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DCF’s Youth Philanthropy Boards Announce $65,000 in Grants at 2025 Receptions

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The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF), a top-100 community foundation nationwide and one of the largest charitable organizations in the state, announced its Youth Philanthropy Boards (YPBs) funding decisions for the 2025 grant year at receptions in New Castle and Kent Counties last week. The YPBs awarded $65,000 to support organizations that improve the lives of youth in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties.

The DCF supports YPBs in each of Delaware’s three counties. They are composed of students from public, independent and diocesan high schools. Each YPB makes annual grant recommendations to support impactful projects in their communities. Students develop a focus area, solicit and evaluate proposals, conduct site visits and award grants. Participation connects them to Delaware’s nonprofit community while cultivating skills that foster lifelong philanthropic giving.

“As a high school student, I very much live in a bubble. I’m very grateful to say that YPB has exposed me to the varying array of problems that affect individuals in Sussex County,” said Anna Beck, Senior at Cape Henlopen High School and two-year YPB member. “It’s been very inspiring to see such passionate people helping others. No matter what is going on in the world, I now know that in at least Sussex County, there are very good people who are making a difference.”

Grants were awarded to the following organizations:

New Castle County Total Grant Amount: $20,000

Focus Area: In 2025, the New Castle County YPB chose to support programs that increase access to services that provide youth with necessities, including mental health support, safe housing, and food security with special consideration given to organizations that have an educational component.

  • Best Buddies – $2,500 for Best Buddies in Delaware Friendship and Leadership Development Project
  • Jewish Family Services of Delaware – $2,500 for Youth Anxiety Program
  • Compassionate Hearts Inc. – $2,500 for Healing Hooves
  • EDGE for Tomorrow – $2,500 for Group Theraplay
  • Striving to Reach Our Next Generation (S.T.R.O.N.G.) – $2,500 for The S.T.R.O.N.G Inc. Safe Haven Program
  • Covenant Community Services – $2,500 for Summer Arts Camp for Children Dealing with Trauma
  • Christina Cultural Arts Center – $1,250 for HeART under the Hoodie
  • Stop the Violence Prayer Chain – $1,250 for Stop the Violence Prayer Chain Foundation

Kent County Total Grant Amount: $20,000

Focus Area: In 2025, the Kent County YPB chose to support nonprofits that address the vital conditions of health.  Examples include services for the homeless, mental health, violence prevention, student support and conservation of the land.

  • Elizabeth Murphey School – $5,000 for Reaching Potential Program
  • Paige’s Kindness Project – $5,000 for Paige’s Kindness Project
  • NxtGen302 – $2,500 for Youth Empowerment Solutions
  • Wilmington Hope Commission – $2,500 for Dover HOPE Streets
  • Green Beret Project – $2,500 for Empowering At-Risk Youth in Dover
  • Tether Foundation – $2,500 for Camp ABILITIES Delaware

Sussex County Total Grant Amount: $25,000

Focus Area: In 2025, the Sussex County YPB prioritized support for students and families related to social, economic and educational development. Examples include nonprofits focused on K-12 sports, mentoring, tutoring, basic needs assistance, addiction recovery/prevention, or mental health (including animal therapy).

  • Jewish Family Services – $5,000 for the RISE Refugee Program
  • Philadelphia Arms Townhomes – $4,300 for Morgan’s Place
  • Survivors of Abuse in Recovery (SOAR) – $4,000 for Training for Therapists
  • Network Connect – $2,500 for the RACE Program
  • Green Beret Project – $2,500 for Sussex Youth Intervention
  • Compassionate Hearts Inc. – $2,500 for Healing Hooves
  • Delaware Guidance Services for Children & Youth – $2,000 for Therapeutic Journaling for Youth
  • Children & Families First – $1,200 for the Seaford Community of Hope Dollar Dinners Program
  • Cornerstone Community Center – $1,000 for Kids Against Tobacco

To sponsor YPB students in one county or statewide, contact Yolanda Rushdan, Senior Program Officer at 302.504.5239.