DOVER – The Delaware Senate on Thursday passed a record-setting $69.4 million grant package that will help bolster fire companies, ambulance services, senior centers, veterans’ organizations, and other community organizations that provide invaluable services to the people of Delaware.
The annual Grants-In-Aid legislation allocates funding to dozens of nonprofits across the state engaged in everything from substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling to arts programming, historic preservation, and emergency services.
“This legislation will provide much needed support to our nonprofit community, which is still struggling to match its previous fundraising totals in the wake of the pandemic,” said Sen. Trey Paradee, chair of the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee. “These organizations deliver critical services to our most vulnerable neighbors and give us an unbelievable return on our investment. I want to thank my colleagues on JFC for allowing this year’s Grants-In-Aid in a responsible manner for the benefit of Delaware’s working families.”
Senate Bill 252, the Fiscal Year 2023 grant funding package, includes funding to 24 nonprofit agencies and community organizations that were not included in last year’s legislation.
“The Grants-in-Aid bill provides much-needed funds to our volunteer fire companies, senior centers and nonprofit organizations that offer vital services to residents up and down the state,” said JFC Vice-Chair Rep. William Carson. “These organizations and groups fill a huge need in Delaware. Without them, seniors, veterans, and people in need would have fewer options available to them for various services. I’m glad we were able to provide these organizations with additional funds this year to assist them with their missions.” Notable items in the grants-in-aid bill include:
$20.6 million for organizations that provide benefits to all Delawareans in areas of health, substance abuse treatment, the arts tourism and community services;
$14.5 million for volunteer fire companies and public service ambulances, including $8.1 million to support the operation of trucks, ambulances, and rescue boats;
$14.2 million to support county paramedic services, plus $3 million in one-time funding to improve or enhance paramedic substations;
$12.6 million for mental health supports in Delaware middle schools;
$8.5 million for Delaware senior centers, plus $1 million for aging-related programs;
$1 million to establish a pilot incentive program for the entertainment industry;
$498,000 for veterans’ organizations.
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