Debley Inc.

OVERVIEW: Debley Inc. funds global development and women’s empowerment initiatives in the U.S. and around the world.

IP TAKE: This funder is not accessible, preferring a low profile. It also finds its own grantees to fund rather than solicit proposals. This is a crowded space in that it funds grantees for multiple cycles, which also means that Debley likes to grow long-term relationships with its grantees, providing them with extended support in order for them to continue or scale up their work. This funder does not provide a direct way of getting in touch, but we’ve provided their contact information below should you want to call them to learn more about how they conduct and choose what and who to fund. This funder does like to fund an array of organizations, which reveals some flexibility.

PROFILE: Debley Inc. was established in 1962, when Charles C. Demeré, an Episcopal priest, and his brothers sold their interest in a family business, the Colonial Oil Company. The organization’s name represents half of each of the Demerés parents’ names—Demeré and Mobley. According to Demeré’s obituary, the foundation’s aim is to “find creative ways to make a lasting difference in this world.” Demeré’s vocation seems to have influenced his philanthropy; Debley supports poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment initiatives, and Christian organizations and schools are among its grantees. According to recent tax filings, grantmaking supports a mix of U.S. and international organizations. This funder does not maintain a website.

Grants for Global Development

Tax filings suggest that global development is an important area of grantmaking for Debley; poverty alleviation, human rights and health are important interests here. Recent grants have gone to Children of the Nations, which provides housing and care for orphaned children in developing nations, and 1000 Jobs Haiti, which aims to create sustainable jobs at fair wages. Another grantee, Medshare International, arranges for surplus medical supplies and medications from wealthier nations to those in need. 

Grants for Women and Girls

Grantmaking in this area aims to improve educational and work opportunities for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world. In education, Debley has focused on middle and high school education, funding girls’ schools including Serviam Girls Academy in Delaware and the Atlanta Girls School, Inc. Another grantee, the Christian Women’s Jobs Corps of Madison County, Alabama, offers training programs, GED preparation and internship programs to low-income women. Debley has also given to Global Women, an organization that “serves as a learning, sharing and empowerment hub for women who are actively working to improve the lives of other women.”

Important Grant Details:

Debley grants are generally awarded in amounts up to $25,000, and the organization makes over $100,000 a year grants, on average. Grantees represent a mix of large, global organizations and small, local nonprofits working in Debley’s areas of interest. For additional information about past grantmaking, see the organization’s recent tax filings. 

This funder does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals, and it does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch. An address and phone number are provided below. 

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT: 

Debley, Inc. 

The Forum 3290

Northside Parkway No. 950

Atlanta, GA 30327

(678) 538-2000