Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Delaware

Nonprofit organizations and government units in Delaware managing arts programs can receive support for public arts projects that expand access and participation. Grants from Delaware Division of the Arts help Delaware community groups offer arts experiences, collaborations, and lifelong learning opportunities. Funding up to US $1,250 can support programs in diverse or non-traditional community settings.

Organizations improving resident care in Delaware certified nursing homes can apply for Civil Money Penalty (CMP) funds to enhance quality of care and quality of life. Focused on patient and residential care, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services supports projects like resident relocation assistance, family councils, and facility quality improvement initiatives that may benefit community-focused service efforts.

Focused on energy efficiency upgrades, this program invites Delaware non-residential facilities to apply for funding to install or expand combined heat and power systems. Eligible commercial, industrial, nonprofit, governmental, and local government entities can receive up to US $250,000 for new, permanently installed CHP equipment, which may strengthen community-serving operations and reduce energy costs.

Delaware non-residential, commercial, industrial, nonprofit, and government facilities planning energy-efficiency upgrades can access funding through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to support custom, site-specific projects. Grants, up to US $250,000, help cover comprehensive efficiency measures, including horticultural lighting for indoor agriculture, that go beyond code to reduce energy use and operating costs.

Non-residential facilities in Delaware seeking to upgrade lighting, HVAC, water heating, or appliances to energy-efficient models can receive up to US $250,000 through prescriptive grants. Grants from Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control help commercial, industrial, nonprofit, governmental, and local government entities cover up to 60% of eligible project costs for retrofits or new construction.

Nonprofit organizations in Delaware can apply for Delaware Community Foundation’s Highmark BluePrints for the Community large grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $200,000 for health-related projects and services. Funding supports programs that increase access to care and reduce health disparities, which may include community service initiatives around healthcare access, economic stability, social context, neighborhoods, or the health workforce.

Delaware Community Foundation

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is a nonprofit organization focused on partnering with donors to build opportunity and advance equity in Delaware. Our mission is to strengthen Delaware by maximizing community-based philanthropy. Our vision is a Delaware where generosity expands opportunities for all.

In addition to partnering with donors, the DCF serves our community through direct grantmaking from our Delaware Forever Fund. Selected by a statewide committee composed of community leaders, grants from the Forever Fund target the state’s most pressing needs and fortify our nonprofit organizations’ infrastructures, strengthening their ability to focus on their missions.

Capital One Grant: Improving Community Vital Conditions

Each year, the DCF awards millions of dollars in grants to support the work of nonprofits addressing Delaware’s greatest needs and opportunities, with an eye to building opportunity and advancing equity.

Capital One’s Improving Community Vital Conditions grant is designed to expand economic opportunity for low- and moderate-income (LMI) consumers and communities. The Capital One grant program in collaboration with Healthy Communities Delaware (HCD) at the DCF is currently accepting applications for grants to support projects and services that focus on improving community vital conditions. Grant proposals should aim to improve one or more of the Vital Conditions for Well-Being within LMI communities.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

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 can cover purchasing, constructing, or improving facilities and equipment for health care, public safety, community centers, local food systems, and other community development projects in eligible communities under 20,000 residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities running community vitality, education, or rural development projects in Delaware can access funding through Land O'Lakes Foundation, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants support rural-focused efforts such as ag education, schools, city improvements, fire and ambulance departments, economic development, and similar community service initiatives.

Health-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government agencies in Delaware can seek funding for projects, programs, and supportive services improving community health. Grants from Delaware Community Foundation help Delaware community service efforts that expand health care access, reduce disparities, support early childhood health, train health professionals, and address social determinants of health, with awards up to US $50,000.

Delaware 501(c)(3) public charities running community service, basic needs, education, or quality-of-life projects can apply for grants of US $20,000 - US $30,000 to support programs, pilots, operations, or capital needs. Grants from Laffey McHugh Foundation help Delaware community organizations strengthen underserved neighborhoods and expand economic mobility and youth enrichment efforts.

Delaware public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits planning historic preservation projects can seek US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning, education, and outreach activities. Focused on community development and revitalization, National Trust for Historic Preservation invites eligible members and Main Street communities to fund studies, capacity building, and innovative public programming that advance local preservation efforts.

The LGBTQ+ Emerging Needs Grant by the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund aims to support organizations that address the evolving needs of the Greater Philadelphia LGBTQ+ community. With a focus on areas such as legal rights, arts, education, and health services, grants of up to $5,000 are available, encouraging applications from diverse and grassroots organizations. Since 1993, the fund has prioritized impactful initiatives that foster community growth and inclusion.

Colleges and universities in Delaware seeking support for campus greening and beautification can apply to the Tree Campus Higher Education program, which recognizes schools that meet five tree-care and engagement standards. Institutions with community development or service-learning projects tied to tree planting and care may benefit from this National Arbor Day Foundation initiative.

Nonprofits, farmers, researchers, and community partners in Delaware and the broader Northeast can seek funding to strengthen farming and food systems through social science research and education projects. Grants from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education support community-based initiatives in areas like marketing, crop and livestock production, aquaculture, climate, and economic and social sustainability, with awards from US $50,000 - US $250,000.

Nonprofit community organizations, colleges, universities, and government entities in Delaware can seek funding for community arts projects that are not primarily arts-focused. Focused on community development, Delaware Division of the Arts invites Delaware groups to support public arts experiences, reach underserved audiences, foster lifelong learning, and celebrate local culture with awards from US $2,000 - US $10,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and municipalities serving Delaware County, Iowa can seek grants for community development, community promotions, and community education projects. Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, via the Foundation for the Future of Delaware County, offers up to US $7,500, prioritizing innovative programs that benefit local residents and strengthen community services.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

Students pursuing therapy sciences such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, or speech-language pathology in accredited U.S. campus-based programs may be eligible for this scholarship in Delaware and select other states. Grants from UNICO Foundation help full-time college students with at least a 3.0 GPA continue their studies with awards of US $2,500.

Delaware students pursuing veterinary studies at accredited U.S. colleges or universities can access funding through UNICO Foundation, which offers two scholarships of US $2,500 each. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18, full-time campus-based students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and reside in or be sponsored from select states including Delaware.

Delaware graduate students of Italian descent pursuing full-time, campus-based programs in the U.S. can access funding through UNICO Foundation’s Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship. Two awards of up to US $3,000 each support students beginning graduate study in 2026–2027, with financial need considered and a required UNICO chapter or district sponsor.

Nonprofits and public agencies restoring fish and wildlife habitat, improving water quality, or expanding outdoor recreation in Delaware and the broader Delaware River watershed can apply for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, with awards from US $75,000 - US $1,500,000. Eligible projects may also advance local community development and revitalization goals.

Delaware community organizations running programs to prevent or heal childhood trauma can access funding through the Amerihealth Caritas Foundation for one-year, project-specific work. 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving communities with many Medicaid enrollees may receive US $100,000 - US $150,000 for community-led efforts that improve children’s health, strengthen families, and expand access to care.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware working on hunger relief and food access in eligible rural communities can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support local programs and projects. Land O'Lakes Foundation funds food banks, pantries, meal programs, community gardens, and related efforts in New Castle and Sussex Counties within its member-owner footprint.

National and local nonprofits in Delaware working on community culture, heritage, or historic preservation planning and education can receive up to US $7,500 for projects. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports initiatives that protect cultural and natural resources, build preservation partnerships, and engage new audiences through forums, studies, guidelines, and public outreach.

Delaware rural public entities and nonprofit corporations can use these grants to provide training, technical assistance, and other support for small rural businesses. USDA Rural Development offers US $10,000 - US $500,000 for projects like community and technology-based economic development, rural business incubators, revolving loan funds, and long-term business planning in eligible rural areas.