Sussex youth philanthropy board names grant recipients
The Delaware Community Foundation Sussex County Youth Philanthropy Board recently granted $25,500 to eight Sussex-based organizations.
Through the YPB, high school students have the opportunity to design a grant program. They study issues in their neighborhoods and schools, identify a focus area for grantmaking, learn about philanthropy and effective grantmaking, solicit grant proposals, conduct site visits to nonprofit organizations and ultimately select grantees.
“I think it fair to say that very few organizations allow teenagers to make all the decisions about granting funds, but that’s exactly what the Delaware Community Foundation does through this program,” said Stuart Comstock-Gay, DCF president and CEO. “We are investing in the next generation of young people by teaching them how philanthropy works and providing them with the experience of making funding decisions. It is a win-win-win for the students, the organizations receiving grants and the community.”
In 2024, the Sussex County board focused on the importance of land conservation and addressing individuals’ well-being. Grants were awarded to nonprofits that focused on land conservation, mental health, homelessness and/or drug/alcohol addiction.
Recipients are: YWCA Delaware, $4,000 to address the needs of homeless women who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; Run Saniyah Run, $4,000 to assist parents/guardians of special needs children with services and resources; Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, $4,000 to support the Student Estuary Exploration program to increase environmental literacy through a variety of nature-based lessons; Survivors of Abuse in Recovery, $3,000 to provide counseling to children, adolescent and adult survivors of sexual assault; Harry K Foundation, $3,000 to expand the organization’s food backpack program for vulnerable students in Sussex County who are considered homeless and living in area hotels or shelters; Milford Advocacy for the Homeless, $3,000 to support the HarvestHub: Nutrition for All program, address food insecurity and promote holistic well-being in the community; Tether Foundation, $2,500 to support Camp Abilities Delaware, an educational sports camp for Delaware children ages 8-17 who are blind or have low vision; and Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, $2,000 to refurbish the Family Therapy Room at the DGS Seaford location.
