Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Delaware

Delaware community-based nonprofits, schools, colleges, universities, and government entities presenting professional arts programs can access funding through the Delaware Division of the Arts’ Arts Access Grant, with awards up to US $5,000. New or smaller organizations offering occasional performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts activities may be especially well-suited for this support.

Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies in Delaware and other CSX service areas can receive in-kind intermodal transportation services and donated railroad equipment to support community, military, and first responder initiatives. CSX Foundation supports eligible organizations with rail network shipping, door-to-door freight moves, and occasional donations of retired rail cars and related materials.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware and other eligible states can seek more than US $1,000 to support community-focused programs such as education, agriculture, environment, hunger relief, health, poverty alleviation, and public safety. The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation may favor projects near its major facilities and those involving Perdue associates.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware and select East and West regions can receive US $1,000 - US $20,000 for rural community vitality projects, education, and local services. Land O'Lakes Foundation supports efforts like ag education, schools, city improvements, fire and ambulance departments, United Way chapters, and economic development in its dairy member communities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Delaware nonprofits serving underserved youth and young adults in New Castle County can access funding through the Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation Grant to support programs that build skills and pathways to self-sufficiency. Administered by Delaware Community Foundation, this opportunity offers up to US $5,000 for community-based youth development and leadership initiatives.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware can apply for Baltimore Life Foundation’s community grants, awarding up to US $500 for specific projects that enhance family life, safety, and community quality. Programs with strong volunteer involvement, such as child safety education or neighborhood clean-ups, may be especially competitive.

New and established organizations working on farming, food systems, or related social science projects in Delaware can apply for grants of US $50,000 - US $250,000 to strengthen agricultural communities. Grants from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education support community-based, farmer-informed projects in areas like marketing, crop production, livestock, aquaculture, climate, and economic or social sustainability.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware can seek grants over More than US $2,500 from Wawa Foundation for programs in health, hunger relief, and support for everyday heroes. Funding is available within Wawa’s regional market, including initiatives for hospitals, food access, military and veterans, first responders, and at-risk youth in grades K-12.

New 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, or music education nonprofits in Delaware can seek US $5,000 - US $25,000 for general operating support or resilience projects. With a mission to advance musical education and philanthropy, Presser Foundation supports early-stage and small music organizations within 75 miles of Philadelphia, including eligible Delaware counties.

Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in social services, education, health, arts and culture, environment, housing, or civic sectors can access funding through Crestlea Foundation, with typical awards around Approximately US $15,000. New nonprofits in Delaware may be eligible if they meet the geographic requirements and benefit local residents, environment, or culture.

Nonprofit universities and medical research centers in Delaware and worldwide can receive up to US $55,000 per year to support postdoctoral research in mammalian reproductive biology and fertility regulation. With a mission to advance early-career investigators, Lalor Foundation provides fellowship stipends, fringes, and limited institutional overhead, with possible renewal for a second year.

Delaware-area nonprofits with at least one paid staff member that primarily serve women and girls can access funding through Valentine Foundation to support leadership development for women and non-binary executives and aspiring leaders. Grants up to US $3,000 strengthen visionary leadership within organizations improving the lives of women and girls in the Greater Philadelphia region, including New Castle County.

Delaware arts nonprofits with a primary mission in creating, presenting, or teaching the arts can use this grant for general operating expenses, including staff, artists’ fees, facilities, marketing, and other program costs. Delaware arts organizations can access funding through Delaware Division of the Arts’ three-year General Operating Support cycle, which includes one full application year followed by interim updates.

Focused on community arts programming, Delaware Division of the Arts invites Delaware-based nonprofits, colleges, universities, and government entities to apply for project support grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000. Eligible organizations must not have arts as their primary mission and propose community-serving arts projects with over $5,000 in direct cash expenses.

Nonprofit organizations and government or tribal entities in Delaware and other Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 to support folk and traditional arts projects. Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation funds performances, workshops, exhibitions, collaborations, and other public-facing activities that sustain traditional arts and cultures, with a required 1:1 non-federal match.

Delaware nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status running community-led programs that address adverse childhood experiences and promote children’s health can access funding through Amerihealth Caritas Foundation. Organizations with $300,000–$10 million in annual revenue and at least three years of operations may receive US $100,000 - US $150,000 for one-year, project-specific initiatives supporting high-Medicaid communities.

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.

Delaware 501(c)(3) nonprofits launching new initiatives, special projects, program expansions, or capital improvements in education, environment, health care, or social services can access funding through the Chichester DuPont Foundation, with awards up to US $50,000. Eligible U.S.-based organizations must submit one application per year and complete a follow-up evaluation report.

Nonprofit organizations in Delaware working on historic preservation, community heritage, or land conservation planning and education can receive up to US $7,500 for projects. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports professional planning, feasibility studies, and public education or outreach that protect natural and cultural resources, with a required dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Truist Foundation provides Delaware 501(c)(3) nonprofits with US $10,000 - US $250,000 to scale career navigation, workforce development, and AI-era upskilling programs for adult workers. Eligible organizations must be headquartered in the U.S. within the Truist footprint and offer innovative training, AI literacy, wraparound services, or career navigation supports that advance economic mobility.

Nonprofit or government arts presenters in Delaware can seek support to present professional touring jazz artists and join a regional touring network. With a mission to strengthen jazz presenting, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation provides up to US $3,000 plus professional development to organizations with a three-year history of multiple touring presentations.

Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored media projects strengthening social justice movement-building and community organizing in the Philadelphia region, including New Castle County, Delaware, can receive US $10,000 - US $30,000 for community-centered storytelling and news. Grants from People’s Media Fund back journalism, media arts, and communications projects that amplify marginalized voices and challenge dominant narratives.

Delaware 501(c)(3) nonprofits using arts programming for social change in New Castle County can seek project funding up to US $10,000. Delaware Community Foundation’s Next Generation North supports fine, visual, performing, creative, and folk arts initiatives that benefit vulnerable Delawareans, emphasize long-term social impact, and demonstrate strong management, collaboration, and evaluation.