Female Benevolent Society

of Wilmington in the State of Delaware, Inc.

Friends Meeting House, 401 N. West Street, Wilmington, DE 19801


Policies, Guidelines, and Requirements for the Application Process

The Female Benevolent Society is a small organization of Quaker women with limited trust funds to administer. The Society was founded to help with the basic needs of food and shelter. Our focus in granting funds remains to provide food, shelter and access to basic needs, including transportation. Accumulated income is disbursed semi-annually to non-profit agencies within Delaware. The size of awards is typically between $200 and $1,500. While this is the average range, awards of greater amounts may be considered.

The Society considers requests of special needs outside the regular budget of an organization. All grants are awarded to non-profit organizations with social concerns; none are awarded to individuals. Requests are made in the form of a letter to the Society. Applications must be postmarked by February 28 and August 30, and should be mailed to the Female Benevolent Society at the above address. Decisions will be made in March and September. Receipts and a follow-up report on how the grant was used are required for future awards consideration. A form will be sent to grant recipients for this purpose.

Letters must include the following information:

a) A clear statement of the specific needs to which the requested funds would be applied. Your letter must specify the item or materials that will be purchased with the funds requested.
b) A clear statement of the amount that is requested.
c) A description of the target population that the funds will support.
d) A project budget, where possible.
e) A statement about sustainability should the Society grant your request at a reduced amount, i.e., How will the reduced funds be applied?

The following items must be attached to all letters of request for funds:

a) The agency’s IRS Tax-Exempt Number.
b) An annual financial report or written summary of the agency’s budget and the source of
its funds.

No funds are provided for the following:

  • Operating expenses – rent, salaries, administrative office equipment, overhead
  •  Building expenses – purchase or renovation
  • Endowment
  • Scholarship

~~~~~~~

Contributions in Support of the Female Benevolent Society

Donations are most welcome and may be made to the Female Benevolent Society by sending a check to The Female Benevolent Society, c/o Wilmington Monthly Meeting, 401 N. West Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Donors may indicate on their check whether the payment is:
1. to the endowment.
2. to available award funds.
3. to be unrestricted.
A tax receipt will be issued to donors.