Newcastle County Council approves multiple community grants totaling over $16,000

The New Castle County Administrative-Finance Committee convened on July 8, 2025, to discuss and approve several grant requests aimed at supporting community initiatives and celebrations.

The meeting began with the approval of a grant for the Claymont Community Center, which received unanimous support from the committee members. Following this, the Village of Ardencroft was granted $2,000 to celebrate its 75th anniversary as a charter municipality. A committee member highlighted the village's founding intention as a multiracial community, noting that this aspect would be emphasized during the anniversary celebrations.

Next, the Rockwood Park Preservation Society requested funds for the remediation of invasive plant species in the park. The committee approved a grant of $1,500 for this purpose, acknowledging the importance of maintaining the park's ecosystem.

The YMCA of Delaware Brandywine branch sought funding for its Waterwise program, which serves local youth swimmers. The committee approved a grant of $3,900 to support this initiative, which will run from July 11 to August 15.

The Brookstone Maintenance Corporation, which is working on rebuilding its community playground, received a grant of $1,500. This marked the first grant awarded to this community organization.

Grooming to Greatness Incorporated was also granted $3,000 for its Level Up Academy, hosted at the Claymont Community Center's Empowered Youth Summer Camp, further supporting local youth development programs.

The committee then discussed a request from the New Castle County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Number 5 for $5,000 to support their first annual charity golf outing. Several council members pledged contributions, totaling $4,000, before the committee approved the full grant amount.

In summary, the meeting resulted in the approval of multiple grants aimed at enhancing community services, celebrating local history, and supporting youth programs. The committee's decisions reflect a commitment to fostering community engagement and development in New Castle County.