Delaware Community Foundation

Delaware Community Foundation

The Delaware Community Foundation was established in 1986 by Pierre S. duPont III to create a permanent endowment vehicle for Delaware nonprofits. Stuart Comstock-Gay has led the organization as President and CEO. The foundation accepts and manages donor-advised funds, field-of-interest funds, and unrestricted endowments that address statewide needs. Capital is deployed through the Flagship Long-Term Pool, which holds allocations to US equities at 35 percent, non-US equities at 25 percent, fixed income at 20 percent, alternatives at 15 percent, and real estate at 5 percent. The pool is managed by SEI as outsourced CIO. Confirmed holdings include positions in alternatives and direct ownership of two commercial properties in Wilmington and Lewes. Geographic activity remains concentrated in Delaware with limited exposure outside the state. The foundation employs 30 professionals and maintains a second office in Lewes. It sponsors events including the October 2024 Building Opportunity Keynote in Newark. Supporting organizations such as the Arsht-Cannon Fund and the Boerger Fund operate under its umbrella. The foundation belongs to the Council on Foundations and Philanthropy Delaware. Governance centers on a board that includes representatives from Delaware business families and a formal relationship with SEI for investment execution. This structure separates donor intent from investment decisions while maintaining statutory oversight as a public charity.