Finance committee approves a series of community grants totaling multiple small awards, including $23,750 pledged for EMS anniversary

The Administrative Finance Committee approved a slate of community grants during its July 14 meeting. The items were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote in committee; the transcript records the motions, seconds and chair’s affirmation for each grant.

Among the approved grants were $1,500 (committee-assembled pledge) to the Civic Association of Belvidere and Vicinity; $2,500 to the Delaware State FOP Foundation scholarship event supported by Newcastle County FOP Lodge 5; $2,500 to the Chinese American Community Center for its summer festival; $2,500 to Duck Creek Regional Library for technology upgrades; $1,400 to the Brandywine-Hunter Historical Society for a photo display; $899 for a historic marker for Newark Union Church and Cemetery; $2,500 to Towers of Valley Run for safety cameras; $450 to Claymont Historical Society for its 250th event; $2,500 to YMCA of Delaware, Bear-Glasgow branch; $2,500 to New Castle Public Library; $1,000 to Safe United Neighborhoods (applicant requested $2,500 but council moved $1,000); $1,000 to High Place Outreach; $800 to Community Communications Corporation for youth videography; $1,000 to Stone Square 22 for a scholarship fundraiser; $1,100 to Hilltop Manor Association for dead-tree removal; and $5,000 to United Way of Delaware for its annual golf tournament.

A notable item was a fundraising-style pledge for the New Castle County Emergency Medical Services 50th anniversary. Members pledged differing amounts; Chair and staff tallied pledges and Councilman Toole moved an aggregated amount of $23,750 as the committee contribution; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Several members noted historical practices (for example, that council typically provides grants to entities that then run scholarship programs rather than the council administering scholarship awards directly). The committee completed its grant agenda and moved to other business.