The WSFS CARES Foundation, the charitable giving arm of WSFS Bank has provided grants to five organizations.
The grants, approved in the first quarter by the WSFS CARES Foundation board, will support the following Delaware organizations:
- Delaware Prosperity Partnership ($150,000 Grant to be paid over three years) Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) is the nonprofit state economic development agency leading Delaware’s economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses, build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem, and to support employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent in Delaware. The WSFS grant will support key programs promoting Delaware’s economy throughout 2024-2026.
- FinServ Foundation ($78,000 Grant to be paid over three years) The FinServ Foundation is a nationwide nonprofit focused on building a more inclusive, representative and vibrant financial services profession by working directly with colleges and universities to support the next generation of skilled professionals. The WSFS grant will support Delaware State University and Temple University students to join FinServ for a two-year program that includes six months of mentorship, 24 hours of coaching and education and access to a financial services industry conference.
- Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank ($100,000 Grant to be paid over three years)
The Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank (WNCLB) works to return vacant, dilapidated, abandoned, and delinquent properties to productive use while strengthening and revitalizing its neighborhoods and inspiring economic development. The WSFS grant will allow work to begin on the rehabilitation of 10 additional units for homeownership and the acquisition of 18 strategic properties in private ownership.
“The mission of the WSFS CARES Foundation is to support nonprofits that are invested in improving communities and fostering a spirit of inclusion and diversity,” said Patrick J. Ward, executive vice president, Pennsylvania Market President at WSFS Bank and Chairman of the WSFS CARES Foundation. “We’re proud to support each of these great organizations, which share our focus on investing in and strengthening their communities through revitalization, business economic empowerment, education, leadership development and affordable housing.”
“Delaware Prosperity Partnership is grateful to the WSFS CARES Foundation for investing in our efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses throughout Delaware,” said Kurt Foreman, CEO. “This grant will help support DPP’s Global Advisors Program, which furthers our efforts to promote Delaware as a first-choice location for foreign direct investment by European, Asian and other international companies seeking to expand to the United States. WSFS was one of our founding investors, and we thank them for their continued investment in DPP. With such support, we are able to maintain our momentum and impact on Delaware’s economy as we work to advance prosperity for all those living and working in Delaware.”
“The FinServ Foundation, for the past four years, has made monumental strides in exposing, educating and empowering the next generation to seek careers in the financial services industry,” said Dr. David Rhoiney, board member, FinServ Foundation. “The foundation’s board is all volunteers who believe in changing the industry for good. That altruism is reflected in the organization’s mission, and as a result, the FinServ Foundation has shown itself to be a bright spot in an industry which is ever evolving. We are excited to partner with the WSFS CARES Foundation to support local schools like Delaware State University and future professionals in the PA, NJ and DE area.”
“The Wilmington Land Bank is proud to join forces with WSFS Bank in the transformative revitalization of the Lower Hilltop neighborhood,” said Rick Gessner, Board president, Wilmington Land Bank. “This once-neglected community has experienced significant investment in the past two years, and with the generous support of WSFS, we will continue this important work. Over the next three years, our collaboration will assist in the rehabilitation of 10 units for affordable homeownership and the strategic acquisition of 18 privately-owned properties. We are grateful to WSFS for their investment in the revitalization of this Wilmington, Delaware community.”
