Also available in a printable pdf version

I. INTRODUCTION

A. PURPOSE

The Delaware River and Bay Authority’s (the "Authority") Community Contribution Policy is intended to complement and enhance the Authority’s core mission of providing crossings of the Delaware River and Bay between the States of Delaware and New Jersey and to undertake transportation, terminal and commerce facilities, and development. The Authority’s Community Contribution Policy reflects its 40-year history of giving back to the community and public that it serves. The Authority is committed to a balanced approach between support for community based non-profit organizations, and trustworthy utilization of the motoring public’s toll revenues. The Authority will not support any organization that discriminates on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

B. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

No Authority Commissioner, employee, or immediate family member shall derive any personal benefit from the Community Contribution program. Personal benefit shall be defined as monetary gain. Any and all conflicts of interest shall be fully disclosed prior to the award of any contribution.

C. GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS

The Authority supports causes that further its core mission and benefit citizens in the State of Delaware and the four southern counties of the State of New Jersey. Community contributions shall be generally equal between the States of New Jersey and Delaware.

D. CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY

The Authority only gives to non-profit organizations and governmental entities. All Recipients must be exempt from Federal income tax by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or other similar provision. Individuals, political campaigns of candidates for public office, and lobbying efforts attempting to influence legislation, are not eligible for funding.
II ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES

A. PROCEDURES

1. Requests are recommended to be submitted in writing 90 days prior to the date the contribution is desired. Requests should be sent to The Delaware River and Bay Authority, Attention: Community Relations Administrator, P.O. Box 71, New Castle, Delaware 19720.

2. Upon receipt of the request, all organizations will be mailed a Contribution Application Form. Organizations can obtain an Application Form and the Policy on the Authority’s website (www.drba.net). All applications must be completed in their entirety and returned to The Delaware River and Bay Authority, Attention: Community Relations Administrator, P.O. Box 71, New Castle, Delaware 19720.

3. The application shall include:

• Name, address, telephone number, fax number and email address of the applicant organization, as well as, the name and title of a contact person and the name of the Chair or President of the organization.

• Description of the problem or issue to be addressed.

• Statement of Objectives

• Intended Beneficiaries

• Desired outcomes and methods for evaluating results.

• Timetable

• Amount requested and detailed project or program budget.

• Purpose and amount of request or committed funds.

• Sources of other anticipated or committed funds.

• Qualifications of the applicant organization.

• List of the organization’s Board of Directors, officers, and their affiliations.

• Organization’s most recent audited financial statement, and IRS determination letter establishing tax exempt status.

• If organization has received Authority funding in the past, describe the status of programs or projects previously funded.

4. The Community Relations Administrator will review the requests for completeness and accuracy and submit them to the Budget and Finance Committee for initial processing. Requests approved by the Budget and Finance Committee shall be forwarded to the Board for action. The full Board shall consider these requests on a bi-monthly basis (February, April, June, August, October and December) and adopt the approved contributions by resolution.


B. BUDGET GUIDELINES

The Authority adopts an annual operating budget which will include an appropriate funding level for Community Contributions. As a general guide, the Authority will not appropriate more than approximately 1% of its total annual operating budget towards Community Contributions.

C. RECIPIENT REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

In accepting a contribution from the Authority, the recipient agrees to assist the Authority in evaluating the contribution through periodic site visits and reporting.

1. The need for site visits will be determined on a case by case basis.

2. All recipients receiving more than $1,000, will be expected to submit an annual report by May 1 each year, along with updated contact information. The annual report will include financial statements relative to the previous (contribution) year.

3. Organizations receiving program support in excess of $5,000 for any purpose, will be required to submit an annual progress report while the contribution remains active, and a final report once the last payment has been made.

4. Annual progress reports and final reports should succinctly discuss the following:

• The status of the program/project receiving funds.
• Any changes to the program/project.
• How was Authority’s contribution actually utilized?
• Were the program goals/objectives accomplished?
• What benefits for program participants were accomplished?
• Any problems with program/project?

5. Annual progress report and final reports will be evaluated to determine an organization’s eligibility for continued funding support.

D. AUTHORITY REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

1. A complete listing of all Authority funded Community Contributions and the amounts given shall be included in the Authority’s annual report and listed on the Authority’s web page.

2. All contributions are subject to annual audit review by the Authority’s audit staff and outside auditors on an as needed basis.

To apply, just print out this pdf file, fill it out and submit to:
Community Relations Administrator
Delaware River and Bay Authority
P.O. Box 71
New Castle, DE 19720