Through effective philanthropy and informed decision-making, we mobilize resources and provide leadership to address our communities’ biggest challenges.
Our convening, grantmaking, and community health programs help to solve problems that address unmet needs in the county including those in public health, housing stability, food security, and racial equity, and we offer professional development opportunities designed to strengthen the nonprofit sector.
Even though the county ranks fourth highest in the Commonwealth in per capita income, it is home to more than 50,000 people living in poverty. Furthermore, in several areas many families and individuals are in a cycle of multi-generational poverty. While the county compares well with peers nationally — from educational attainment to primary care access — it ranks unfavorably on a range of others. These include certain crimes, low birth weight, death from HIV, heart disease and stroke. Other long-term issues that need attention are food insecurity, income gaps between the top 1% and bottom 99%, as well as safe and healthy housing.
At The Foundation for Delaware County we are dedicated to bringing people together to address major challenges faced by the county.
These six priorities guide us in our shared pursuit of a just, prosperous, and unified county where every person is empowered to reach their full potential.
The Peer Learning Circles have provided a safe space and a strong forum for members to share their successes and challenges as we lead our organizations during this challenging time. As a new executive director in Delaware County, it has also expanded my network and helped me build relationships with other leaders across the county.
After experiencing homelessness, I will never forget the look on my children’s faces when we walked in the door and they realized that this was our home. It brought me to tears. I could not be more thankful to the foundation team.
Working with The Foundation for Delaware County makes our life a lot easier. I cannot imagine why folks would not consider a community foundation to assist with their charitable giving.
The foundation serves the County as a convener and a trusted advisor to donors, a provider of resources and an advocate to those in need. No other organization in Delaware County has the capacity to play this important leadership role.
