DCF Youth Philanthropy Boards Announce $111,000 in Grants to 37 Nonprofits at 2026 Awards Ceremonies
The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF), a top 100 community foundation nationwide and one of the largest charitable organizations in the state, today announced $111,000 in grants to 37 Delaware nonprofits through its Youth Philanthropy Boards (YPBs) in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. Grantees received recognition at a ceremony for the Sussex board on April 13 at Big Oyster Brewery and for New Castle and Kent boards at CSC Station on April 16.
“We remain incredibly proud of our Youth Philanthropy Boards,” said DCF President and CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay. “Students give their time and energy to improve the lives of others in their communities. We know that students who participate in YPBs in high school go on to lead nonprofits, hold political office, and give back in big and small ways throughout their lives.”
The YPBs are Giving Circles 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.
“Being a member of the Youth Philanthropy Board of Sussex County means that you get to be part of something that helps your community and its needs,” said YPB Sussex member Nona Wright. “It opens your eyes to things you wouldn’t normally see.”
Grants were awarded to the following organizations:
New Castle County YPB
Total Grant Amount: $40,000
Focus Area: In 2026, the New Castle County YPB supported nonprofits that are providing mental health programs or support for individuals who may be experiencing food insecurity, substance abuse, or suicide-risk (which could include populations such as LGBTQIA, teenaged parents and youth in foster care).
- SL24 UnLocke the Light Foundation — $5,000 for Peer 24 Support Program
- YWCA Delaware Inc. — $4,500 for Food Security & Stabilization
- Fostering Wishes Foundation — $4,500 for FWF Core Program Support
- Compassionate Hearts Inc. — $4,000 for Equine-Assisted Resilience Program
- Survivors of Abuse in Recovery — $2,500 for Trauma-Informed Mental Health Support
- Grace to Grace: The Parent’s Journey — $2,500 for Restorative Parenting & Conflict Resolution Academy
- Hope on Deck, INC — $2,500 for Earle’s Legacy Resource Ctr.
- Nativity Preparatory School of Wilmington — $2,500 for Trauma-Informed Counseling program for at-risk boys
- Jewish Family Services of Delaware — $2,500 for Youth Anxiety Program
- Christina Cultural Arts Center — $2,500 for HeArt Under the Hoodie Program
- Future Promises Foundation, Inc. — $2,500 for The OASIS Project: Community Violence Response Track
- Connecting Generations — $2,500 for Mentor Summit for LGBTQ+ Youth
- Fighting Abuse Through Education — $2,000 for Protective Parent Support Network
Kent County YPB
Total Grant Amount: $33,000
Focus Area: In 2026, the Kent County YPB supported residents by funding the safety of those in need of greater assistance and protecting the land they live on. They will offer grants to non-profits that have a drive to aid Student Support Services, People with Disabilities, Environmental Conservation and/or Violence Prevention.
- Best Buddies International — $5,000 for Kent Co. Friendship and Leadership Development Project
- Endless Possibilities in the Community (EPIC) — $5,000 for Increasing Access to Fitness for Disabled Adults in Kent Co.
- Green Beret Project — $5,000 for Safe Streets Project
- YWCA of Delaware — $5,000 for Community Violence Prevention and Survivor Support Program
- Capital School District — $3,350 for Capital Community Center
- Do Care Doula Foundation, Inc. — $3,000 for Growth Family Resource Center Basic Needs Pantry & Diaper Bank
- Tender Hearts, Inc. — $2,650 for Kent County Mobility Program
- Survivors of Abuse in Recovery — $2,500 for Strengthening Community Safety through Trauma-Informed Services
- HUB302 — $1,500 for Increasing Domestic Security, Appreciation for the Arts and Social Skills
Sussex County YPB
Total Grant Amount: $38,000
Focus Area: In 2026, the Sussex County YPB funded nonprofits that support family success, especially those at-risk families experiencing mental health issues, domestic/gun violence, and/or food insecurity/homelessness. They will also fund support services for those who are in need of assistance for early to secondary education, recreational (art/sports) activities, or finding jobs.
- YWCA Delaware — $5,000 for SARC Violence Prevention & Homelessness
- Purity Laundry Project, Inc. — $5,000 for Purity Laundry Project
- Read Aloud Delaware — $4,500 for Tradiciones y Esperanzas: Family Literacy Nights for Sussex Youth
- Fostering Wishes Foundation — $3,000 for Back to School Wishes in Sussex County
- Survivors of Abuse in Recovery — $2,500 for Healing Families, Building Resilience: Trauma-Informed Support in Sussex County
- Future Promises Foundation — $2,500 for The OASIS Project: Community Violence Response Track
- What Is Your Voice, Inc. — $2,500 for Swipe Right on Respect
- New Zion UMC – Operation West Laurel — $2,000 for SOAR Safe Haven Program
- Pathways to Success — $2,000 for Gun Violence Awareness & Prevention Initiative for Pathways to Success Teens
- Delaware Law Related Education Center, Inc. — $1,500 for Legal Pathway for Sussex County public schools
- Connecting Generations — $1,500 for Mentor Summit
- Best Buddies Intl. — $1,500 for Best Buddies in Delaware Friendship and Leadership Development Project
- Sussex Co. Habitat for Humanity — $1,500 for Affordable Homeownership in Milford
- Jewish Family Services of DE — $1,500 for RISE Coping with Uncertainty Program
- SNAC Garden Foundation DBA Delmarva Community Wellnet — $1,500 for Workforce Development Training for Youth through Hands-On Agricultural Education