Delaplaine Foundation Renews Support for BBBSNCA to Expand Frederick County Mentorship Programs

FREDERICK, MD. – December 17, 2025 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area (BBBSNCA) has received a $20,000 grant from Delaplaine Foundation, marking the second consecutive year of this impactful partnership.   

As a result, more youth in Frederick County will have access to consistent, caring mentors—helping them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. 

“This renewed grant is a testament to the measurable impact mentoring has in the Frederick community,” said Michael Sanzi, President & CEO of BBBSNCA. “Mentors help young people see what’s possible, and we’re grateful to Delaplaine Foundation for continuing to invest in relationships that support children and families throughout Frederick County.” 

How the Grant Supports At-Risk Youth in Frederick County

Since re-establishing its presence in Frederick County in 2020, BBBSNCA has focused on closing the local “mentoring gap.” This year’s funding will directly support that mission by: 

  • Recruiting and training adult volunteers (Bigs) who live and work within the area 
  • Expanding access to safe, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships  
  • Supporting positive outcomes that help Littles achieve academic success, social & emotional growth, and self-confidence 
  • Partnering with local businesses, schools and community organizations to build meaningful, lasting connections between Littles and their Bigs 

BBBSNCA’s Growing Impact in Frederick 

Delaplaine Foundation’s continued support comes at a pivotal moment for BBBSNCA. Earlier this year, BBBSNCA secured a multi-million dollar grant from Arnold Ventures, with a portion dedicated to expanding one-to-one mentoring in Frederick and Prince George’s Counties. Together, local and national funding will allow BBBSNCA to scale its impact and reach more youth across the region.  

“At Delaplaine Foundation, we believe collaboration is essential to create lasting change,” said Marlene B. Young, President of Delaplaine Foundation. “By partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area, we can help Frederick youth overcome challenges and build pathways to succeed in life.” 

About Delaplaine Foundation

Established in 2001, Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. is a private family foundation in Frederick, Maryland. We are committed to enriching communities, families, and quality of life for all through initiatives in education, arts, health, human services, historic preservation, and spiritual enrichment.  

Learn more: https://delaplainefoundation.org/  

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area  

Since 1949, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area (BBBSNCA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the Washington region’s largest donor and volunteer-supported mentoring network, BBBSNCA makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”) ages 7 – 18 years old in communities across the National Capital Area.  

Learn more: https://bbbsnca.org/