Foundation to increase Fourth Street Preserve gifts by 50%

Donations made toward the Fourth Street Preserve of the Open Space Alliance campaign will be increased by 50% through a challenge grant just issued by Longwood Foundation.

“This means, if you donate $10,000 to the campaign now or during 2024, your gift will actually be worth $15,000,” said Pam Costanzi, campaign manager.

Longwood’s matching funds will count toward the next $2 million to be raised from any sources, increasing that total by an additional $1 million.

“Longwood’s support is a wonderful vote of confidence in this campaign by Delaware’s largest private foundation,” said Jim Ford, Open Space Alliance chair.

In their grant award correspondence, Longwood officials referenced the importance of preserving the Fourth Street forested land and the success the Greater Lewes Foundation has demonstrated over the past 20 years with other major campaigns, attracting the support of local residents.

By year’s end, Costanzi said, the campaign expects to have reached 30% or more of its $8.3 million objective. “That will increase to 62% when this match is completed,” she said. Pledges as well as actual cash received will count toward the match.

Costanzi said several large donations – one of $100,000 – have already been received since the match was awarded Nov. 17.

For more information, contact Costanzi directly at 302-644-0107 or go to osalewes.org.