Keeping government accessible . . . and accountable

WHO we are:

The Delaware Coalition for Open Government is one of 44 state affiliates of the National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC), headquartered at the University of Missouri. We are a coalition of journalists, lawyers, elected officials, news organizations, business owners, government employees, civic associations and private citizens who believe that government of the people, by the people and for the people, should be open TO the people.

DELCOG was founded in 2006 and is an incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

WHAT are our goals?

• To improve, expand and promote public access to government. 
• To inform the public about its intrinsic and legal right to know how its government operates.

HOW do we do it?

Our efforts focus on the broader aspects of FOIA and open government. We are not a legal advocacy or legal assistance organization, but we

• work with the Attorney General on enforcement of the FOI law. 
• work cooperatively on access with all branches and levels of government.
• offer programs that bring people together to talk about access issues.
• survey our legislators on the level of their support for open government.
• seek to inform and aid those experiencing difficulty gaining access to information from their state and local governments.
• serve as a resource for FOIA filings and related lawsuits.
• take part in national recognition of Sunshine Week.
• answer questions and provide resources online.

In those instances when government actions restrict or deny access to information, those actions must serve a clear and convincing public purpose. And even in those cases, such actions should be the exception and must be limited.

DELCOG Mission Statement
The Delaware Coalition for Open Government is committed to promoting and defending the people's right to transparency and accountability in government. We serve as a resource through education and advocacy, and we work to strengthen Delaware's Freedom of Information Act, its application and its enforcement.

DELCOG Funding - We Need Your Support
Although membership for individuals is free, contributions to DELCOG are welcome and needed so that we can sustain and expand our services to the citizens of Delaware and meet the expenses of hosting this Web site. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that funds its activities through tax-deductible contributions and grants from private citizens, organizations, corporations and foundations.  Join DELCOG.

Dues and Contributions are tax deductible. Our Tax ID # is 31309.

Please send contributions to:
Delaware Coalition for Open Government
1012 Kent Road
Wilmington, DE 19807

Thank you for helping to build an active alliance that is working to ensure access to public information and proceedings for the greatest number of people at the least possible cost.

National Freedom of Information Coalition - NFOIC
Protecting the public's right to oversee its government

DELCOG is a member of the National Freedom of Information Coalition, founded in 1989. NFOIC is a nationwide organization with headquarters at the University of Missouri. NFOIC offers some $220,000 annually in pass-through grants to foster both the creation and growth of state FOI coalitions, assists with projects furthering public access to government records and meetings, and ensures the public's right to know. The grants are provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.