The Foundation for Delaware County offers top-rate philanthropic services that help others – health, affordable housing, food security, funds for the arts, and improving the environment.
Michael Kellerman is the second President of The Foundation for Delaware County. He is an experienced nonprofit executive and change management specialist who spent the past decade leading organizations through periods of transition across the Philadelphia region and more. He has served as Interim Executive Director of Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia, WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, Fairwinds – Nantucket’s Counseling Center, and as Interim CEO of Intercultural Family Services in West Philadelphia and the Village (now Gemma Services) in Radnor, PA. In each role, Michael partnered closely with boards, staff, and community stakeholders to promote organizational stability, refine business models, enhance reputations, and pursue strategic realignments and collaborations.
You’ve held a few positions over the years. What did that bring to The Foundation for Delaware County?
I’ve spent 25 years leading nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and more recently, I’ve focused on guiding organizations through periods of change. Delaware County – and our Foundation - have faced profound challenges in recent years. While uncertainty can be difficult, it also creates space for new ideas and opportunities to take hold. I see this moment as one where we can not only respond to immediate needs but also reimagine how we create lasting impact in our community. That balance—steadying through change while actively pursuing opportunity—is something I focus on every day.
You took the President position in October 2025. What have you been able to change in the organization for the better?
As the Foundation approaches its 10th anniversary, it feels like a natural moment to reflect on what’s been built. I’m deeply grateful for the leadership of Frances Sheehan, the Foundation’s inaugural President, who shaped such a strong and thoughtful organization in its first decade.
This past year has brought real change across Delaware County. My focus at the Foundation has been on meeting that moment with transparency, strengthening partnerships, and leaning into collaboration in new ways. Even in my first six months, I’ve had the chance to see that spirit in action—from the launch of Family Village to the Delaware County Rapid Response Fund, and our Partners in Giving collaborative grant opportunity. We’re just getting started. There’s much more ahead, and we’re ready for it.
What are your current goals for the Foundation?
We just hosted the third annual Delco Gives, and there’s something special about watching a community go all in for itself in that way. Building on that momentum, one of our core goals is to continue elevating the visibility of the nonprofits strengthening Delaware County and connecting more people to the causes they care about. When we do that well, we don’t just raise awareness—we unlock greater impact.
Looking ahead, the opportunity is to build on the Foundation’s first decade of momentum. That means expanding our reach and resources, deepening relationships with donors and community partners, and creating more opportunities for collaboration around the issues that matter most.
As we approach our 10th anniversary, we see a clear path forward: to have a larger, more catalytic community foundation—one that not only responds to need, but helps shape solutions and drives long-term change. There is tremendous potential here, and we’re focused on turning that potential into measurable impact for our community. I look forward to laying out how we’ll continue to push toward that vision.
How would you describe the presidential experience?
It’s a role that I love that sits right in the flow of community life. One day might involve working with donors, the next with nonprofit leaders or government partners—but it all connects back to the same purpose.
A community foundation is a critical part of a community’s system of support, and we’re fortunate to have incredibly creative and dedicated professionals and volunteers. A big part of my role is making sure those community champions - and the ideas they generate - have the resources and pathways they need to succeed.
Why Media?
Media is—quite literally—the center of it all. Delaware County is a rich mosaic of communities, from the rural stretches to the north and west to the denser, more urban communities along the Delaware River and into Philadelphia—and Media sits right at the heart of that landscape.
When our family moved here, we found a nearly 250-year-old home just along the edge of the borough, and Media quickly became our main street. It’s the kind of place where a five-block stroll to grab a coffee rarely stays that simple—you run into neighbors, fall into conversation, make a plan, reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in a while. Deals get made and problems solved. That easy, constant thread of connection is what makes it feel like home.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
It’s the range—and the people. I love connecting people with causes that matter to them. Through our grantmaking, we support nonprofits across the county. Through Family Village, we’re directly connected to children and families through programs like Healthy Start, WIC, and Nurse-Family Partnership.
That mix means no two days look the same. The work itself can be complex, but at its core it’s about bringing people together to move forward, strengthen our community - and I get to do that alongside an incredibly dedicated team, Board, and community of change makers.
delcofoundation.org
Pull Quote
As we approach our 10th anniversary, we see a clear path forward: to have a larger, more catalytic community foundation—one that not only responds to need, but helps shape solutions and drives long-term change.
Sidebar
Michael’s focus on interim and turnaround leadership emerged during his tenure as President and CEO of the Village, a 150-year-old child welfare and behavioral health agency in DELCO. Under his leadership, the agency merged with Silver Springs – Martin Luther School in 2019 to form Gemma Services.
He has served as Director of Partnerships at The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, DC; Strategic Development Counsel at KUT, Austin’s NPR affiliate; and Vice President of Austin Habitat for Humanity. He has taught at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, lectures at the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton School, and worked extensively in the performing arts.