DOVER – Dozens of nonprofit leaders, workers, volunteers and residents who rely on them gathered Tuesday at Legislative Hall to rally support for preserving these vital services.
DANA, the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, held its Save Our Services rally, bringing together nonprofit organizations across the state and from different fields to voice their concerns and urge the General Assembly and other state leaders to protect nonprofits and their operations.
Recent federal actions have threatened the funding and existence of many nonprofits, and any further reductions at the state level through Grant-in-Aid funding could be devastating.
“Nonprofits exist for the betterment and wellbeing of society. Whether through nourishment, housing, mental health counseling, addiction treatment or other services, Delaware nonprofits are a critical component of many residents’ daily lives,” said DANA President and CEO Sheila Bravo. “Nonprofits contribute to our state’s economy by collectively employing 76,000 people annually and spending more than $9 billion to serve local communities.
“We hear from our members regularly. They are concerned about whether funding will dry up or if they will become a target. Because of this uncertainty, they’re unable to make long-term or even short-term plans. By banding together, we are speaking with one clear voice that we need our state partners here in Delaware to stand with us during this time and protect the services that so many residents rely on.”
Earlier this year, Food Bank of Delaware learned that the federal government halted 19 shipments of food – equating to 900,000 meals – for this spring and summer, presenting a serious challenge for the organization.
“In times of political uncertainty, we cannot afford to lose the very systems that hold our communities together,” said Chad Robinson, Vice President of External Affairs at the Food Bank of Delaware. “Delaware nonprofits are those systems. We are the are boots on the ground, helping to feed, educate, house and support our most vulnerable. We are already being asked to do more with less. Without meaningful investment from state and local government, our safety net will fray, and real people will fall through the cracks.”
The Modern Maturity Center is the largest senior center in Kent County, serving thousands of residents through a variety of programs and efforts.
“While I agree with the increase in the minimum wage, nothing was done to help fund those increases for nonprofit agencies,” said Modern Maturity Center President and CEO Carolyn Fredricks. “We must work NOW for increased funding that will help nonprofits throughout the state continue to provide vital services to clients who look to us for services every day.”
Another group concerned about the negative impact of potential funding cuts is the Delaware Adolescent Program Inc. (DAPI), which provides education for pregnant and parenting teens, and mentoring and supportive services.
“Reducing any Grant-in-Aid funding from DAPI would not only undermine the tailor-made educational opportunities for young mothers but also jeopardize the well-being of their children, perpetuating cycles of poverty while limiting their potential to contribute as income-generating, productive citizens in our great state,” said DAPI Executive Director Dr. Doris Griffin.
Several legislators joined nonprofits during Tuesday’s rally to lend their support for these groups, pledging to advocate for preservation of nonprofit funding through the state Grant-in-Aid bill.
“Our nonprofits serve every zip code, every demographic, and every level of need. When the state needs to reach those who are struggling, whether it’s with addiction or a student struggling with algebra, when a senior is isolated or can’t afford medication—it is often a nonprofit that answers the call,” said Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha. “I will continue to be a loud and unwavering voice for nonprofits because when nonprofits succeed so do our communities.”
“Our nonprofits serve every community in Delaware, offering critical services and support to our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Sen. Russell Huxtable. “Proposed federal funding cuts are a threat to progress on every front, with an impact so widespread that no state can fully close the gap. As lawmakers, we must fight for every dollar we can, push for policies that lift people up, carefully assess how we can maximize our resources, and do everything in our power to stand beside our dedicated nonprofit workforce.”
“In the face of budgetary challenges this year and beyond, our state will inevitably have to make difficult decisions, including spending cuts,” said Rep. Danny Short, a member of the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee. “However, when determining priorities, support for our nonprofit community must remain a fundamental commitment. Hundreds of Delaware nonprofits deliver essential services that impact every state resident in countless ways. Our investments to sustain these efforts are among the wisest expenditures we can make.”
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