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Search Through Grants for Education Nonprofits in Delaware

Community Reinvestment Fund

The Community Reinvestment Fund, a capital grant program, shall be used for community redevelopment, revitalization and investment capital projects which will improve the economic, culture, historical, and recreational health of Delaware communities.

Eligible applicants include county and local governments, community-based nonprofit organizations, and private sector nonprofit organizations. All nonprofit organizations must hold a 501(c)3 designation at the time of application submission in order to be considered eligible. State agencies, school districts, charter schools, private schools, institutions of higher education, childcare facilities, churches, fire companies, fiscal agents, and for-profit organizations are not eligible for funds from the Community Reinvestment Fund.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

The Chichester DuPont Foundation provides grants focused on environmental, educational, healthcare, and social service initiatives, emphasizing support for underprivileged children in Delaware. Organizations are encouraged to develop relationships with trustees to enhance funding success. Grants typically cover one year, with potential for multi-year funding in special interest areas. Nonprofit organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) are eligible, while individuals and for-profit entities are not. The foundation seeks innovative proposals and capital improvements to drive positive change.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The Roy Klein Education Fund, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides crucial support to nonprofits working on economic development and career education initiatives in Kent County, Delaware. By focusing on projects that enhance the quality of life for residents, the fund aims to foster equity and opportunity. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits, ensuring that assistance directly benefits the local community without discrimination. This initiative plays a vital role in uplifting central Delaware.

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.

Dover Grants, offered by Speedway Children's Charities, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on children's welfare in Delaware and the mid-Atlantic region. The grants prioritize initiatives assisting homeless, foster children, and victims of trafficking. Applicants must complete a two-phase application process, beginning with a Pre-Proposal and followed by a Full Proposal if selected. The organization emphasizes funding for critical, medical, and educational needs to foster a brighter future for children.

The Presser Foundation's Special Projects Grant supports innovative music organizations with funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Established in 1939, the Foundation aims to promote music education and philanthropy. The grant focuses on newly formed organizations and those impacted by funding changes, encouraging applications for projects enhancing artistic development, financial stability, and collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, ensuring a broad reach in supporting diverse musical initiatives.

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, established in 2001, has awarded over $17.5 million to combat hunger in its operating areas. This foundation focuses on supporting children at risk of hunger and enhancing the capacity of feeding agencies to provide nutritious meals. They also emphasize nutrition education to mitigate health risks associated with hunger. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 20 miles of a Food Lion store, with applications accepted annually.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Community Vitality, supported by Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to enhance the vibrancy of dairy communities in the East and West Regions. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available for organizations focused on rural development, education, and community resources. Eligible applicants must have a 501c3 status and serve specific geographic areas, ensuring support reaches those in need.

The Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation Grant, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in New Castle County, DE, that serve underserved youth and young adults up to 25 years old. Established in 2018, the grant aims to empower these individuals by providing essential skills and support for a self-sufficient future. This initiative emphasizes community education and volunteerism to address the pressing needs of at-risk youth in the area.

The Welfare Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofits in Delaware and southern Chester County, emphasizing capital grants. With an annual budget of around $5 million, the Foundation has contributed approximately $130 million over 25 years. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and comply with non-discrimination policies. The Foundation prioritizes sectors such as social services, housing, health, education, environment, civic engagement, and the arts, while excluding annual support and political activities.

The NRA Foundation in Delaware provides grants to eligible organizations that promote firearms safety, education, and marksmanship. Organizations must be recognized under IRS 501(c)(3) or be government entities. Grant requests must align with the Foundation's mission, which includes fostering charitable and educational activities related to the shooting sports. Ineligible applicants include labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals. Funding is determined solely by the Foundation, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.

The Crestlea Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Delaware and Southeastern Chester County, PA, focusing on social services, education, healthcare, and more. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in the specified areas. A meeting is required for first-time applicants or those requesting over $15,000. Organizations can reapply after one year if not funded, while grants are not provided for political or religious activities, special events, or scholarships.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

The Lee & Florence Kvalnes Charitable Fund, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides small grants to support educational programming for at-risk families in Delaware. These grants aim to foster self-sufficiency through assistance with tuition, daycare, wellness classes, and transportation. Nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations serving Delaware residents without discrimination. This initiative reflects a commitment to building equitable opportunities and strengthening community welfare.

History

Foundation began in 1986 when community leaders realized the need for a permanent source of funding to provide for Delaware’s current and future needs.

In 1985, DuPont Executive Pierre S. DuPont III, an active board member of the United Way of Delaware and the Longwood Foundation, realized that the charitable needs of Delaware’s nonprofit agencies and institutions were more than existing resources could support. Concerned that most fundraising was for current operating needs and none for endowments to meet future needs, Mr. duPont recruited 19 community leaders to create the Delaware Community Foundation in July 1986.

The News Journal and parent company Gannett provided start-up money, In 1989, Gov. Mike Castle endorsed the Foundation, and the state provided a $2 million grant “to be used as an investment in the charitable future of Delaware.”

Today, the DCF is among the largest community foundations in the country.

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.

Most DCF grants are from donor advised funds. Nonprofits are invited to apply for the grant opportunities on this page, including the DCF’s Community Impact Grants, which are funded by generous donors who believe in our work to build opportunity and advance equity in Delaware.

Rehoboth Lake Fund

The purpose of the Fund shall be for grants exclusively for charitable, scientific or educational objectives, subject to the purpose and intent of the DCF, applicable law and Internal Revenue Service regulation. The Fund is intended to provide grants to qualified charitable organizations that support scientific, historical, cultural and artistic research, education, promotion and publication related to Silver Lake, Lake Comegys, and Lake Gerar in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Sussex County, Delaware. Grantees will be selected by the DCF’s grants committee or by an alternative process or committee appointed by the DCF. 

The Delaware Division of the Arts provides the Education Resource Grant to foster collaboration between Delaware schools, arts organizations, and artists, enhancing arts education for pre K-12 students. This grant supports projects that engage students in hands-on arts learning, integrate arts with other subjects, and develop standards-based curricula. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations and public schools in Delaware. The initiative aims to enrich educational experiences through arts, benefiting both students and the broader community.

The Delaware Division of the Arts provides General Operating Support Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on the promotion and teaching of the arts. Eligible organizations must be based in Delaware, have a stable board, and demonstrate a history of community service. Grants support annual operating expenses, allowing for year-round arts participation. A staggered three-year application cycle ensures ongoing support while minimizing the application burden. These grants foster artistic growth and community engagement in Delaware.

The Foundation for the Future of Delaware County offers grants aimed at enhancing community development and education for residents of Delaware County, Iowa. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and municipalities, with up to $7,500 available per project. A special $20,000 impact grant will be awarded in 2025 for innovative programs that benefit the entire county. Priority will be given to new and previously unfunded initiatives starting in 2026.

The Quintin E. Primo Jr. Fund for Racial Justice and African American Empowerment Fund, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, will open for applications in March 2025. This fund offers small grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 to support educational programs and initiatives that promote racial justice and empower African American communities. It aims to foster positive change and enhance opportunities for education and engagement.