About The Foundation for Delaware County
The Foundation for Delaware County is the largest philanthropic organization serving Delaware County. Our mission is to create a vibrant future for Delaware County by promoting generosity in and for our county’s people, improving our residents’ well-being, and energizing participation and partnership across our communities.
One of 900 community foundations across the U.S., the Foundation brings together the many voices that shape our region—elected officials, business and civic leaders, nonprofits, and individuals—to foster a deeper understanding of the critical issues we face and to collectively craft solutions.
We engage individuals, families, and businesses in meaningful philanthropy through giving vehicles such as donor-advised funds and estate gifts.
The Foundation supports local nonprofits through several approaches: grant funding to address critical community needs, capacity-building resources through our Center for Nonprofit Excellence, and connecting organizations with donors. On May 8-9, 2024, the Foundation launched Delaware County’s first 24-hour online giving day, Delco Gives. Delco Gives raised more than $1.7M from more than 9,600 donors for 281 nonprofits.
In addition, the Foundation also offers nonprofit endowment and reserve funds for nonprofits, as well as planned giving services. For nonprofits that have limited resources and need administrative and investment support – the Foundation can provide administrative services, oversight, and financial responsibility.
THE FOUNDATION FOR DELAWARE COUNTY ANNOUNCES THIRD ANNUAL DELCO GIVES, NONPROFIT REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The Foundation for Delaware County announced that Delco Gives will return for a third year on May 6-7, 2026, with Power Home Remodeling (POWER) serving as the presenting sponsor. The Foundation also announced that nonprofit registration is now open for the countywide giving initiative.
Hosted by The Foundation for Delaware County, Delco Gives is a unique opportunity for people to invest in the nonprofits that tirelessly support our community and improve the lives of people throughout Delaware County. Last year, more than 11,000 donors raised $2.3 million for more than 300 local nonprofits. In its first two years, Delco Gives has generated nearly $4 million for local nonprofits.
“Nonprofits across Delaware County are facing increased demand for services while navigating ongoing funding challenges,” said Michael Kellerman, President of The Foundation for Delaware County. “Delco Gives provides hundreds of nonprofits with a powerful, large-scale opportunity to reach new donors, raise critical funds, and increase their visibility in the community. As we head into our third year, we’re excited to build on this momentum and introduce new elements that will make Delco Gives even more impactful.”
Through an easy-to-use online giving platform, Delco Gives encourages the community to explore and support a wide range of nonprofits serving Delaware County. Participating organizations span focus areas including food access, housing and shelter, education, healthcare, arts and culture, environmental protection, and more, highlighting the breadth and importance of nonprofit services across the county.
“Delco Gives is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community rallies around its own,” said Jim Myers, Director of Community Impact, Power Home Remodeling. “For over 20 years, Power Home Remodeling has proudly called Delaware County home, and partnering with The Foundation for Delaware County is a natural way to deepen our roots and invest in the place where so many of our employees live and give. Collective giving creates opportunities for neighbors to come together, support one another, and amplify their impact in ways no one person could achieve alone. We hope everyone will take part and help fuel something meaningful for our community.”
Businesses and individuals interested in supporting Delco Gives can do so through sponsorships or by funding cash prizes for participating nonprofits. These opportunities help incentivize participation and drive additional giving. To learn more about how you can sponsor Delco Gives, reach out to Laura Sindoni: lsindoni@delcofoundation.org.
Nonprofits can register for Delco Gives and find additional event details at delcogives.org. Registration is open through April 17, and organizations are strongly encouraged to register early. A nonprofit webinar will be held on January 29 to help organizations prepare for Delco Gives and learn more about the registration process.
THE FOUNDATION FOR DELAWARE COUNTY ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT
The Foundation for Delaware County has announced the selection of Michael Kellerman as its next President, effective October 1, 2025. Following a national search led by Kittleman & Associates, LLC, the Board of Directors unanimously approved Michael to lead the Foundation into its next phase of growth and community impact.
Michael will succeed Frances Sheehan, the Foundation’s inaugural President, who has led the organization since 2017. Frances announced her retirement last fall and will officially step down in October 2025.
“Michael brings a proven track record in nonprofit management and a deep commitment to Delaware County, where he has made his home,” said Mike Magnavita, Board Chair. “The Board and I are confident in his ability to build on the strong foundation established by Frances and our exceptional staff. We are especially excited about Michael’s commitment to growing our assets in innovative ways, expanding our local impact, and fostering a more inclusive culture of philanthropy and community investment.”
Michael joins the Foundation with extensive experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, including most recently serving as Interim Executive Director at the Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia, WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, and theVillage (now Gemma Services).
“A respected and seasoned nonprofit leader, Michael brings more than 25 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations, including more than a decade in the Philadelphia region,” added Magnavita. “His deep understanding of the power of philanthropic institutions makes him uniquely equipped to lead the Foundation into its next chapter.”
“I am honored to step into this role and lead The Foundation for Delaware County into its next stage of strategic growth and impact. The Foundation is a powerful force for good, and I look forward to partnering with its talented team, dedicated Board, and inspiring partners across this dynamic community,” said Michael Kellerman. “I am grateful to the Board of Directors for the trust they have placed in me.”
Michael emphasized a commitment to advancing the Foundation’s signature initiatives, including Delco Gives, the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, and maternal health programming, while also investing in collaborative, community-led strategies to build a philanthropic engine for Delaware County.
Magnavita added, “I’m excited to work closely with Michael as he steps into this important role. We were fortunate to have a highly competitive applicant pool, and are thrilled we were able to find such an experienced philanthropic leader right here in our own backyard. I’m especially grateful to our search committee, led by Stephen Scott Bradley, for their professionalism and dedication. We also deeply appreciate Frances for giving us a year’s notice, which allowed us the time to conduct a thoughtful and thorough search.”
In addition to his staff leadership at the Philanthropy Network, Michael currently serves as Board President of the new Philly Pops and Board Treasurer of Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia.
As the largest independent philanthropy in Delaware County, the Foundation unites funders, nonprofits, and elected officials to address critical community issues and respond to emerging challenges. Since its launch in 2016, the Foundation has distributed more than $16 million in grants, scholarships, and charitable care. It also hosts Delco Gives, the county’s only digital giving day, which has raised nearly $4 million for nonprofits in its first two years. With deep local roots, the Foundation helps donors create meaningful impact through customizable charitable funds, including donor-advised and scholarship funds.
THE FOUNDATION FOR DELAWARE COUNTY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF PRESIDENT FRANCES M. SHEEHAN
The Foundation for Delaware County today announced that its President, Frances M. Sheehan, will retire in the fall of this year after eight years of transformational leadership.
Sheehan became the Foundation’s first president in January 2017, guiding its transition from the sale of Crozer-Keystone Health System to Prospect Medical Holdings into the thriving community foundation it is today. Under her leadership, the Foundation has become a recognized force for philanthropic stewardship, impact, and innovation in the region.
To ensure a seamless transition, the Foundation’s Board of Directors has engaged Kittleman & Associates, a national executive search firm, to lead the search for the next president. The Board’s Search Committee, led by Steven Scott Bradley, aims to identify a new president by Fall 2025.
A Legacy of Growth and Impact
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead The Foundation for Delaware County over the past eight years,” said Sheehan. “Thanks to the trust of our donors, we have created opportunities that have transformed lives throughout Delaware County. With a strong reputation and a committed leadership team in place, now is the right time for new leadership to build on our success and take the Foundation into its next phase of growth.”
Foundation Board Chair Cyrise Dixon praised Sheehan’s leadership, particularly her ability
to foster a culture of excellence and collaboration. “Frances has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation’s identity and impact,” said Dixon. “We are deeply grateful that she notified the board of her plans last October, providing ample time for a thoughtful succession process, and allowing us to continue to pursue our mission seamlessly.”
Sheehan’s Leadership Achievements
During Sheehan’s tenure, the Foundation achieved significant milestones, including:
• Transforming the Foundation from its origins with Crozer-Keystone into an independent community foundation with a new name and mission.
• Growing assets from $55 million to $80 million while leading a staff of 80 across three service sites and headquarters.
• Distributing over $14 million in grants, scholarships, and charitable care since 2016.
• Launching the first-ever Delco Gives, raising $1.7 million for over 280 nonprofits.
• Establishing key initiatives such as the COVID-19 Response Fund, 2020 Census Fund, Center for Nonprofit Excellence, and the Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE).
• Providing vital support for the creation of the Delaware County Health Department, including spearheading its public relations efforts.
• Achieving top national ratings for excellence in nonprofit management, including Platinum status on Candid and Charity Navigator.
• Earning numerous accolades, including the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, the Athena Award, and the Main Line Chamber of Commerce’s Gold Leaf Award.
Sheehan’s dedication extends beyond the Foundation, serving on boards such as the Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County, the Delaware County Economic Development Corporation, the Delaware County Estate Planning Council, and the Delaware County Interactive Gaming Revenue Authority (DCIGRA).
Looking Ahead
As the Foundation prepares for its next chapter, it remains focused on its mission to serve Delaware County through philanthropy, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives.
“Delaware County is stronger because of Frances’ leadership,” said Dixon. “We look forward to building on this incredible foundation as we continue to create opportunities for all who call this community home.”
For more information about The Foundation for Delaware County, visit delcofoundation.org.
THE FOUNDATION FOR DELAWARE COUNTY ANNOUNCES SECOND ANNUAL DELCO GIVES REGISTRATION FOR NONPROFITS IS OPEN
The Foundation for Delaware County recently announced that Delco Gives will be back for a second year on May 8-9, 2025 with Power Home Remodeling (POWER) as the presenting sponsor. Today, the Foundation announced that registration is open for nonprofits to sign up for Delco Gives.
Hosted by The Foundation for Delaware County, Delco Gives is a unique opportunity for Delaware County residents to support the nonprofits that tirelessly serve our community and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. Last year, 9,600 donors raised more than $1.7 million for nearly 300 nonprofits.
Through an online giving platform, Delco Gives encourages the community to explore and donate to a diverse range of nonprofits serving Delaware County. Since registration opened on January 6, more than 60 nonprofit organizations have signed up to participate. From organizations focused on education and healthcare to those championing the arts and social services, Delco Gives will highlight the vast range of critical services and resources nonprofits in the region provide.
Additionally, the Foundation hosted its first Delco Gives Advisory Committee meeting of the year last week. The Foundation is grateful for the committee’s good counsel, insights, and commitment to Delco Gives Day. The advisory committee includes:
Bernie Dagenais, Main Line Chamber of Commerce
Bill Brown, Citadel Credit Union
Bob Simpson, Brinker Simpson
Cecily Tynan, 6abc
Chekemma J. Fulmore-Townsend, Hamilton Family Charitable Trust
Dr. Chris Domes, Neumann University
Chris Franklin, Aqua America
Danielle McNichol, McNichol Law Office/Philadelphia Soccer 2026
Deborah O’Brien, Bank of America
Geoff Brandon, TD Bank
Joanne McFall, Keystone First
Joe McLaughlin, Haverford Trust
Jose Aguirre, PECO
Kelly Woodland, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Marcine Pickron-Davis, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Mark Stewart, Ballard Spahr, LLP
Michele Hengey, Boeing
Mindy Aldridge, Nelson Foundation
Nicole Fancher, Philadelphia Union
Pat Ward, WSFS Bank
Paul Bennett, Spirit Media Group
Rob MacPherson, Visit Delco
Robert W. Bogle, Philadelphia Tribune
Stephanie Kosta, Comcast
Steve Buxton, Wilbur C. and Betty Lea Henderson Foundation
Tom Belmont, Gallagher
Trish McFarland, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
Interested in ways you or your business can support this inspiring initiative? There are several ways to sponsor or provide cash prizes for participating nonprofits. Sponsorships help to incentivize participation and raise even more money for nonprofits. To learn more about how you can sponsor Delco Gives, reach out to Laura Sindoni: lsindoni@delcofoundation.org
To get involved in Delco Gives, please visit delcogives.org to register your nonprofit organization or stay updated on event details. The registration window is open until April 18. Nonprofits are strongly encouraged to complete their registration as soon as possible.
