Do More 24 Delaware 2025 took place last Thursday, March 6th at 6pm through Friday, March 7th at 6pm. It was promoted as a 24-hour day of giving to non-profits in the state that is designed to be a fun and easy way for the community to “impact philanthropy and be inspired to donate to nonprofits serving Delaware”. It showcased the vital work of nonprofit organizations serving the state, including entertainment organizations such as the SODELO orchestra, chamber of commerce-like groups like Rehoboth Main Street, community outreach organizations such as CAMP Rehoboth, and arts organizations like the Developing Artists Collaboration.
No worries if you missed it. Every day is a good day to support local non-profit organizations that provide crucial and varied services to our community.
Nonprofits provide essential services in so many instances of challenge and need for vulnerable causes. Whether an organization targets illiteracy, hunger, soil erosion, or animal abuse, we know that doing good is something we do better TOGETHER! As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work.” And with such weighty work to do, the more hands, the better, especially in an economic climate of change.
Many nonprofits are facing a funding cliff. According to the Urban Institute, “recent executive orders and actions cutting federal funding have created a state of uncertainty for nonprofit organizations nationwide. Some are already seeing federal grants and contracts paused or canceled and others have been left in the dark about current grants and future prospects given pending legal challenges.” Government funding has provided stability in the past for historcally under-resourced, but important works.
According to the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA), Delaware nonprofits serving over half-million residents could face immediate and significant consequences should attempts to freeze, reduce, or eliminate federal funding succeed, according to a recent survey of organizations across the state.
Recently, DANA conducted an online survey of member organizations and federal grant recipients. The organization received more than 300 completed responses representing nonprofits throughout the state such as senior centers, childcare facilities, shelters, addiction programs, and the arts. Nearly 90 percent of survey respondents indicated that the halt on grants and loans is extremely concerning to their operations.
The Center for Inland Bays is an example of an organization feeling the pinch.
“Many Delaware non-profits benefit from a variety of federal grant programs supporting everything from diversity, equality and inclusion programs to child nutrition, education, climate change and environmental protection, said Executive Director Christophe Tulou.
“These cuts are particularly egregious as we are one of 28 Estuaries of National Significance as designated as designated by the U.S. Congress in 1987. As such, the Center has benefitted greatly from federal support through the National Estuary Program and, more recently, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding at the level of $1.6 million in fiscal year 2024,” he added.
Federal funding accounts for about 60 percent of the Center’s overall budget and about 85 percent of its project support. The Delaware Inland Bays are three shallow interconnected coastal lagoons in southeastern Sussex County. From north to south, these are Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Little Assawoman Bay.
Delaware Gives is another easy way to support nonprofits year-round. It serves as a platform that powers the Do More Delaware 24 effort and, according to its web site, it also is a tool to “strengthen Delaware communities by connecting passionate, local donors to nonprofits that make a real difference”. Participating nonprofits are listed on the platform.
Tulou articulates what likely is going through the minds of most nonprofit leaders when he says, “We – and many of our nonprofit friends – are facing a uniquely challenging time of axed federal support. We cannot and should not let them do this to the essential fabric of our community”.
Tulou has a rallying cry for the Center that can be adapted by all nonprofits as he reminds people that “Our bays are our bays. Let’s take care of them ourselves if the federal government refuses to do so. Let’s all pitch in.”
No matter the economic climate, it’s time we do something. Retirement is a golden stage of free time–let’s use it to make a difference.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
