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Potter Trust at the DCF Grants $273,000 to Recipients in Kent County 

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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, today announced $273,000 in program grants to 11 nonprofit organizations through its Benjamin H. Potter Trust.  

“For more than 180 years, the Benjamin F. Potter Trust has been a steadfast source of hope and support for Kent County residents in need,” said DCF President and CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay. “Supporting these grantees is an honor, as their work continues Benjamin Potter’s legacy of neighbors caring for neighbors.” 

Among the 11 grantees, Milford Housing Development Corporation, a nonprofit housing developer, received $25,000 from the Potter Trust this grant cycle for its home repair program. Elizabeth W. Murphey School Inc., an organization that provides residential group care and transitional care for homeless youth, received $33,500 to support its “Homes for Transitioning from Foster Care” initiative.    

“The Home Repair Project helps low-income Delaware homeowners address urgent health and safety issues in their homes,” said Milford Housing Development Corporation President and CEO David Moore. “It has become an essential resource for seniors and people with disabilities who often struggle with affordability and accessibility challenges. Support from the Potter Trust enables us to reach more Delawareans, creating safer, more accessible, and functional homes.” 

Established in 1843 and one of the oldest continuing trusts of its kind, the 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 Potter Trust focuses on funding priorities that include crisis and emergency assistance for basic needs, homelessness, hunger, and health care. 

“Thank you to the administrators of the Potter Trust,” said the Elizabeth W. Murphey School Executive Director Michael Kopp. “The donation of $33,500 to the Elizabeth W. Murphey School has been instrumental in helping us towards our goal of purchasing additional housing for young adults transitioning from the Foster Care System in Delaware. Without this help, there would be additional homeless young adults in our community. The program supported by these funds provides housing and training which allows each participant to successfully transition to their own successful living arrangements.” 
 
2025 grant recipients include: 

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware: $ 35,000.00 – A Closet for Kids 
  • Harry K Foundation: $21,000.00 – Reducing Food Insecurity Among Vulnerable Children in Kent County 
  • Vision To Learn: $30,000.00 – Helping Students Recover Lost Learning Time through Access to Vision Care in Delaware County 
  • Caring Hearts Helping Hands, Inc.: $5,000.00 – Christmas/holiday Program 2025 
  • Milford Housing Development Corporation: $25,000.00 – Home Repair Program 
  • Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition: $30,000.00 – Kent County Breast Cancer Assistance Fund 
  • Elizabeth W. Murphey School, Inc.: $33,500.00 – Homes for Transitioning from Foster Care 
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware: $15,000.00 – Housing & Support Services for Low to Moderate Income Kent County Families  
  • First State Community Action Agency: $33,500.00 – Homelessness Prevention 
  • Shoes That Fit (Delaware Chapter): $20,000.00 – 2025/2026 School Year Student Shoe Bank Program for Kent County 
  • Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing: $25,000.00 – Interfaith Pathway Women & Children’s Shelter