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The Power of Generosity

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Monday, May 24th, 2021

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How giving is part of our path forward … my recent op-ed in the News Journal…

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American generosity is a powerful thing.

As we slowly claw our way out of the pandemic era, it’s time to pause for a moment to acknowledge the incredible generosity that has helped us along the way. Delawareans — indeed Americans across the country — have stepped up and donated time and money to make life a little better for those struggling the most. There are hundreds of stories to tell, and dozens of initiatives.

read more here in the NewsJournal.

New Support for Homeless Youth

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Thursday, April 15th, 2021

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With more than a year of pandemic life behind us, there’s much that was paused or halted or closed. With dollars constrained, service needs up, and attention focused elsewhere, it’s been hard to be forward thinking. But some nonprofits have been charging ahead – not just with pandemic relief but with exciting new efforts. Here’s one project.

One of the too often ignored challenges in our communities is the need of homeless youth. We don’t like to think about them – because it’s painful to think about, and an indication of a great societal failure. And there are way too many of them. Paul Calistro, Executive Director of the West End Neighborhood House, says, “National data leads us to believe that 1 in 10 Delaware youth between the ages of 18-24 experience some form of homelessness every year. The causes are complex and can include disability and current or former involvement with the foster care system. Data also indicates that LGBTQI youth face even greater difficulty in finding a safe, affordable place to live.” The $4 million campaign will expand housing, employment opportunities and counseling in independent living to young people ages 16-23 who are homeless.

The project also includes a drop-in resource center that provides meals and services to homeless youth.

While there are some services available now, and some beds specifically set up for homeless youth, they are too few and too far between. But as we speak, West End is creating more opportunities. By rehabilitating older housing, creating a drop-in center, and creating entirely new housing for homeless youth, they are speaking directly to this problem.

West End’s new housing for homeless youth should be opened by the end of July.

Groundbreaking occurred earlier this year, and soon the units are expected to open by the end of July.

It’s also worth noting here the significance of West End’s work with youth who were previously in the foster care system. Their 20-year old Life Lines program – which is part of this work – has focused on the particular changes of the community of former foster youth.

All of this is the kind of future-looking project that goes on all the time in most years. But while we’ve been consumed with the urgency of food, medical care, and vaccines, many of these sorts of projects have foundered. And this project shows how nonprofits are really walking and chewing gum at the same time – dealing with the urgent crises of now, while moving toward the future. And this at a time when resources have been particularly constrained.

It’s also a testament to the generosity of so many – corporations, individuals and foundations – who are helping to ensure services where they are most needed.

Credit to Paul Calistro and his entire team for keeping their sights on this critical work.

Thanks to a generous donor, West End has also established an endowment at DCF, to ensure that disabled youth who are using the new housing will have the additional supports they need to thrive.

To learn more about the program, reach out to Tara Quinn: tquinn@westendnh.org.

Delaware Donors and Generosity

Posted by Stuart Comstock-Gay

· Monday, February 1st, 2021

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It’s tough to see many silver linings out of this pandemic, but here’s one: Delawareans stepped up for each other in 2020.

I’m lucky to be in the business of working with generous people, but the scale of generosity over the past 12 months has knocked my socks off. According to our end-of-year reporting, the DCF awarded $31.2 million in community grants and scholarships – courtesy of individuals, families and corporations who donated generously because they care about Delaware.

That represents an incredible 35 percent increase over 2019 giving and a 112 percent increase over 2018 giving.

Wow. Just wow.

The increased giving in Delaware reflects national trends in 2020, as donors responded to the pandemic, shared the fruits of a strong stock market, and took advantage of charitable giving tax incentives established through the CARES Act. We’re pleased, of course, that we were able to help people get money out into the communities.

And we’re doubly pleased by our strong partnerships, which made this possible. Working with nonprofits across the state, with the State government, the University of Delaware, corporations like Highmark, foundations such as Rodel, we’re able to leverage passion, resources, and strategy to make a difference. Notably, in partnership with Philanthropy Delaware, we put out over $3.5 million through the COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund.

In addition to generous grantmaking in 2020, DCF fundholders also gave more than $82.1 million to charitable funds at the DCF for future grantmaking to address evolving community needs. This was an increase of $51 million (165 percent) over 2019 and $52 million (172 percent) over 2018. Thanks to this generosity – combined with careful stewardship and favorable market performance – the charitable assets under management at the DCF now stand at a record-breaking $368 million.

What all of this says to me is that, as Delawareans, we want to help. And that’s a silver lining that will keep me going through 2021.

The Circle in Georgetown to be Lit in Green for National Philanthropy Day the Week of Nov 16

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Monday, November 9th, 2020

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November 9, 2020

Buildings around The Circle in downtown Georgetown will be lit in green for National Philanthropy Day the week of November 16, 2020.

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) and the Town of Georgetown will celebrate the impact of philanthropy and especially the people who make it happen, increasing the quality of life in Sussex County. The DCF’s Southern Delaware office is located at 36 The Circle in Georgetown.

“Philanthropy means more than writing a check or making a donation, it’s about wanting to see our community succeed,” said Mike DiPaolo Vice President for Southern Delaware at the DCF. “Nonprofits in Sussex County make a difference in each of our lives, every day, and their successes are our successes. Whether it’s in eastern Sussex or western, for the arts, churches, education, or helping to address homelessness and hunger, the resources nonprofits need to meet their goals come from individuals and businesses across our county.”

“Organizations like the DCF play a unique role in advancing philanthropy in Sussex County, allowing individuals and businesses to structure their giving in a way that can bring maximum impact,” said Stuart Comstock-Gay, DCF President. “By working with Sussex County nonprofits day in and day out, we can leverage our experience to help funding get to organizations that are doing the work on the ground.”

National Philanthropy Day is celebrated every November 15. It was first recognized in southern California in 1986 and has grown as a way to recognize the individuals and institutions who work in philanthropy and whose efforts better our communities every day.

The DCF was established in 1986 by a group of concerned citizens who saw an opportunity to improve the quality of life in Delaware. The DCF’s Southern Delaware Office was established in 2002 to bring DCF charitable giving opportunities, programming and resources to Kent and Sussex counties. For more information about the DCF, to speak to someone about grant resources or to establish a fund, please contact Mike DiPaolo at 302-856-4393.

Love INC volunteer carrying a box of food

See the Person, Not the Problem: Helping Neighbors in Need

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Wednesday, July 15th, 2020

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Susan Kent, executive director of Love INC of Mid-Delmarva, joins us to talk about providing housing and support for the homeless, while building a comprehensive social-service delivery system with a network of churches and nonprofits in Sussex county.

Love INC of Mid-Delmarva received a $50,000 grant from the Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund to provide shelter for the homeless in Sussex County. The organization strives to build strong, holistic relationships with clients in order to provide compassionate, comprehensive aid. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve partnered with hotels to provide shelter for the most vulnerable members of the homeless community.

We also talk with Cynthia Pritchard, president & CEO of Philanthropy Delaware, and one of the DCF’s key partners in establishing the Strategic Response Fund.

All six episodes in this second season of Building Opportunity will feature stories about how the Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund has helped nonprofits meet the needs of our community during this crisis. DCF President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay is our host.

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

Modern Maturity volunteers loading Meals on Wheels food onto a cart for delivery to seniors

Modern Maturity’s Modern Solutions: Feeding the Heart of Kent County

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Wednesday, July 8th, 2020

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Carolyn Fredricks, president and CEO of Modern Maturity, discusses how the largest nonprofit senior center in the state has adapted quickly to provide essential services to seniors across Kent County.

Modern Maturity has received a total of $100,000 in grants from the Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund to deliver meals and provide grocery shopping services for seniors in Kent County who are among the most vulnerable to the virus. As the Meals on Wheels provider for the county, they’ve expanded operations significantly. At a peak moment during the pandemic, volunteers were cooking 2,500 meals per day and performing 3,000 wellness checks per month. They’ve also started teaching remote exercise classes on Facebook and YouTube, and hosted a socially-distanced tailgating party at their center in Dover.

We also talk with Sheila Bravo, president & CEO of the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA), and one of the DCF’s key partners in establishing the Strategic Response Fund.

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

A Link in the Chain: Ending Cycles of Violence and Socioeconomic Inequality in Wilmington

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Wednesday, June 24th, 2020

· 1 Comment

Margaret Guy, executive director of Stop the Violence Prayer Chain Foundation, talks about providing educational and social services to children and families who live at or below the poverty level, and who are often impacted by domestic and gun violence.

Stop the Violence Prayer Chain Foundation received $2,500 in grants from the Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund to continue providing essential supplies for children in Wilmington during the crisis. In the past, the organization has offered after-school tutoring, educational trips, life-skills classes and apprenticeships, and has even partnered with Comcast to produce a children’s show. Now they’re finding new ways to connect with a community affected by the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.

We also talk with Sheila Bravo, president & CEO of the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA) and one of the DCF’s key partners in establishing the Strategic Response Fund.

You can listen and subscribe to the show on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Find all podcast episodes at delcf.org/podcast.

$108,760 Awarded from Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund to 13 Nonprofits

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Monday, June 8th, 2020

· No Comments

$50,000 earmarked for grants to minority-led organizations serving communities most affected by pandemic.

In its ninth round of grants, the Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund on Friday awarded $108,760 to 13 nonprofit organizations providing services to communities throughout the state.

The fund also earmarked $50,000 to create a new initiative to increase equity in Delaware by strengthening smaller nonprofits (operating budgets $250K and under) led by and serving people of color, who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Specifics will be determined in the coming weeks.

Friday’s grants will address a broad range of community needs during the pandemic. Grantees are:

Absolutely Flawless Women — $5,000 to provide meals for families in Indian River School District.
Bellevue Community Center — $10,000 to provide fresh produce to underserved families in Wilmington.
Chinese American Community Center — $8,000 to support virtual programming and operations of the facility in Hockessin.
Clear Space Theatre Company — $10,000 to support operations.
Delaware Center for Horticulture — $10,000 to mobilize home gardeners to grow and donate produce statewide.
Delaware Zoological Society — $10,000 to support zoo operations and virtual programming.
Joshua M. Freeman Foundation — $10,000 to convert the Freeman Stage’s free, weekly Young Audience Series to a virtual program.
Laurel Public Library — $3,900 for a UV sanitation machine for books and materials.
Lewes Public Library — $10,000 for equipment to support virtual programming.
Merakey Allos — $6,500 for equipment to provide services for individuals with intellectual disabilities at Delaware group homes.
Paws for People — $4,000 to support virtual pet therapy and reading programs statewide.
Siegel JCC — $16,360 for equipment to facilitate safely reopening the facility in Wilmington.
Wilmington & Western Railroad — $5,000 for equipment to facilitate safely reopening the historical railroad.

In this ninth round of grants, 51 applicants requested $1.3 million from the COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund, which is housed at the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF).

The fund, which launched on March 18, has awarded $2.5 million to 107 Delaware nonprofits so far. The fund awarded grants each week March 27-May 22 and paused for a week before awarding Friday’s grants.

Next Applications Due June 15

The fund will accept additional grant applications on June 15 at delcf.org/covid-grants.

The grants have been targeting a combination of immediate needs and broader community needs, including the arts, culture, the environment, workforce development, animal welfare and others.

The June grants are target nonprofit organizations – both large and small – playing key roles in various sectors, throughout the state.

While we cannot address the sustainability of every nonprofit organization, the goal of these grants is to strengthen the sustainability of the sectors traditionally upheld by nonprofits, including health and social services, education, the environment, workforce development, animal welfare, the arts, culture and others.

These grants target solvent nonprofit organizations with solid plans for long-term fiscal sustainability and strong leadership and management. The plans should be responsive to the changing environment for funding, as well as evolving community needs. Organizations with a history of serving populations most affected by the pandemic will be favored.

New Grants Programs to Be Announced for Second Half of 2020

The Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund will continue to award grants at least through the end of 2020.

Two new grants programs will be announced on Friday, June 12 at delcf.org/covid-grants. Details are not yet available.

Double the Impact of Your Gift

The council is actively raising money to be able to respond to community needs, said DCF President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay.

“As the pandemic continues, the needs are growing and evolving,” Comstock-Gay said. “We are calling on the community to help local nonprofit organizations get food, shelter, medical care and other essential services directly to the people who need it most. We also must support our workforce, arts community and other sectors to restore our quality of life post-COVID-19.”

The Longwood Foundation, which previously gave $1.5 million to the Strategic Response Fund, recently awarded a $500,000 grant, with the stipulation that the DCF must raise a matching $500,000 from the community by Aug. 31.

To make a gift that qualifies for the match, give at delcf.org/covid19-fund or contact Joan Hoge-North.

About the Fund

The Strategic Response Fund was established to address the state’s emerging and evolving needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grantees are selected through a rigorous process that involves a diverse team of more than 50 community leaders representing all three counties and a range of areas of expertise. Final decisions are made by the COVID-19 Community Needs Grants Council:

April Birmingham, M&T Bank
Sheila Bravo, president, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA), ex officio
Vernita Dorsey, WSFSAlan Levin, SoDel Concepts
Leslie Newman, retired CEO, Children & Families First
Todd Veale, executive director, Laffey-McHugh Foundation
Enid Wallace-Simms, Delmarva Power
Amy Walls, Discover Bank

The fund, which is being directed by Philanthropy Delaware President Cynthia Pritchard, already includes generous gifts from the Longwood Foundation ($1.5 million), Barclays ($500,000), New Castle County ($500,000), Welfare Foundation ($200,000), CSC ($100,000), Crestlea Foundation ($100,000), Fund for Women ($100,000), Highmark ($100,000), Laffey-McHugh ($100,000), Discover ($75,000), DCF ($75,000), DuPont ($75,000), M&T ($50,000), JP Morgan Chase ($30,000), Bank of America ($25,000), TD Bank ($25,000), WSFS Bank ($25,000) and others. The DCF also has waived all administrative fees for this fund, so that 100 percent of the funds are going to organizations helping people in need.

The Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund is part of the Delaware COVID-19 Emergency Response Initiative, a nonprofit collaborative response to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The DCF, DANA, PD and United Way of Delaware are partnering to coordinate charitable resources to maximize impact statewide during this crisis.

To contribute, visit delcf.org/covid19-fund.

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

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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.

How Businesses Build Opportunity | Mark Carter

Posted by Rebecca Klug

· Friday, March 13th, 2020

· No Comments

Mark Carter, director of Beer & Benevolence, the charitable arm of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, talks about the role of businesses in building opportunity.

A Kent County native and Marine Corp veteran who has traveled around the world, Carter brings a “think globally, act locally” approach to Dogfish Head’s charitable giving, which focuses on arts, environment, and community. In addition to the brewery’s donations, Dogfish Head staff regularly volunteer for projects across the state.

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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