Youth Philanthropy Board

The Delaware Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Boards (YPBs), one in each of Delaware’s three counties, are composed of students from public, independent and diocesan high schools throughout the state.

Every year, each YPB makes grant recommendations to support impactful projects in their communities. Together, they develop a focus area, solicit and evaluate proposals, conduct site visits and award grants.

In 2023, our three YPBs distributed $52,000 in grants to 20 nonprofit organizations. Since the YPB program began in 1999, more than 470 students have served as YPB members and have awarded nearly $550,000 in grants. View previous grant recipients.

Each YPB selects a different focus area. Focus areas for 2024 grants are:

  • The Kent County YPB believes in the conservation of a sustainable mind, body and environment. In 2024, it invites nonprofits to apply that prioritize the well-being of the individual and the planet, e.g. via environmental protection, health, homelessness, domestic violence and/or substance/alcohol abuse.
  • The New Castle County YPB understands the importance of youth mental health. The board invites and encourages nonprofits that focus on the impact of gun violence, food insecurity, learning disabilities and other forms of trauma on youth to apply.
  • The Sussex County YPB believes in helping conserve the land and addressing the well-being of the individual. For its 2024 grants, nonprofits that focus on land conservation, mental health, homelessness, and/or drug/alcohol addiction are encouraged to apply. 

The Youth Philanthropy Boards need your support!

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

2024 YPB Grants are no longer accepting applications.

Join our Building Opportunity mailing list to receive occasional information about ways to get involved.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.