Giving back: State, county nonprofit fund for nonprofits; Highmark’s $125,000 donation

301
Advertisement

Delaware Gov. John Carney and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced a $25 million fund for nonprofits that provide services to families affected by tbe  coronavirus pandemic.

Carney and Meyer were joined by leaders of Delaware nonprofit and philanthropic organizations in announcing the  Delaware Nonprofit Support Fund.

Eligible services include:

  • Homelessness and shelter assistance
  • Food assistance
  • Substance abuse counseling and services
  • Assistance for Delawareans who have lost employment
  • Domestic abuse services
  • Services for youth in crisis

“Nonprofit organizations across our state, their employees and their volunteers have stepped up for their neighbors and provided critical services throughout this COVID-19 pandemic,” said  Carney. “In many cases, they saw increased caseloads and need extra support to assist Delaware families. The bottom line is this: Delaware could not get through this crisis without these committed service organizations. We owe them our support and our gratitude.”

The Delaware Nonprofit Support Fund is jointly funded by the State of Delaware and New Castle County, using federal allocations by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Advertisement

Nonprofits may receive reimbursement for basic operational expenses – such as assistance with cleaning supplies and funding for personal protective equipment – as well as reimbursement for increased caseloads. Grant levels will be awarded based on the nonprofit’s 2019 operating expense budget. The program excludes organizations that qualify for assistance under the $100 million DE Relief Grants program, administered by the Delaware Division of Small Business.

“COVID-19 has impacted thousands of people across all sectors in New Castle County, and our friends and neighbors who rely on assistance from nonprofits are among those hardest hit,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “These grants will help those hardest hit by COVID-19 and enable us to continue to serve our friends and neighbors in need.”

“We realize the value of all Delaware nonprofits,” said Michelle Taylor, President and CEO of United Way of Delaware. “Some are large and some are as small as one or two people. United Way of Delaware will work to ensure that every nonprofit—regardless of size—has equitable access to the available funds.”

“Our full goal is to get money to every nonprofit that qualifies,” said Stuart Comstock-Gay, CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation. “Nonprofit organizations have been playing a critical role in keeping Delaware going. Great work is being done, and this fund should help provide much needed help.” 

New Castle County has been partnering with the state in areas that include Covid-19  testing and a new $100 million program that provides grants to small businesses. New Castle County received $300 million from the federal Cares Act that must be used for Covid-19 assistance.

Highmark makes $125,000 donation to Food Bank

Highmark Delaware presented the Food Bank of Delaware with a $125,000 donation this morning to support the organization’s workforce development initiative, Delaware Food Works.

Larry Haas, Chief Development Officer, Food Bank of Delaware, Ronika Ervin, Delaware Food Works Culinary Student, Desiree Spearman, Delaware Food Works Culinary Student, Andrea Williams, Delaware Food Works Culinary Student, and Sue Dahms, Director, Large Group Client Management, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware

Through Delaware Food Works, the Food Bank provides workforce development training to Delawareans in the areas of foodservice and warehousing/logistics through The Culinary School and L.O.G.I.C. (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control). The mission of the initiative is to eliminate food insecurity through workforce development and social entrepreneurship.

“We are pleased to support Delaware Food Works and the Food Bank of Delaware as they continue their work to fight food insecurity,” said Nick Moriello, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. “This multi-faceted program that provides job training to those who need it most, while teaching life and entrepreneurship skills, and offering support services, is impressive. We are excited to see the impact it will have on the individuals enrolled and our community as a whole.”

Thanks to the donation, the Food Bank will be able to provide scholarships for 17 students.

The Culinary School is 14-week program that includes 12 weeks of hands-on training in basic and high-end kitchen skills, safe food handling, and life skills.

“We are thankful for Highmark’s support of our workforce development initiative,” said Larry Haas chief development o14fficer. “We know that in order for Delawareans to no longer need our emergency food assistance services, we need to provide individuals with opportunities to gain employment that pays a living wage.”

Pet Valu holding  Pet Appreciation Month

Pet Valu is hosting Pet Appreciation Month this September.From September 1-30.customers will have the “paw-portunity” to participate in the celebration and fundraiser benefiting  local shelters.

Last year, Pet Valu helped fundraise more than $400,000 for local rescues and shelters. through this effort.

Pet Valu has a half a dozen stores in Delaware.

“Pet Appreciation Month is an important annual initiative during which we collect much needed funds and food product for rescues in our local communities. While we had to postpone this year’s fundraiser, originally scheduled for April, we know that rescues have been greatly affected by COVID-19 and need our help more than ever,” said Ally Homa, Pet Valu’s senior marketing manager.

For more information about Pet Appreciation Month and Pet Valu’s philanthropic efforts, visit https://givingback.us.petvalu.com/national/pet-appreciation-month/.  

 

Advertisement
Advertisement