The Cape Community Fund (CCF) has been created to help manage and expedite such donations, while affording a tax deduction to supporters.
The Cape Community Fund provides support for residents of all ages within the Cape Henlopen School District. The Fund provides:
- Financial support, up to $1,000 per incident, to needy victims of catastrophe;
- Referrals for victims to other sources of timely relief and assistance;
- In-kind donations, facilitated by CCF through local businesses.
In 2014, members of the Lewes High School Class of 1969 became aware of a classmate suffering from a prolonged illness which led to a catastrophic financial situation. Recognizing this need, members came together to raise funds to assist their former classmate.
As a result of that one case, the alumni became aware of even greater need for assistance in times of crisis within the local community. This led to the formation of the Cape Community Fund. Serving on the initial board of advisors are Milton O. (Butch) Archer, Kathy Ford, Esther Ann Ingram, Maryellen Kiernan, Edward Shockley, and Stanford Hazzard.
Today, the fund accepts requests from both referral agencies (health, emergency and human services organizations) and individuals themselves. Each request is given an immediate evaluation based upon established criteria. Per Federal IRS regulations, recipients cannot be pre-selected.
The amount distributed annually will depend on the level of annual sponsorships and donations to the fund. Donors can be assured that each request for support will be verified and validated through the intermediary services of the Cape Community Fund’s board of advisors.
All gifts are fully tax-deductible, and a report of fund distributions is regularly updated and available for review. The Cape Community Fund receives fiduciary services and oversight from the Greater Lewes Foundation. As an all-volunteer organization, 100% of donations go to people in need.
