Fund for Women Names Pam Cornforth 2026 First Founders’ Award Recipient   

Cornforth to receive the honor at the Fund for Women Breakfast on October 14 

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF), one of the largest charitable organizations in the state and a top-100 community foundation nationwide, has named Pam Cornforth the recipient of the 2026 First Founders’ Award through its Fund for Women (FFW) giving circle. The First Founders’ Award is presented annually to a FFW Founder — a member of the giving circle — who has a record of exceptional generosity, demonstrates civic and/or charitable responsibility, and whose leadership has encouraged others in philanthropic endeavors throughout the Delaware community. The award recognizes Cornforth’s longstanding leadership, service, and commitment to women and girls in Delaware.

“We are proud to celebrate Pam Cornforth as our First Founders’ Award recipient for 2026,” said Kathy Kiernan, FFW Board Chair. “A longtime Founder and former Secretary and Board Chair, Cornforth has demonstrated a remarkably strong commitment to her local community throughout her distinguished career.”  

Cornforth will be honored at the First Founders’ Breakfast on October 14 at Riverfront Events in Wilmington, Delaware. Doors open at 7:15 a.m., with the program running from 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. Registration is required: fundforwomende.com/events. 

Pam Cornforth – A Mission-focused and Passionate Nonprofit Leader 

A longtime Founder of the Fund for Women, Pam Cornforth served two six-year terms on the FFW Board of Trustees, including as Secretary and Board Chair. She has also served as Board Chair of the Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies; Chair of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Superstars in Business Committee; Co-Chair of the Small Business Alliance Board of Managers; President of the Rotary Club of Wilmington; President and Sustainer Director of the Junior League of Wilmington; and as a member of the Delaware Community Foundation Board. 

Since 1999, Pam Cornforth has worked as President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Delaware, where she oversees operations, financial and personnel management, strategic planning, public relations, fundraising, and other organizational functions. 

Under Cornforth’s leadership, Ronald McDonald House Delaware has expanded from a 17-room facility to its current 52 guest rooms. During her tenure, the organization has served more than 50,000 families seeking specialized medical care for seriously ill children. 

Cornforth has also held leadership roles within the Ronald McDonald House Charities system, including a two-year term on the Ronald McDonald House Global Advisory Board, where she served as a liaison between local RMHC chapters and the global office. She also served on an ad hoc study team examining the impact of Ronald McDonald House programs on hospital partners and access to healthcare. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the TrueSense Advisory Council, helping Ronald McDonald Houses collaborate on fundraising initiatives. 

Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the SmartCEO magazine Brava! Women Business Achievement Award and induction into the Brava! Hall of Fame; a 2019 Delaware Today/Delaware Business Times Women in Business honoree; the 2023 Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Gilman Bowl; and the 2024 USA TODAY Delaware Woman of the Year award, which recognizes women who have made a significant impact in their communities. In 2025, Cornforth was named Medium Nonprofit CEO of the Year by Delaware Business Times.