Selbyville, DE – The Carl M. Freeman Foundation has announced the 2026 recipients of its FACES (Freeman Foundation Assists Communities with Extra Support) Sussex grants, awarding $142,500 in funding to 17 local nonprofit organizations and schools serving communities across Sussex County.

The FACES Sussex program supports grassroots organizations that are addressing critical community needs through direct service, education, wellness initiatives, food access, youth programming, and family support. The program prioritizes smaller organizations with strong community connections and a deep understanding of the needs of the people they serve.

This year, the Foundation received a record 42 applications, with 19 organizations advancing to the semifinalist round. Funding recommendations were made through a community-driven review process led by a volunteer advisory board made up entirely of Sussex County residents. The board includes educators, nonprofit leaders, business professionals, students, and community members who help ensure funding reflects the most pressing needs across the County.

This year’s FACES Sussex grant recipients are:

• Cancer Support Community Delaware
• Clothing Our Kids
• Community ESL Program
• Delmarva Community Wellnet Foundation (The SNAC Gardens)
• Down Syndrome Association of Delaware
• East Millsboro Elementary School
• Family Promise of Southern Delaware
• FB4K Delaware Inc.
• Howard T. Ennis School (two grant awards)
• Laurel Senior Center
• Lower Sussex Little League
• Read Aloud Delaware
• Southern Delaware Orchestra
• St. Vincent de Paul Society at Our Lady of Lourdes
• The ARK Educational Resource Center
• The Jason Anderson Foundation for Youth Sports

Grant awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 and will support projects focused on literacy, food access, health and wellness, inclusive recreation, housing stability, educational enrichment, youth development, and community connection.

“We are continually inspired by the dedication and compassion of these organizations,” said Michelle Freeman. “FACES is about investing in the people and programs that are making a meaningful difference every day in Sussex County communities. We are proud to support their work and the lasting impact they create.”

Grant recipients and advisory board members were recognized during a Celebration and Check Presentation event held on Thursday, May 21 at the Carl M. Freeman Foundation office in Selbyville.

The Carl M. Freeman Foundation commits its time, talent, and treasure to facilitate, support, and promote innovative community-based leadership and giving. The Foundation seeks to honor its founders’ legacies and passions by endorsing excellence and leveraging resources. Generally, the Foundation limits donations to communities where the customers, employees, and vendors of Carl M. Freeman Companies work, live, and play.

To learn more about the FACES grant program or the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, visit carlmfreemanfoundation.org.

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