DOVER – The Delaware Senate on Friday sent a $71.9 million grant package to Governor John Carney that will help to bolster fire companies, ambulance services, senior centers, veterans organizations and other community groups that provide invaluable services to Delaware residents.
Developed by the Joint Finance Committee, the annual Grants-In-Aid legislation allocates funding to dozens of nonprofits across the state that are engaged in everything from treatment for substance-use disorder and behavioral health counseling to arts programming, historic preservation, and emergency services.
“This legislation will provide much-needed support to our nonprofit community and do a lot of good for a lot of people,” JFC Vice Chair Sen. Trey Paradee said. “From homeless shelters to community arts organizations, these groups provide critical services to some of our most vulnerable neighbors and give us an unbelievable return on our investment. I’m especially grateful to my colleagues in the Joint Finance Committee for allocating significant funding increases for our fire departments, senior centers and veterans organizations.”
House Bill 197, the Fiscal Year grant package, includes funding for 18 new 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,” JFC Chair Rep. William Carson said. “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 FY 2024 Grants-In-Aid bill includes:
- $22.7 million for organizations that provide benefit to Delawareans in the areas of health, substance-use disorder treatment, the arts, tourism and community services, a 10% increase over last year;
- $16 million for ongoing paramedic operations in all three counties, plus an additional $1 million for each county to improve or enhance paramedic options;
- $10 million in statewide support for fire and ambulance companies to ensure maintenance and operation of trucks, ambulances, and rescue boats, a 20% increase above last year;
- $9.9 million for services and programs at senior centers;
- $3.9 million for the county seats Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown;
- $3.2 million in $50,000 allocations to each fire company and public service ambulance company;
- $608,000 for veterans organizations in all three counties, a 20% increase over last year.
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