Potter Trust Grants $248,000 to Recipients in Kent County
181-year-old trust charged with supporting the ‘poor citizens of Kent County’ awarded funds to Hope Medical Clinic, Neighborgood Partners, and Green Beret Project, among others
The Potter Trust at the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) has announced $248,000 in program grants to 15 nonprofit organizations, making it the largest private grant fund in Kent County.
“We believe these grantees and their projects truly embody the spirit of the Potter Trust,” says Mike DiPaolo, Vice President for Philanthropy & Southern Delaware at the DCF. “The Trust is dedicated to providing direct support whenever possible, ensuring that our funding makes a tangible impact on the Kent County community.”
Grantees include the Green Beret Project, offering at-risk youth dynamic programming after school and on weekends; Neighborgood Partners, reducing violent crime through Project Safe Neighborhoods Dover; and Hope Medical Clinic, expanding free medical and dental services to underserved and uninsured community members.
“The funds we receive from the Potter Trust allow us to provide emergency assistance to the young people we mentor and their families,” says Adam Kramer, Executive Director of the Green Beret Project. “This includes buying school uniforms, paying sports fees, and helping moms afford mechanic bills to get to work on time. It enables us to steward more at-risk youth to college, trade schools, and military institutions.”
Established in 1843 and one of the oldest continuing trusts of its kind, the Benjamin F. Potter Trust continues to support economically disadvantaged individuals in Kent County through charitable organizations. With the CenDel Foundation serving as the grant recommendation committee, the Trust focuses on funding priorities that include crisis and emergency assistance for basic needs, homelessness, hunger, and health care.
Grant recipients include:
- Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity, Inc.: $30,000.00 – Healthy Home Repairs
- Harry K Foundation: $11,800.00 – Reducing Food Insecurity for Kent Vulnerable Children
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware: $25,000.00 – A Closet for Kids, Teens & Families
- Shoes That Fit: $10,000.00 – 24-25 School Year Kent Co. Sneaker Program
- Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition: $27,500.00 – Kent Co. Breast Care Assistance Fund
- Vision to Learn: $25,000.00 – Helping Kent Students Learn through Access to Vision Care
- Green Beret Project: $12,500.00 – Emergency Assistance for Dover Youth
- First State Community Action Agency Inc: $25,000.00 – Homelessness Prevention & Diversion
- Charity Crossing Inc: $3,300.00 – Helping Homeless Sleep Safely
- Ronald McDonald House of Delaware: $7,500.00 – Housing/Support Services for Low-Income Families in Kent County
- NeighborGood Partners, Inc.: $24,900.00 – Project Safe Neighborhoods Dover
- Hope Medical Clinic, Inc.: $20,000.00 – Expansion of Medical/Dental Services
- Children’s Beach House Inc.: $2,500.00 – Youth Development Program
- Milford Housing Development Corporation: $18,000.00 – Home Repair Program
- Frederica Senior Center, Inc.: $5,000.00 – Free/Low-Cost Meal Program