Delaplaine Foundation, Inc., is a private family foundation based in Frederick, Maryland, dedicated to the enrichment of communities, families, and quality of life for all. They do this by supporting programs to strengthen the arts and culture, educational advancement, health, and human services in Frederick County, as well as historical preservation and spiritual enlightenment in Frederick County and surrounding areas.
A Conversation with Marlene B. Young, President
Tell us your story!
Delaplaine family roots run deep in Frederick County, MD with the family’s history dating back to the earliest settlers of the area. The first house in Frederick was built by Delaplaine ancestor John Thomas Schley after he immigrated to Frederick from Germany around 1745. Delaplaine Foundation’s Chairman George B. Delaplaine, Jr. is grandson of William T. Delaplaine who in 1880 started a commercial print shop from which in 1883 evolved into publishing the local daily newspaper which he incorporated in 1888 as The Great Southern Printing & Mfg. Co. George B. Delaplaine, Jr., later served as President, Editor and Publisher of his family’s newspaper and in the late 1960s he brought cable television to Frederick County.
The cable company’s territory of subscribers eventually expanded to four states and in 2001, the newspaper and cable assets of Great Southern Printing & Mfg. Company were sold. The Delaplaine family, having always believed in the importance of giving back to the community, used a portion of the proceeds from the sale to establish Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. in 2001 and over the first 20 years of the Foundation’s operations, has awarded more than $20M in grant funding.
What do you like most about being a business owner in Frederick?
We have been involved as business owners in both for profit and nonprofit in Frederick and consistently the element liked most is the connectedness of the people and the relationships that are built in collaboration, support and unified interest as a vital, growing and concerned community. In short, Frederick cares for its own!
Because we are deeply rooted in the Frederick County community, we are keenly connected to what’s happening within the community and its civic, business, nonprofit, education, government, health, human services and spiritual sectors. Being a member of the Chamber keeps us apprised and networking with members of the community so that we are better informed on those with whom we may collaborate and network in carrying out our mission.
It is our goal to be known for making a positive and lasting impact on the enrichment of the communities that make up Frederick County and beyond through grant funding and other means of measurable support that provide outcomes that enhance the quality of life for the citizens and families we serve.
Why did you join the Chamber?
To expand our network of community colleagues and take advantage of the Chamber’s training sessions
How has being a member of the Chamber benefited your business?
It has enhanced professional development opportunities for staff , including Leadership Frederick and S.H.E. Week seminars, and the business card exchanges provide additional networking opportunities.
What do you want your business / organization to be known for?
For being a major philanthropic funder providing grant funding in support of community enrichment and thereby making a positive impact on the outcome of a brighter Frederick County; for being a community convener to assess and address community needs, and supporting the community nonprofit organizations who work tirelessly to meet those needs beyond providing the grant check.
What ways can people in the community support you?
By giving recognition on social media and print media of the impact that Delaplaine Foundation funding support has made in the lives of those who are affected by our grant funding.
Do you have any exciting promotions or interesting events coming up?
Delaplaine Foundation has just announced the award of 175 grants in our 2024 grant cycle totaling $2,950,400 with 90% of those grant dollars pouring back into Frederick County nonprofit organizations.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.