Delaware Community Foundation

08/25/2026

Search the word 'philanthropist' and don't be surprised if you see her photo.

Dolly Parton famously grew up poor in Pigeon Forge, TN and became the top selling female country artist of all time, with 11 Grammys, 54 top 10 hits and 3000+ songwriting credits. She started a publishing company at age 20. She wrote the song “9 to 5”, an anthem for women and working people, then starred in the movie, her first of many.

Yet it was her dedication to getting books in the hands of millions of young children in underserved families through her Dolly Parton's Imagination Library that may be her greatest legacy. The scope of the effort is amazing. More than 300 million books and counting have been distributed - at no charge - since 1995.

Dolly, rest well, knowing you changed an inconceivable number of lives. To slightly misquote your biggest hit, "we will always love you.”

Photo: publicity shot, 1977

08/25/2026

DCF's President & CEO, Stuart Comstock Gay, will speak at the Community Foundations for Civic Health Annual Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 9th 2026 at 10:15am.

Hosted by Community Foundations for Civic Health, an initiative of CFLeads, the Rhode Island Foundation, and the National Civic League, the Civic Health Summit will bring together community foundation leaders, civic practitioners, and partners from across sectors to explore how civic health strengthens communities and creates conditions for lasting impact.

*Registration has closed.

08/24/2026

DCF’s Youth Philanthropy Boards (YPB) give students the opportunity to support local causes, build leadership skills, and gain valuable experience in philanthropy.

Hear Karrington share why students should consider joining YPB!

To learn more, or if you know a student who would like to apply, reach out to DCF Senior Program Officer Yolanda Rushdan at [email protected] or 302-504-5239.

08/24/2026

We recently welcomed Coast Life to the Delaware Community Foundation’s Southern Delaware office in Lewes for an interview highlighting the people and stories behind DCF’s impact and celebrating our 40th anniversary.

The conversation brought together three perspectives: scholarship recipient Emerson Sheldon; Leah Beach of Developing Artists Collaboration, a DCF grantee; and fundholder Gavin Braithwaite.

They share how scholarships, grants, and philanthropy can open doors to great opportunities. Watch the full Coast Life interview here:

Delaware Community Foundation Celebrates their 40th anniversary, an...

08/19/2026

We are grateful to the Food Bank of Delaware for hosting the DCF’s annual staff retreat yesterday! We had a wonderful time learning about their incredible programs and resources, including the Healthy Pantry Center, the Kitchen School, and the Backpack Program. After a day of strategy and team building, the DCF staff helped pack bags and boxes with other volunteers.

And thank you to Larry Haas for a tour of the facilities!

08/19/2026

The DCF is Hiring an Accounting Associate | For More Information and to Apply Now Click Here: https://workforcenow.cloud.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=eed70204-fbd5-4507-8113-b77e59dc4a6b&ccId=46778166_2&lang=en_US&jobId=77020

Short Description Below:
The Accounting Associate exemplifies the DCF’s commitment to excellent donor service and inspires fulfillment of our Donor Promise, to help people give with joy and confidence, throughout the entire organization.

The part-time Accounting Associate provides essential support to the Finance & Operations team with a focus on gift entry, grant disbursement support, and accounts payable processing. This position is responsible for supporting high-volume transaction processing and ensuring accurate, timely, and well-documented entries.

08/17/2026

Is there a high school student that you know who would be interested in giving back and making a difference in their community? DCF’s Youth Philanthropy Boards provide students with the opportunity to support local causes, strengthen their leadership skills, and gain valuable experience in philanthropy.

Hear Avery Rose share why students should join YPB.

To learn more or apply, contact DCF Senior Program Officer Yolanda Rushdan at [email protected] or 302-504-5239.

08/12/2026

The Borkee Hagley Fund Grant Opportunity is now open.

The Borkee Hagley Fund supports organizations providing care, clinical research, social and emotional support services for patients and families affected by neurodegenerative diseases. This includes cognitive and movement disorders like Huntington’s Disease, ALS, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s.

Apply for Borkee Hagley Fund support of up to $50,000. For more information visit our website: https://delcf.org/grants

08/11/2026

Do you know a high school student with a passion for helping others and making a difference in their community? Encourage them to consider joining the DCF's Youth Philanthropy Boards. Hear John Olakowski explain why students should apply.

Apply or learn more by contacting DCF’s Senior Program Officer, Yolanda Rushdan, at [email protected] or 302-504-5239

08/10/2026

We recently welcomed Coast TV to the DCF’s Lewes office for an upcoming interview highlighting the people and stories behind DCF’s impact.

The conversation brought together three perspectives: scholarship recipient Emerson Sheldon; Leah Beach of Developing Artists Collaboration, a DCF grantee; and fundholder Gavin Braithwaite.

They share how scholarships, grants, and philanthropy can open doors to great opportunities. Stay tuned for the full Coast TV interview coming soon.