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Archive for non-profits

Mark Carter of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and the DCF's Stuart Comstock-Gay recording podcast episode

Podcast Series Finale: Mark Carter, Beer & Benevolence Director at Dogfish Head

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay 
· Friday, March 13th, 2020 
· No Comments
Building Opportunity in Delaware podcast logo

This first round of DCF podcasts concludes with a slightly different take. Dogfish Head beer is one of this state’s proud successes. And Sussex County local Mark Carter is the guy heading up their work in the community. Mark is committed to a healthy environment, committed to his kids, and an incredibly active member of numerous organizations – including the Delaware Nature Society, Milton Historical Society, Lewes Chamber of Commerce and others. He is also a former information officer for the US Marine Corps.

In this interview, we talk about how a private company can play an important role in building opportunity in our communities. Beyond the mere fact of employing many people, Dogfish Head has a deep commitment to strong communities.

Mark also talks about the role of the employees of Dogfish Head – being active as volunteers, suggesting projects for the company, and caring deeply about the places they call home.  Their community work “permeates the brewery,” says Mark.

Mark probably hast the coolest job title of anybody I’ve met, but for him, it’s the coolest job, too – or as he says, “probably 99.9% the best job there…”  Check it out, and hear his passion and commitment.

Listen to all nine episodes of Building Opportunity in Delaware at delcf.org/podcast.

Building Opportunity in Delaware podcast logo

Episode 7, Rev. Edwin Estevez: Faith, Community and Opportunity

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay 
· Friday, February 28th, 2020 
· No Comments

I love this discussion.

I feel like I could have talked with Edwin Estevez for a whole day. As pastor of the Grace Methodist Church in Wilmington, convening minister of the Riverfront Church, and active member of many diverse communities in Wilmington, Edwin is thoughtful, passionate and connected. We shared stories of our church backgrounds, and connected around why strong communities drive our respective work.

To me, one of the most compelling themes was the basic human idea of truly seeing each other – in our varied experiences, needs, backgrounds, and humanity. I believe there is a lot of today’s divide that is driven by misunderstanding, and not genuinely listening to others and trying to understand. In Edwin’s discussion, he talks also about organizations that he admires, and that includes those that “walk alongside,” but don’t try to dictate.

For me, whether the motivation for this kind of community work comes from a religious base or another sense of community, it can get us to a positive place.

Enjoy.

n.b. There’s a small oops in here. In our discussion of Francois Clemmons and Mr. Rogers, I said that Francois was the postman on Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Later in the discussion, I realized my error, and acknowledged at the end that he was indeed “Officer Clemmons.” Mr. Rogers lovers will know what I’m talking about. 

Rev. Edwin Estevez talking, gesturing broadly with an animated expression on his face

How Faith Communities Build Opportunity | Rev. Edwin Estevez

Posted by Rebecca Klug 
· Friday, February 28th, 2020 
· No Comments

Rev. Edwin Estevez, senior pastor of Grace Church UMC and the Riverfront Church in Wilmington, talks about the role of the faith community in building opportunity. The son of Guatemalan immigrants, Estevez grew up in North Jersey and is now a proud Delawarean. With his leadership, Grace Church is launching a kitchen incubator to empower people struggling with poverty to learn culinary and restaurant skills, transforming the church campus into a green, energy-efficient example of “creation care,” and opening Grace Cafe, a welcoming “third space” for conversation and reflection over a cup of coffee.

Our nine-episode Building Opportunity in Delaware podcast series focuses on how can we build opportunity and strengthen community for all. DCF President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay talks with Delawareans who are building opportunity through the arts, faith communities, libraries and everything in between.

You can listen and subscribe on Apple, Spotify. and Google Podcasts. Find all podcast episodes at delcf.org/podcast


Building Opportunity in Delaware podcast logo

Podcast Episode 5: Micheal Crumble is Helping Kids Succeed

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay 
· Friday, February 14th, 2020 
· No Comments

This week on our podcast we hear from Micheal Crumble.

Micheal Crumble for the H. Fletcher Brown Boys and Girls Club. (Have I ever said how much fun my job can be.)

Micheal Crumble is, in his own words, “Boys and Girls Clubs through and through.” For almost 20 years, he has been focused on helping kids through their programs – from Dumfries, Virginia to greater Washington, D.C., to Silver Spring, Maryland and now Wilmington. And that work comes after a career in the Air Force.

A military guy. A guy who cares about community and cares about kids and wants them to have real opportunity. Currently, Micheal is the Unit Director of the H. Fletcher Brown Boys and Girls Club in Wilmington.

Micheal is all in for this work, and has an important story to tell about his work.

It’s worth noting here what an important role the Boys and Girls Clubs are playing up and down the state. The program at Brown is serving some of the most overlooked kids in the city. But that’s also true at all of their facilities, and in their school based programs. In Seaford and Laurel and Milford and Dover and Smyrna, and, and, and.

Thanks to that organization. And thanks to Micheal for his leadership at the H. Fletcher Brown site.

Check out this week’s podcast here.

Listen and subscribe to all episodes in the series at delcf.org/podcast.

Micheal Crumble and Stuart Comstock-Gay sitting at a table recording the podcast

Building Opportunity for Underserved Youth | Micheal Crumble

Posted by Rebecca Klug 
· Friday, February 14th, 2020 
· No Comments

Micheal Crumble, director of the H. Fletcher Brown Boys & Girls Club in Wilmington, talks about building opportunity for underserved youth. Following a 20-year career in the military, Crumble found a second vocation creating opportunities for kids to learn and grow. Under his direction, the H. Fletcher Brown Boys & Girls Club recently opened a digital arts lab, funded in part by the DCF.

Our nine-episode Building Opportunity in Delaware podcast series focuses on how can we build opportunity and strengthen community for all. DCF President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay talks with Delawareans who are building opportunity through the arts, faith communities, libraries and everything in between.

You can listen and subscribe on Apple, Spotify. and Google Podcasts. Find all podcast episodes at delcf.org/podcast.


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5 Questions with Stu: Tom Sager, Founder of First State Fund at the DCF

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay 
· Monday, February 3rd, 2020 
· 1 Comment

When the story of quiet and committed community leadership in Wilmington is written, Tom Sager’s name simply has to be part of it. His decency, commitment, smarts, passion for equality, and legal leadership are known across the legal profession. He is the recipient of many awards and broad recognition. His hard work for important organizations in Delaware is known and valued by many. As the immediate past Chair of the DCF, he has played a critical role in this organization’s work. And as an individual philanthropist, he is much respected. We are thrilled to share his comments here.

1. Why is philanthropy important to you?

Tom Sager at the opening of the Community Education Building playground in 2019.

Having been blessed with a law degree and the good fortune of working for the DuPont Company for 38 years, I have often observed first-hand what a positive and dramatic impact philanthropy can have upon the citizens in a state the size of Delaware. Whether it is done through volunteering, monetary donations or participation in United Way-sponsored events, the goodwill generated while connecting with our fellow citizens in need is real and palpable.

2. What first motivated you to get involved in philanthropy?

Plain and simple, in 1976 when I joined DuPont, the “giving unselfishly” mindset was instilled in me by our wonderful leaders within the executive ranks from day one. Ed Woolard, Jack Krol, Chad Holiday, Ellen Kullman, Chuck Welch, and Stacey Mobley just to name a few. But it was the culture and ethos within DuPont that touched me deeply and, I am sure, so many other of my DuPont colleagues.

3. What are the greatest factors influencing your decisions when you consider opportunities you could support?

Identifying a “community-based need” which is local, observable, and capable of actually being addressed through the collective efforts of other like-minded individuals.

4. What community endeavors are you proudest to support or engage in?

There are several that strike a chord with me. The ChristianaCare healthy heart campaign targeting the African-American community, the Community Education Building under There DuPont’s leadership, which saw the need to create a playground for the youngsters attending that inner-city school, and finally, the Innocence Project just now being launched at Widener Law School to research and provide legal representation to inmates unjustly convicted.

5. Where do you see the greatest potential for philanthropy to drive change in Delaware?

A disclaimer is in order here. I am a board member and past chair of the Delaware Community Foundation. My introduction to this incredibly effective and visionary organization came through Marilyn Hayward, the past chair who recruited me as her successor, and Fred Sears, the CEO at DCF for 13 years. I am amazed as to how this foundation has evolved under Stuart Comstock-Gay’s leadership and its transformation in developing a far more integrated approach to some of our community’s most pressing needs. The DCF inspires me greatly based upon my first-hand experience in observing the diverse groups and organizations, up and down the state, that it collaborates with to make a difference.

DCF Logo

Giving with strategy … and joy

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay 
· Monday, December 30th, 2019 
· No Comments

There are only hours left for 2019 charitable giving. I wrote a piece – with Cynthia Pritchard of Philanthropy DE – about strategies for giving at the end of the year. But truly, the strategies are good for year-round giving, too. In the end? Follow your passion and be joyful. But there are other thoughts, too – about involving your family, creating a vision for the coming year.

On this last point, my wife and I spend time at the beginning of every year reviewing our upcoming giving. We have favorite organizations and causes. In some cases we give to the same organizations every year. We also think – broadly – about how much money we’d like to give in the area of arts, or environment, or international work, or core human services.

But we also look at particular needs – such as when a hurricane hit Puerto Rico, or flooding hit my birth-town of Fremont, Nebraska. But for us, some planning at the front of the year helps

In any case, you can read the article in the Delaware Business Times. Check it out.

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)

5Q Logo

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.

* * *

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.

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

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay 
· Monday, June 3rd, 2019 
· No Comments

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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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.

 

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