The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) recently awarded a series of grants to help Kent County residents in need.
The grants come from the Potter Trust - which has offered assistance to the economically underprivileged in Kent County since it was created in the 1840's.
This year - the trust is providing $290,000 to 13 organizations with the help of the Delaware Community Foundation.
“Every year these monies go out. And DCF is fortunate to be able to facilitate that. Working with our partner the CenDel Foundation, who actually review the proposals, we’re actually able to get the money out in one form or another every year,” said DCF president and CEO Stuart Comstock Gay.
He says the grants target crisis/emergency assistance for basic needs, homelessness, hunger and healthcare.
Comstock Gay notes this year, the committee also considered needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You know it’s funny - I’d like to say that it’s (the money) needed now more than ever, but of course with 180-years of monies gone out, there have been times when it’s particularly dire all over the place. Is this needed right now in a very significant way? Absolutely. Questions about food and shelter and basic services are front and center. And so this money is incredibly needed now,” said Comstock Gay.
This year’s grants include $20,000 to the Central Delaware Housing Collaborative/House of Hope Women’s Shelter to implement the New Horizons Financial Assistance Program; $25,000 to the Harry K Foundation to expand its food pantry backpack program in Kent County; $15,000 to the YMCA of Delaware to expand food service for children and families in need at its Kent County locations and another $15,000 to Code Purple Kent County for its four homeless shelters. Hope Medical Dental Clinic received $20,000 to help provide dental and medical services to low income residents.
Other grantess include: Communities In Schools Delaware, Ronald McDonald House, Catholic Charities, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Dover & Vicinity, Inc., First State Community Action Agency, Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, Caring Hearts Helping Hands, Inc., and Central Habitat for Humanity.