FOCUS IS ON KIDS AVOIDING DRUGS

The Delaware Community Foundation is probably best known for the grants we
award to many Delaware nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, the
foundation has put its grantmaking resources to work for disadvantaged
populations and communities. Grants have been awarded to address some of
Delaware's most pressing challenges, including affordable housing,
homelessness, health care, adolescent needs, violence prevention and
after-school programs.

Fifty-three grants, totaling $570,000, were awarded over three years to
enrich the lives of thousands of youngsters attending after-school
programs. At-risk elementary and middle school children participated in
educational and recreational activities supervised by adults who are
positive role models. The children had the opportunity to develop
self-esteem, leadership abilities and conflict resolution skills in safe
and nurturing environments.

The foundation launched Violence Prevention: An Investment in Children from
Birth to Age Five in 1995 after a community survey showed that youth
violence, drugs and crime were viewed as one of the most serious problems
in the state. The foundation determined thatto make a significant impact on
violence, it was important to concentrate on prevention at an early age. In
the program's five years, 40 grants totaling $627,500 were awarded to 25
Delaware agencies for programs to break the cycle of violence.

Psychologist Paula Malone evaluated the impact of these programs at the
completion of the fourth year. She noted the initiative produced positive
results in the lives of children and their parents, and the changes had the
potential to be lasting.

The Delaware Community Foundation turned to the public again this year to
help determine the next focus for grants. The foundation decided to focus
the next three years on the prevention of substance abuse in children and
youth 18 and younger. A minimum of $200,000 will be awarded to qualified
nonprofit programs each year for the next three years.

This complements an initiative by United Way of Delaware to increase access
to substance abuse treatment. United Way also identified drug and alcohol
abuse as a major issue facing families, and along with Children and
Families First, has brought together leaders to form the Human Services
Partnership. It is working to improve collaboration among the vast array of
social services in Delaware.

The Delaware Community Foundation is proud to be a philanthropic resource.
We encourage individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create
their own funds at the foundation to fulfill their charitable goals. For
further information about applying for a grant or starting a fund, call
571-8004 or visit the web site at www.delcf.org.

The deadline for submitting an application for a substance abuse prevention
grant is Sept. 30.