DVLF Builds Community by Advancing Philanthropy. DVLF's mission is to raise the endowment and increase grantmaking for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and straight-allied communities. DVLF supports community organizations through technical assistance and strategic planning, convenes planned giving training to legal and financial professionals, and manages a program to protect LGBT families and their assets while assisting them in estate planning and the adoption process.

The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund is pleased to announce that almost a year after Perry Monastero’s resignation and after an eight month national search, an Executive Director has been selected from over one hundred candidates.

Michael Kendrick resides in Bucks County and is the President of Kendrick Development Services, a fundraising and nonprofit consulting company.  As a seasoned fundraising professional and nonprofit leader for over 25 years, he has worked for the American Red Cross – Southeastern Pennsylvania, State University of New York – Purchase College Association, Lebanese American University, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, Lancaster General Hospital and Millersville University.  His experience in fundraising in the areas of education, preservation, healthcare, environment, arts/culture and social welfare give him knowledge of a variety of philanthropic circles.

Most recently, as the Director of Planned Giving for the American Red Cross, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, Michael established numerous major gift and planned giving programs and he tripled the membership in the Chapter’s Legacy Society program. During his tenure serving as the Executive Director of the Purchase College Association, Michael increased the budget four-fold, while reorganizing the organizational structure to increase effectiveness and efficiency. He also created the Association’s Grant Program that taught grant writing skills to the college community and awarded over $500,000 in funding to college and community organizations. In these roles, Michael created donor education programs, board/volunteer fundraising programs and worked directly with individual donors, learning about their interests, their desire for impact and motives for giving. Throughout his career, Michael was instrumental in developing fundraising programs that resulted in raising six and seven figure gifts for organizations he has worked with.

Michael is one of the founding members of Vision of Hope, MCC in Lancaster, PA. He also helped establish the first Gay and Lesbian Alliance at the State University of New York –College at Purchase and served an adult mentor. He served as AIDS Quilt Coordinator for traveling quilt exhibits in the New York area and personally created many of his own quilts to honor lost friends. Michael serves as a group/division marshal for many years for the Heritage of Pride/NYC Pride Annual March and he has recently offered his fundraising services to assist FACT in Bucks County. In addition, Michael generously donates his time to serve on the Board of Directors of The Town and Country Players and is Secretary of The Twilight Wish Foundation. In their spare time, Michael and his partner of twenty-three years, attend many LGBTI social and group events in the area and love going to movies!

Last but not least, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the board, advisory council and the National Search Committee for their support and hard work during this long process. I am pleased that the search is complete and I am confident that DVLF has a phenomenal Executive Director at the helm to propel this organization to the next level.

Michael Kendrick officially started on Monday August 23rd and is extremely excited about working with all members of the DVLF community.  Please join me in welcoming and supporting Michael during the transition!

For the past four years, the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund has awarded local corporate, civic and community leaders with their Heroes Award. After an extensive open call for nominations on our website, the DVLF has announced this year’s honorees.

This year DVLF and the Heroes 2010 Steering Committee are thrilled to recognize Chris Barlett, Whole Foods, and the Mazzoni Center for their tremendous contributions to the LGBTI community. Heroes 2010 is an opportunity for all in the LGBTI and Allied communities to pause and celebrate the accomplishments of these unique individuals and organizations.

Please join us on Friday, September 24, 2010 at the incredible F.U.E.L. Collection Art Gallery in the heart of Old City Philadelphia to recognize these Heroes whose tireless work on behalf of the LGBTI community has brought us closer to the goal of full equality for all people.

For more information and to purchase tickets click here.

 QFEST LGBTQ Film Festival

The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund is proud to be a community sponsor of this year's QFest.  Starting this Thursday July 8, QFest features over 12 days of over 100 different films. The DVLF and QFest have even partnered on a special trailer to be shown throughout the festival!  We encourage all of you to buy tickets to one of the many great films in this year's incredible LGBTQ  film festival.  To find out more, go to www.qfest.com See you at the festival!