Who We Are
We support charitable nonprofit organizations in addressing critical needs in our communities and beyond.
CenDel Foundation...
- Fosters Collaboration – We support partnerships that drive meaningful impact.
- Empowers Nonprofits Through Education – Providing learning opportunities to strengthen their mission.
- Links Donor Passions with Community Needs – Connecting generosity with real change.
- Offers a Safe, Equitable Office Space – A welcoming hub for nonprofit organizations. Current CenDel tenants include the Green Beret Project, Help Initiative Inc., Communities in Schools, Downtown Dover Partnership and the Delaware Parent’s Association.
- Stand With Our Community in Crisis – Providing support in times of need and uncertainty
CenDel positively transforms lives by supporting charitable passions.
The CenDel Foundation’s mission is to increase philanthropic giving and action in Central Delaware.
Under the leadership of Jennings Hastings and other community leaders, the vision took shape in 2008 under the leadership of Jennings Hastings, resulting in the establishment of the Greater Dover Foundation. Recognizing the widespread support from across Central Delaware, the foundation later adopted the name CenDel Foundation.
With the backing of private donations and generous grants from the Longwood and Welfare Foundations, the Greater Dover Foundation acquired a vacant bank building in downtown Dover. Through extensive renovations, the building was transformed into the CenDel Community Building, offering office space to non-profit organizations at below-market rates. The demand was immediate, and soon the building was bustling with charitable entities collaborating to address the needs of Central Delawareans.
The CenDel Foundation was originally conceived by Kent County entrepreneurs and formally established in 2008 as the Greater Dover Foundation under the leadership of Jennings Hastings. As support grew from individuals and organizations throughout Central Delaware, the foundation later adopted the name CenDel Foundation to better reflect its broader regional mission.
From its early beginnings, the foundation has been dedicated to fostering philanthropy and improving the quality of life for residents in Central Delaware. Through collaboration, private donations, and strategic partnerships, including support from the Longwood and Welfare Foundations, CenDel acquired and renovated a vacant building in downtown Dover into the CenDel Community Building, providing affordable office space for nonprofits to better serve the community. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed millions of dollars in grants to charitable organizations, empowering local causes and strengthening community impact. CenDel continues to support nonprofit partners, grant programs, and community initiatives that address education, workforce development, basic needs, and cultural enrichment throughout Central Delaware.