Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Delaware

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) envisions a Delaware that offers a healthy environment where people embrace a commitment to the protection, enhancement and enjoyment of the environment in their daily lives; where Delawareans’ stewardship of natural resources ensures the sustainability of these resources for the appreciation and enjoyment of future generations; and where people recognize that a healthy environment and a strong economy support one another.

The mission of DNREC is to: engage all stakeholders to ensure the wise management, conservation and enhancement of the State’s natural resources; protect public health and the environment; provide quality outdoor recreation; improve the quality of life; lead energy policy and climate preparedness; and educate the public on historic, cultural and natural resource use, requirements and issues.

Buffer Incentive Program in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) offers incentives for urban and agricultural landowners to install buffers along waterways within Delaware’s Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible landowners that qualify will receive an incentive payment for land they enroll in the program.

A buffer is a linear strip of wooded or vegetated area that absorbs nutrients from groundwater and helps filter nutrients, sediment and other pollutants from water runoff. These buffers are adjacent to waterways and help contain high stream flows, provide wildlife habitat and provide protection from flooding and erosion.

Buffers are a part of Phase III of Delaware’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to help reduce nutrient and sediment loads entering the Chesapeake Bay. Delaware’s WIP goals for buffers are to create an additional 65 acres of forest buffers and 8,118 acres of grass buffers by 2025. The Delaware Riparian Forest Buffer Action Strategy outlines the state’s plan for meeting its goals. This includes the creation of a state incentive program for planting buffers.

The Wilmington New Castle Pediatric Association Fund, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides small grants aimed at enhancing educational programs for pediatric healthcare providers. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for funding to support continuing education and training initiatives. The foundation emphasizes equitable service delivery in Delaware, excluding support for individuals and certain organizational expenses.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Special Presenter Initiatives Grants, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with various local arts organizations, aim to support the presentation of professional performing artists at small and mid-size community venues. This initiative encourages projects that feature touring artists and includes community engagement activities, fostering meaningful interactions between artists and local audiences. The program seeks to enhance the cultural landscape of the participating jurisdictions through diverse and innovative performances.

Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) recognizes the need to leverage local community expertise to reach and impact the wide array of communities that continue to be impacted by the opioid overdose crisis. DSAMH also acknowledges that not all communities have been or are impacted equally. Although there have been recent improvements in drug overdose deaths, significant work remains. DSAMH is committed to offering multiple ways to partner with communities to prevent overdose, reduce the impact of opioid and stimulant use disorders, and improve access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services across Delaware.

ECASU Mini-Grants

Through the federal State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant, the Engaging Communities in Addressing Substance Use (ECASU) initiative offers three opportunities for organizations and community leaders working to address OUD/STUD in Delaware:

• Community Awareness Partnerships (ECASU-CP)
• Messaging Campaigns (ECASU-MC)
• Mini-Grants (ECASU-MG)
• The ECASU Mini-Grants (ECASU-MG) provide direct funding to community-based organizations (CBOs) to support and engage local communities in Delaware who are impacted by OUD/STUD. This funding opportunity will be administered by vendor partner Bowling Business Strategies (BBS) on behalf of DSAMH to provide direct funding to selected CBOs. 
• ECASU-MG projects must be aligned with DSAMH’s SOR and ECASU goals of improving the system of care for all Delawareans with, or at risk for, OUD/STUD, with particular emphasis on one or more of the following populations:
  • Pregnant and parenting people
  • Veterans
  • People living in high-need zip codes (including rural communities)
  • People involved in the justice system
  • School-aged youth 

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

M&T Charitable Foundation 

Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve. During our 165-year history, we evolved with the needs of our locations, and are guided by a leadership team that holds us accountable.

Adapting to the needs of our neighbors means finding new solutions and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community.

M&T Charitable Foundation Community Sponsorship Program

At M&T Bank we are building a stronger community - together. Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve.

Community Sponsorships enable us to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in the regions we operate.

Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations we support beyond a financial commitment. At M&T Bank, we consider supporting sponsorship opportunities that result in a mutually beneficial partnership.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Delaware

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Home4Good

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank Pittsburgh) have established a partnership to provide grants to selected nonprofit organizations to support initiatives in Delaware that lead to stable housing for individuals and families who are homeless or determined to be at-risk of homelessness.

DSHA and FHLBank Pittsburgh have contributed a combined total of $1.23 million to the Home4Good grant program: $500,000 from DSHA and $730,000 from FHLBank Pittsburgh.

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 Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund: Catalyst Grants, initiated in 2014 by the Open Space Institute, aims to enhance water resource management and land protection. These grants support organizations addressing climate change, environmental justice, and community resilience. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous-led groups. Funded projects should integrate science into conservation plans, focusing on water quality and stewardship. The initiative collaborates with the William Penn Foundation to ensure sustainable water practices across the Delaware River watershed.

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 National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The WSFS Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing community investment, providing affordable housing, and promoting education and leadership development. The foundation emphasizes initiatives that are innovative and sustainable, fostering diversity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must align with the foundation's vision and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination. This grant encourages programs that improve the quality of life and economic well-being within the communities it serves.

Highmark Corporate Giving is dedicated to enhancing community health and economic resilience across its service areas. With a focus on equitable access to healthcare and support for local organizations, Highmark aims to reduce health disparities and promote well-being. Their initiatives, such as the Bright Blue Futures program, provide funding to impactful community projects, supporting a diverse range of organizations that align with their mission of fostering healthier, more vibrant communities.

The Lynn W. Williams Natural Science Education Fund for Girls Grant aims to support underprivileged girls through experiential STEM education. Grants can be used for educational equipment, instructor stipends, and overall programming to enhance science learning. This initiative focuses on empowering girls and fostering a passion for science while ensuring accessibility. Eligible applicants are agencies serving Delaware residents without discrimination, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in education.

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.

Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) recognizes the need to leverage local community expertise to reach and impact the wide array of communities that continue to be impacted by the opioid overdose crisis. DSAMH also acknowledges that not all communities have been or are impacted equally. Although there have been recent improvements in drug overdose deaths, significant work remains. DSAMH is committed to offering multiple ways to partner with communities to prevent overdose, reduce the impact of opioid and stimulant use disorders, and improve access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services across Delaware.

ECASU Community Awareness Partnerships

Through the federal State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant, the Engaging Communities in Addressing Substance Use (ECASU) initiative offers three opportunities for organizations and community leaders working to address OUD/STUD in Delaware:

• Messaging Campaigns (ECASU-MC)
• Mini-Grants (ECASU-MG)
• Community Awareness Partnerships (ECASU-CP)
  • The ECASU Community Awareness Partnerships (ECASU-CP) provide technical assistance to community-based, grassroots, advocacy, faith-based organizations, community coalitions, community leaders, and treatment providers (collectively referred to as Community Partners) to directly engage members of the community to educate, increase awareness, and provide resources for OUD/STUD. These strategies can include, but are not limited to, in-person events, educational sessions, social media strategies, video campaigns, and listening sessions. Below are the focus areas of DSAMH’s current campaign strategies, which require a focus on opioid and stimulant use, that can be supported by DSAMH and its technical assistance vendors for partners to refine and implement within their own communities.
    • Reduced stigma toward persons with OUD/STUD
    • Promoting awareness of and access to OUD/STUD treatment and recovery services
    • Reducing stigma toward medications for opioid use disorders, such as methadone and buprenorphine
    • Promoting access to naloxone/Narcan
    • Increasing awareness and knowledge of existing resources among local communities 

The Dave Ryerson Fund and the Beekhuis Community Fund provide small grants to support the arts in Delaware. These grants are aimed at both small organizations and larger entities with specific projects, promoting performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts. The initiative focuses on reaching audiences with limited access to the arts, ensuring inclusivity in cultural experiences. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $2,500.

The Food is Medicine Infrastructure Initiative aims to combat chronic diet-related diseases among underserved populations in Delaware by providing medically tailored meals, food prescriptions, nutrition education, and care coordination. This program addresses food insecurity and its associated health disparities, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing hospitalizations for individuals with co-morbidities. By integrating nutrition into clinical care, the initiative supports self-management of chronic diseases and enhances overall community health.

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.

The Wawa Foundation offers Financial Grants through its Local Connection Grants program, providing funding under $2,500 to support local non-profit organizations. This initiative emphasizes health, hunger, and community heroes, ensuring that support is directed toward registered 501(c)(3) organizations within Wawa's operational areas. Applicants can expect feedback within four weeks after submission, with ongoing inquiries accepted until budget limits are reached, encouraging re-application for future funding.

Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) recognizes the need to leverage local community expertise to reach and impact the wide array of communities that continue to be impacted by the opioid overdose crisis. DSAMH also acknowledges that not all communities have been or are impacted equally. Although there have been recent improvements in drug overdose deaths, significant work remains. DSAMH is committed to offering multiple ways to partner with communities to prevent overdose, reduce the impact of opioid and stimulant use disorders, and improve access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services across Delaware.

ECASU Messaging Campaigns

Through the federal State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant, the Engaging Communities in Addressing Substance Use (ECASU) initiative offers three opportunities for organizations and community leaders working to address OUD/STUD in Delaware:

• Community Awareness Partnerships (ECASU-CP)
• Mini-Grants (ECASU-MG)
• Messaging Campaigns (ECASU-MC)
  • Provides direct grant funding to organizations to develop and implement community-based communication, education, and awareness campaigns to address substance use awareness or stigma among local communities. ECASU-MC projects must align with at least one of the following goals: 
    • Increase awareness and deliver education related to OUD and STUD
    • Reduce stigma at local and broader levels throughout Delaware 

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Ralph & Betty Murray Family Fund, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, aims to enhance diabetes research and support individuals with diabetes in Delaware. This fund emphasizes equity and community-based philanthropy, inviting 501(c)3 nonprofits to apply for grants that align with its mission. Organizations must serve Delaware residents without discrimination. Ineligible entities include individuals, non-501(c)3 nonprofits, and those seeking funds for office equipment or religious purposes.