and last-minute tax planning — we encourage you to talk to your adviser about how you can maximize the existing charitable giving tax deduction and, as a result, maximize your impact in the First State.

#GivingEveryday

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Wednesday, December 6th, 2017

· No Comments

Giving Tuesday is behind us. But everyday Giving is still with us.

America’s social sector is a wondrous thing – fueled by generosity of time, talent, spirit, and money. In the midst of the giving season, between our day of thanks and the giving holidays, I find inspiration everywhere – from the people who mentor students, who serve meals to the hungry, who coach kids’ teams, volunteer for our local theaters, serve on boards, and in general, make our communities great places to be.

And of course, charitable giving is a big part of that. As you think about your end of year giving, consider the following:

Give to the things that bring you joy, and about which you are most passionate. It will make you feel even more committed.
Lots of small gifts are wonderful and valued, but a few targeted gifts can have a very powerful impact. If you know the things you care about most, consider focusing on them – and the organizations involved in them.
The vast majority of nonprofit organizations in this country are above-board and include hard-working, honest people. If you’re not sure about an organization, research them – on the web, or even by calling. If an organization can’t give you answers to your questions, find somebody else.
Don’t get overly hung up on overhead rates. If an organization tells you they spend 50% on overhead, that’s a problem, but don’t assume that a low rate is always a good thing, either. Spending too little on management can be just as bad as too much.
If you really care about an organization, tell a friend. Word of mouth is the most powerful way to build giving to an organization.
And finally, be joyful. Those of us who have some resources to share are fortunate. And those who work to help others are doubly fortunate. Share the joy.

Happy holidays. #GivingEveryday

The tax bill and charitable giving…not a pretty picture

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Tuesday, November 28th, 2017

· No Comments

The following is an op-ed that ran in today’s NewsJournal. It is a combined effort from Sheila Bravo, president of DANA, Cynthia Pritchard, president of Philanthropy Delaware, and Michelle Taylor, president of United Way of Delaware, and me.

* * * *

Charitable deduction is vital for nonprofits: Delaware Voice

by Stuart Comstock-Gay, Sheila Bravo, Cynthia Pritchard and Michelle Taylor

There’s a chill wind coming that could slice through cancer research, hospice care, job training initiatives, children’s literacy and arts programming, health care, food and shelter for the needy, and much more.

Another voice: Don’t let tax reform hurt nonprofits

Right now, Congress is weighing a tax reform package that – if it passes – would likely cost the nation’s nonprofits $14-$24 billion in the form of charitable gifts from generous Americans. If Delaware’s loss of charitable giving were proportionate to its population, it would mean, conservatively, that the state would see a reduction of tens of millions of dollars.

The current tax reform proposal threatens to eliminate the charitable tax deduction for 95 percent of taxpayers, thereby eliminating one of the most cherished incentives for making charitable gifts.

Letters to the Editor: Good Samaritan does Delaware proud

As representatives of the state’s nonprofit and philanthropic sector, we are deeply troubled about the likely impact of this legislation.

People donate to charities for many reasons – for the joy it brings them, because “it’s the right thing to do,” because they are moved by issues and challenges, or because they are asked by friends. But research shows that people give more when a tax deduction is available.

As one donor said recently, “Changing the tax benefit will not change my decision to give, or who I give to. But it will affect the amount I give.”

The charitable tax deduction is part of the structural underpinning of the nation’s nonprofit sector, which touches every single American, from the poor and voiceless to the wealthy and privileged.

If Congress eliminates the charitable tax deduction for all but the wealthiest five percent, the result will be an enormous drop in the dollars available for the nonprofits that fill the gaps between what the public needs and what government provides. This would mean a sea change in how basic services are provided in this country.

So what would happen to the afterschool programs and addiction treatment services that reduce crime on our streets? What about the workforce development and small business initiatives?

There are alternative proposals that could encourage greater charitable giving. For instance, the Universal Charitable Giving Act (H.R. 3988/S.2123) would allow non-itemizers to deduct charitable gifts up to $4,000 per individual and $8,000 per couple each year – on top of the standard deduction of $2,100 per individual and $4,200 per couple.

But, for now, this proposal is not part of the tax reform package in negotiation.

We are grateful that Delaware’s elected officials continue to stand strong against this element of the tax reform proposal. Sen. Tom Carper, Sen. Chris Coons and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester are passionate advocates for legislation that encourages philanthropic giving and facilitates the work of nonprofits to improve the quality of life for all Delawareans.

However, if something doesn’t change, this version of tax reform may pass, and it will change Delaware – and America – in fundamental ways. We urge our nation’s lawmakers to make a different choice.

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