Wilmington, DE – The Next Generation (TNG) of the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is pleased to announce that for a third year, the organization will provide grants to support programs for 10 to 14-year-olds that address the underlying social factors that contribute to low graduation rates, teen pregnancy and drug abuse. Specifically, TNG will help fund out-of-school programs that incorporate other family members, role models or peers to help address these factors. TNG will entertain grants up to $10,000 in their fourth year of grantmaking. Requests for funding must be submitted by October 14, 2009.
“We learned that children in a number of Wilmington neighborhoods have three strikes against them; some of the highest numbers of children living in poverty, the highest rates of violent crimes, and the highest percentage of low-income and African American students with scores in reading and math below state standards,” according to TNG President, Bill Dugdale. “We decided that we will continue to focus on initiatives that engage at-risk youth with mentors connecting them to positive pathways.” Last year, seven nonprofit organizations shared $30,000 in funding to help at-risk youngsters.
Only nonprofit organizations that are located in Delaware (or serve Delawareans) and have a 501(c)(3) designation by the IRS are eligible to apply. To be considered for funding, the organization must be primarily focused on this age group. Any submissions must incorporate mentoring by, but not limited to, family members, role models, or peers; however, the TNG Youth Support Grant need not be utilized solely for this mentoring component. Funding decisions will be made in January 2010.
