Foundation Programs
(Completed programs at bottom)
Our Community Impact Portfolios
1) Elevating Community Futures - Investing in youth leadership, scholarships, education, and civic engagement.
Impact: Building tomorrow's leaders and a thriving community.
2) Enriching Natural Spaces - Enhancing parks, trails, waterways, conservation projects, and preservation of green spaces.
Impact: Promoting wellness, environmental stewardship, and reinforcing DeBary's identity as a destination city.
3) Honoring Veterans, Service & Heritage - Supporting veterans memorials, recognition programs, first responders, historic preservation efforts, cultural programs, and educational exhibits.
Impact: Honoring service, fostering civic pride, and strengthening community identity.
4) Vibrant Community Spaces - Creating events, festivals, public art, and accessible gathering places.
Impact: Enhancing quality of life and making DeBary a destination to live, work, and play.
Bricks of Honor, Stories of Valor
Engraved pavers placed in Veterans' Plaza in Memorial Park
Phase II ordering open now until Sep 5th
The DeBary Foundation, in partnership with the City of DeBary has launched a military / veteran honorary brick program. Bricks may be purchased via the link on the home page (or below), and all who desire to honor active duty, veteran, or Gold Star family may purchase a brick - either 4x8 or 8x8.
Click here to order your own brick!
Phase II sales of bricks are now available for purchase. All bricks purchased by Sept 5th will be installed by Veterans Day each year.
Project Name
DeBary Trail Partnership Initiatives
The Foundation is partnering with the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance to enhance DeBary’s trail experience by funding the purchase and installation of an informational kiosk at the unique junction where three major multi-use trail systems meet, the only location in Florida where more than 600 miles of interconnected paved trails converge. The kiosk will serve as a major informational hub, providing education about the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop, Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, and Heart of Florida Loop, along with insights into local natural features and contact information for both partner organizations.
The Foundation has also joined the River2Sea as a Trail Alliance Community Partner, continuing our support for local trails serving the DeBary community for walkers, joggers, and riders. This encourages and increases healthy, safe, and environmentally-friendly outdoor recreation and transportation for all ages. Take a look and see if you'd be interested in joining us as a Trail Alliance Community Partner by clicking here: River2Sea Community Partner
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Project Name
Creative Pathways at DeBary Elementary
The Foundation has partnered with DeBary Elementary School to provide annual funding in support of its arts programs, including music and visual art (theater pending), helping cover materials and resources beyond current school budget capacity. This investment ensures that more than 90% of DeBary’s children are reached during the school day, expanding access to creative learning opportunities that build confidence, expression, and critical thinking skills. The partnership also creates a pathway for potential future growth by sponsoring music and art awards that celebrate students and teachers while inspiring excellence.
Click here to read initial press release with photo:
G.R.O.W. Healthy Kids partnership
The Foundation is proud to partner with GROW Healthy Kids to expand programs supporting children and families throughout DeBary and Volusia County. This partnership aligns with our Elevating Community Futures pillar by investing in the well-being, confidence, and success of local youth.
Through GROW Steps, students identified by school resource officers, teachers, coaches, and social workers receive quality athletic shoes to help remove barriers to education, physical activity, and participation in school and community life. Through Cops & Kids Connection, law enforcement officers, first responders, school resource officers, and social workers are equipped with sports balls and resource materials that help foster positive interactions with children, build trust, and create meaningful connections through play. Together, these programs address immediate needs while helping children develop the confidence, support systems, and opportunities needed to thrive.
Interactive Memorial Kiosk
The Foundation is developing an on-site information kiosk at the Veterans Memorial Plaza that will include a web link and QR code, allowing visitors to easily access background stories and service details for each individual honored with an engraved brick. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Congressional members, the City of DeBary, and the DeBary Foundation, with the goal of enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the personal histories behind the memorial.
Completed Programs
Bricks of Honor Phase I Sep25 to Jan26: Foundation, in partnership with the city, directed a program offering engraved pavers honoring our Veterans and Military. Bricks will be installed in a new Veterans Plaza in DeBary's Memorial Park Feb 2026.
Monster Mash 5K run/walk 25 Oct 25: Foundation participated as the selected C28 benificiary working packet handout and handing out all finisher medals.
Foundation Kickoff Celebration 18 Sept 25: The Foundation held an inaugural community kickoff introducing the Foundation, it's mission and vision, and solicited community input for future projects.