The Benjamin F. Potter Trust, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, is inviting nonprofit organizations that support economically disadvantaged populations in Kent County to apply for grants. Established in 1843, the Benjamin F. Potter Trust is one of the oldest continuing trusts in the United States, specifically aiming to assist charitable organizations that provide direct services or address root causes to reduce the need for services in areas such as crisis and emergency assistance for basic needs, homelessness, hunger, and health care. The CenDel Foundation, with its expertise in the needs of Kent County, serves as the grant recommendation committee for this fund.
The grants will support proposals for projects that have a lasting, positive impact on Kent County. Eligible projects include those that provide emergency financial assistance for basic needs and those that address homelessness, hunger, or health care. Organizations can request funding up to a maximum of $50,000. The funding is intended to be used specifically for programmatic efforts that align with the identified focus areas.
The application requires several components, including a detailed project proposal, strategies to achieve project objectives, information about the target population and estimated number of people served, and a plan for evaluating the project's impact. Applicants must also provide demographic data about the organization’s board of directors and the population served. Additionally, organizations are asked to outline any collaborative partners, other sources of funding, and the potential impact of receiving only partial funding.
Submission requirements include a completed application form, project budget, organizational budget, financial statement, Form 990, IRS 501(c)(3) documentation, and a list of the organization’s board of directors. Grant funds will be disbursed via ACH transfer, and applicants must provide bank details for payment processing.
All applicants will be notified of the grant committee's decision in August 2025. The primary contact for further information regarding the grant is Mike DiPaolo, who can be reached at 302.355.6933. Additional information about the CenDel Foundation and its initiatives can be accessed at www.cendelfoundation.org.
