The Foundation for Delaware County has awarded a multi-year grant to The Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County charged with the development of the Delaware County waterfront.

The Alliance is a consortium of private sector corporations and non-profit institutions. The Foundation awarded $25,000 in 2022, amounting to a total of $50,000 at the end of 2023.

The grant money will allow the Riverfront Alliance to expand its operating capacity through staffing and professional services to complete community and economic development projects along the Chester waterfront.

The funding will impact work on the East Coast Greenway, improvements to Route 291, a streetscape project on Reaney Street and will support the Delaware River Festival.

It will also aid infrastructure improvements including:

• Connector trails for the Chester Riverwalk on Highland Avenue and Norris Street
• Relocating or renovating the existing regional rail station at Highland Avenue
• Repairs to the existing public boat ramp and pier at the Barry Bridge Park

“We are thrilled to receive this generous grant from The Foundation for Delaware County, which has been so valuable as both a board member and a visionary funder,” said Lisa Gaffney, Executive Director of RADC. “It is important that we continue funding infrastructure that safely connects our residents to enjoy the waterfront.”

“We aim to fund projects that address the issues and challenges faced by Delaware County residents. This project will greatly improve the community’s experience living and working near the waterfront,” said Foundation President Frances M. Sheehan, who also serves as a board member of the Riverfront Alliance.

“We have already been impressed with RADC’s progress on the Chester Waterfront Master Plan and we look forward to being a collaborative partner on the success of their upcoming project plans.”

In September 2021, RADC completed phases of the Chester Waterfront Master Plan for the area between the Wharf Office building and Subaru Park Stadium. The Chester Waterfront Master Plan aims to create an ambitious but realizable framework for the transformation of the Delaware Riverfront by building upon the city’s and waterfront’s existing assets.

About The Riverfront Alliance Delaware County (RADC)

RADC is a consortium of private sector corporations and nonprofit institutions that have come together to develop and implement programs and activities that serve as the catalyst for the physical, economic, and social development of the Delaware County waterfront. Originally established in 1996, The Institute for Economic Development, Inc. (IED) serves as an engine for economic and social development.

About The Foundation for Delaware County

A public charity founded in 2016, The Foundation for Delaware County is the largest philanthropy serving Delaware County.

One of 780 community foundations across the U.S., the foundation encourages philanthropy by providing efficient giving vehicles like donor-advised funds, gift annuities, and estate planning advice to generous individuals who want to have an impact in Delaware County and beyond.

The foundation is proud to serve as a convener across sectors to address challenging community issues such as the need for a county health department.

In April, the foundation awarded more than $1.8M in Impact Grants to area nonprofits. In addition, the foundation operates the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to strengthen Delaware County’s nonprofit community.

With headquarters in Media and service sites in Eddystone, Upper Darby, and Springfield, The Foundation for Delaware County also operates the prestigious evidence-based programs Healthy Start, the WIC nutrition program, and Nurse-Family Partnership.

Other programs include El Centro (a Hispanic resource center), a health resource center for students in the Chester Upland School District, and the new Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE).

To learn more, visit the foundation on the web at www.delcofoundation.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @DelcoFdn.David

Find out more about the Riverfront Alliance.

Find out more about The Foundation for Delaware County.

You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @DelcoFdn.