The foundation is sending a message that the 2020 Census is one of the most important issues for Delaware County this year. “We have one chance to get this right. It is critical that we do everything we can to ensure a complete and accurate count for Delaware County,” said Frances Sheehan, foundation president. “We’re pleased that these nonprofits stepped forward because they have experience in the communities that we need to reach, and we’re looking forward to receiving more strong proposals by the March 4th deadline.”
According to Sheehan, Delaware County is one of 24 counties in Pennsylvania at high risk for being under-counted, potentially impacting millions in funding for schools, hospitals, roads, and infrastructure, as well as the county’s representation in Congress. An analysis by Keystone Counts identified 6 percent of Delaware County households (69,462) specifically at risk for an under-count. Pennsylvania received $39 billion in annual funding that relies on census data to calculate that funding.
The foundation has partnered with Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia, The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, and the Delaware County Complete Count Committee to support organizations promoting a complete and accurate census count for Delaware County. The Delaware County 2020 Census Action Fund has almost reached their $100,000 fundraising goal to fund census projects in Delaware County thanks to the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s $50,000 grant that has been matched by contributions from Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, PECO, Wells Fargo, The Foundation for Delaware County, the Crozer-Chester Medical Fund, and the Delaware County Memorial Hospital Medical Fund.
A full list of grants awarded can be found on The Foundation for Delaware County website. The second round of grant requests are due through the foundation’s online portal on March 4 at 5:00 p.m.
# # #
About The Foundation for Delaware County
A public charity founded in 2016, The Foundation for Delaware County is the largest philanthropy serving Delaware County. One of 780 community foundations across the U.S., the foundation focuses on encouraging philanthropy, convening across sectors to address difficult community issues, and makes grants to strengthen Delaware County’s nonprofit community.
The foundation’s principal role is to provide philanthropic services, often in partnership with the county’s professional advisors. Expert staff provide advice and support for generous individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking to have an impact with their charitable dollars. Donor Advised Funds, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder and lead trusts, and other tax-advantaged estate planning tools are all options through The Foundation for Delaware County.
With headquarters in Media and service sites in Eddystone, Upper Darby and Springfield, last year the foundation made nearly $1.5 million in grants and charitable support to improve the health and quality of life for the diverse residents in this thriving county. Learn more here: https://delcofoundation.org/the-foundation-for-delaware-county-awards-over-1-1-million-to-local-nonprofits/
The Foundation for Delaware County also operates prestigious evidence-based programs such as Healthy Start, the WIC nutrition program, Nurse-Family Partnership, Drug Free Communities, El Centro (a Hispanic resource center), and a health resource center for students in the Chester Upland School District, which serves one of the region’s poorest communities. To learn more, visit the foundation on the web at www.delcofoundation.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @DelcoFdn.
For more information, please contact Katy Lichtenstein, Associate Director of Development and Communications, at klichtenstein@delcofoundation.org or 610.744.1017.