The Next Generation – Northern Delaware Grant

The Next Generation North of the Delaware Community Foundation is a philanthropic initiative driven by young professionals in Delaware. Established in 2004, it has awarded over $375,000 to programs focused on using the Arts for social change in New Castle County. Grants support innovative, collaborative projects that improve the quality of life for underserved communities, emphasizing long-term social impact through diverse artistic expressions and community involvement.

What is The Next Generation North of the Delaware Community Foundation?
The Next Generation (Next Gen) North is a philanthropic organization that was created and is directed by young professionals living and working in Delaware. Next Gen North works in conjunction with the Delaware Community Foundation, but members have established their own structure to raise funds and support the community. Through the charitable fund they established in 2004, The Next Generation has awarded more than $375,000 in support of initiatives that address underlying social challenges faced by vulnerable Delawareans.
Next Gen North is currently raising money to support programs in New Castle County that utilize the Arts to support and inspire social change and innovation. The merits and execution of each program will determine grant selection. Preference is given to those organizations and programs that provide help to an underserved community
What is the policy of Next Gen North in making grants?
Proposals for competitive grants are considered on the basis of how they enhance the quality of life for Delawareans. Next Gen North is particularly interested in proactive, preventative and future-thinking proposals. Next Gen North's Grants Committee oversees all grant-making, subject to approval of all Next Gen North board members and the DCF Board of Directors.
Next Generation North supports programs across New Castle County that utilize the Arts to support and inspire social change and innovation. Fine arts, visual, performing, creative, and folk arts that can be delivered across a broad spectrum of programming (school programs, summer camps, therapeutic arts, and traditional arts organizations like museums and theaters), fall within the scope of our funding area. Programs may be focused on adults, children and/or both. Ultimately, we are looking for arts activities and programs that will have a long-term social impact.
Social impact can most nearly be defined by:
Issues historically fundamental to humanity;Art expressing values, empathy & character;Art that builds bridges between cultures and brings people together despite differences;Art that inspires through creativity, innovation & beauty.Art that encourages problem-solving and a diversity of perspectives
Demonstrate vision, effectiveness, good management and action for positive change.Encourage collaboration between agencies and reduce duplication of services.Leverage funds from other sources.Create a sense of community through neighborhood involvement and outreach.Include an evaluation component.

Eligibility

Only nonprofit organizations within the state of Delaware that have a 501(c)(3) designation by the Internal Revenue Service are eligible to apply.Agencies receiving DCF grants must serve the state of Delaware and its residents without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin or sexual orientation.

Ineligibility

What we do not support. . .IndividualsNon-501(c)3 nonprofit organizationsPurchase of office equipment, furniture, or or standard office expenses related to the operation of an organization (e.g. web site services, computer software, desktop or laptop computers, office phone systems, etc.)Sports clubs, leagues, or facilitiesPublic or tuition-based educational institutionsFundraising entities for programs and organizations that are primarily supported through public funding (e.g., schools, parks, libraries)Purchase of vehicles (i.e., mobile machines that transport people or cargo)EndowmentPublic or tuition-based educational institutionsDebt reductionReligious organizations for sectarian purposes (However, projects that serve the entire community, regardless of religious affiliation, are eligible for support.)Annual fundraising campaignsProjects completed before June of the current yearSpecial eventsFundraising entities for programs and organizations that are primarily supported through public funding (e.g. schools, parks, libraries)