Sussex youth philanthropy board selects grant recipients
The Delaware Community Foundation announced its youth philanthropy boards’ funding decisions for the 2025 grant year. The YPBs awarded $65,000 to support organizations that improve the lives of youth in Sussex, Kent and New Castle counties.
Comprising students from public, independent and diocesan high schools, each board makes grant recommendations for projects to bring meaningful impact in their communities. Students develop a focus area, solicit and evaluate proposals, conduct site visits and award grants. Participation connects them to Delaware’s nonprofit community while cultivating skills that foster lifelong philanthropic giving.
"I’m very grateful to say that YPB has exposed me to the varying array of problems that affect individuals in Sussex County,” said Anna Beck, a senior at Cape Henlopen High School and two-year YPB member. “It’s been very inspiring to see such passionate people helping others. No matter what is going on in the world, I now know that in at least Sussex County, there are very good people who are making a difference.”
In 2025, the Sussex County YPB prioritized support for students and families related to social, economic and educational development. Examples include nonprofits focused on K-12 sports, mentoring, tutoring, basic needs assistance, addiction recovery/prevention and mental health (including animal therapy).
Grants were awarded to: Jewish Family Services RISE Refugee Program, $5,000; Philadelphia Arms Townhomes, $4,300 for Morgan's Place; Survivors of Abuse in Recovery, $4,000 for therapists’ training; Network Connect, $2,500 for the RACE Program; Green Beret Project, $2,500 for Sussex youth intervention; Compassionate Hearts Inc., $2,500 for Healing Hooves; Delaware Guidance Services, $2,000 for therapeutic journaling for youth; Children & Families First, $1,200 for the Seaford Community of Hope Dollar Dinners Program; and Cornerstone Community Center, $1,000 for Kids Against Tobacco.
To learn more, go to delcf.org/youth-philanthropy-board.
