Best Community Development Grants in Delaware

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Focused on energy efficiency upgrades, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites Delaware non-residential facilities to apply for funding to install or expand combined heat and power systems. Eligible commercial, industrial, nonprofit, government, and educational entities can receive up to US $250,000 for new, permanently installed CHP equipment and related project costs that exceed minimum code requirements.

Kenny Family Foundation provides Delaware community development nonprofits with small in-kind grants to support human and social services and equity-focused programs. Charitable 501(c)(3) and nonprofit organizations in New Castle County can request approximately US $100 in ShopRite gift cards once per year to assist neighbors in need and improve local quality of life.

Delaware community development and health organizations can access funding through Edna Kynett Memorial Foundation for cardiovascular community health, professional education, and research programs. Public entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving underserved, high-risk populations in the Delaware Valley, including New Castle County, may receive up to US $50,000 for program costs or limited general operating support.

Local governments, nonprofits, and other organizations in Delaware can seek funding for community water quality projects such as stormwater retrofits, stream and wetland restoration, and other nonpoint source pollution controls. Grants from Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control help Delaware community development efforts improve water quality in impaired watersheds, with awards ranging from US $25,000 - US $75,000.

Delaware 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, or related community projects can seek funding for general operating or program support. Focused on environment, the Joseph Robert Foundation invites smaller organizations, especially those under $300,000 budgets, to apply for grants up to US $10,000 supporting local impact in the mid-Atlantic region.

Nonprofit music performance, presenting, and music education organizations in Delaware and nearby counties can seek funding for general operating support or resilience efforts. With a mission to advance musical education and philanthropy, Presser Foundation provides $5,000 - $25,000 Special Projects Grants that may help strengthen small arts groups contributing to local community development.

Delaware-area community organizing groups focused on gender justice and led by those most affected can access funding through Bread & Roses Community Fund; awards US $10,000 for grassroots organizing. Eligible 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored projects in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Camden counties using community organizing to advance gender and LGBTQI+ rights may benefit.

Delaware and Greater Philadelphia nonprofit organizations serving primarily women and girls can apply for Valentine Foundation’s Visionary Leadership Fund, offering up to US $3,000 for leadership development initiatives. Community development groups that meet the service and regional criteria may nominate current or aspiring women and non-binary leaders, with a focus on those from under-represented communities.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in Delaware can seek funding for historic preservation planning, education, and outreach projects, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $5,000. Focused on preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation invites community development and revitalization initiatives to apply for seed money that builds local capacity and engages new audiences.

Local governments and community organizations in Delaware can seek Delaware Forest Service grants of US $500 - US $5,000 to expand and manage urban tree canopy. Funding supports tree planting, inventories, pruning, hazardous tree removal, and green infrastructure that improves stormwater management, air quality, and equitable community development.

Delaware arts-focused 501(c)(3) or similar nonprofits can use this grant for general operating expenses like staff, artist fees, facilities, and program delivery. Delaware arts organizations can access funding through Delaware Division of the Arts on a staggered three-year cycle, supporting sustained, year-round arts programming that strengthens community life and engagement.

Focused on community arts programming, Delaware Division of the Arts invites Delaware community-based nonprofits, colleges, universities, and government entities to apply for project support grants. Eligible organizations can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 for non-credit, community-serving arts projects that expand access, foster cultural expression, and strengthen local community development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public institutions, schools, and municipalities serving Delaware County, Iowa can seek community development, promotion, and education project support, with awards up to US $7,500. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque prioritizes innovative projects, and Delaware community development groups may benefit from this annual Foundation for the Future of Delaware County grant opportunity.

Local governments, nonprofits, and community partners working on green infrastructure and community greening in Delaware’s Chesapeake Bay watershed can seek funding for planning, design, construction, and urban tree canopy projects. Chesapeake Bay Trust’s G3 program supports efforts that reduce stormwater runoff, expand green spaces, and improve local water quality and livability.

Grants from Delaware Community Foundation help Delaware nonprofits and eligible government agencies fund health-related projects, programs, and supportive services, with awards up to US $50,000. Organizations advancing access to care, reducing health disparities, supporting early childhood health, training health professionals, or addressing social determinants of health may find strong support for community development efforts.

Community development and preservation organizations in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic can receive up to US $7,500 for planning, education, and outreach projects that protect natural and cultural resources. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports initiatives like preservation planning, community forums, and public education that enhance livability, sustainability, and historic and open space conservation.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware preserving battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures can seek funding for planning and education projects. With a mission to strengthen preservation efforts, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides support for activities like preservation planning, feasibility studies, capacity building, and innovative public education, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000.

Eligible rural public entities, nonprofits, tribes, higher education institutions, and rural cooperatives in Delaware can access USDA Rural Development funding to support technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Grants may cover planning, counseling, facilities, equipment, revolving loan funds, transportation, and broader community and technology-based economic development that strengthens local communities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware improving life in central Delaware through economic development and career or occupational education can apply for the Roy Klein Education Fund, with awards up to US $3,000. Administered by Delaware Community Foundation, this grant supports community development efforts benefiting Kent County, including Smyrna and Milford.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing workforce development, career navigation, and AI-focused training programs can receive US $10,000 - US $250,000 to support adult workers. Truist Foundation provides Delaware community development groups with funding if they are headquartered in the U.S. within the Truist footprint and offer innovative career pathways and wraparound services that build economic mobility.

Nonprofit or government presenters of touring jazz performances in Delaware can apply for Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Jazz Touring Network, with awards up to US $3,000 to support jazz presentations. With a mission to strengthen regional jazz, the program offers ongoing membership, block-booked tours, and professional development for eligible mid-Atlantic presenters.

The Pettinaro Supports Delaware Communities Grant offers vital funding to nonprofits addressing critical needs in Delaware, such as education, health, and community development. This initiative, inspired by the philanthropic spirit of Verino and Midge Pettinaro, emphasizes the importance of community support and equity. Organizations that align with these goals are encouraged to apply, fostering a culture of giving and collective improvement within the state.

Nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable young children in New Castle County can apply for early childhood development funding, including community-focused initiatives, with awards of US $7,500. With a mission to strengthen Delaware communities, Delaware Community Foundation supports 501(c)(3) programs that serve Delaware residents without discrimination and contribute to broader community development in the state.

Delaware public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural areas can access funding through USDA: Rural Development to develop essential community facilities. Support covers purchasing, constructing, or improving facilities and equipment for health care, public safety, community services, education, utilities, and local food systems in communities under 20,000 residents.

Eligible rural local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in Delaware can use these USDA Rural Development grants to prepare for or recover from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water. Focused on community resilience, funding supports waterline extensions, repairs, and construction of new water sources, intakes, or treatment facilities, with awards up to US $1,000,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware focused on rural community vitality can receive US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs and projects. Land O'Lakes Foundation provides Delaware community development groups with funding for efforts like ag education, schools, city improvements, fire and ambulance departments, United Way chapters, and economic development in its dairy member-owner regions.