OVERVIEW: This Delaware funder maintains a broad range of funding interests and gives generously to local nonprofits.
IP TAKE: The Welfare Foundation’s geographic focus is narrow, but its areas of funding interest are broad. This funder accepts unsolicited applications for its spring and fall funding cycles and recommends applicants set up an in-person meeting to discuss opportunities. This is a highly approachable funder for Delaware nonprofits and community organizations.
PROFILE: Established in 1930, the Welfare Foundation is a private foundation based in Wilmington, Delaware. Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954), the famous engineer, industrialist, conservationist, farmer and designer, founded this philanthropic organizatio. Pierre’s great-grandfather, Irenee du Pont, founded DuPont de Nemourse, Inc., which is commonly known as DuPont. This funder aims to use “its assets and the income they generate to promote the social welfare of people and communities across the state of Delaware and in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania.” It funds local efforts for social services, housing, health, hospitals, environment, arts, education and civic causes.
The Welfare Foundation typically awards $4 million to $5 million per year to support local causes and continue the legacy of giving of its founder. It most often provides capital grants rather than grants for programs or general operations. The funder requires grantseekers in need of operating support to contact the staff to discuss his need prior to submitting an application because this type of funding is an exception and not the norm. It also prefers for organizations to wait three years to apply for a new grant after receiving one from the Welfare Foundation.
Grants range between about $10,000 and $500,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the foundation’s recent grantees page of its website. Grantmaking focuses on communities in Delaware and in southern Chester County of Pennsylvania. Past local grantees include the Delaware Botanical Gardens, Reading Assist Institute, and the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits via online application. Although it is not a requirement, the foundation strongly recommends meeting with the staff to discuss a proposal before submitting an application. There is a spring cycle with applications due April 15 and a fall cycle with applications due October 15. The trustees meet in June and December to review applications. Direct general questions to the staff at info@welfarefoundationde.org or 302-250-4966.
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