Best Grants for the Arts in Delaware

Nonprofit organizations and government units in Delaware offering arts programs can receive up to US $1,250 in project support to present professional artists and expand public arts access. Grants from Delaware Division of the Arts help fund arts activities in non-traditional venues, reach underserved audiences, and support lifelong learning and community cultural expression.

Delaware community-based nonprofits, schools, colleges, 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. Support covers performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts projects, including occasional arts programming that expands community arts access across 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.

Delaware PreK–12 schools and eligible nonprofit preschool agencies can obtain support for in-school artist residencies that integrate visual, literary, performing, or media arts into standards-based curriculum or teacher professional development. Grants from Delaware Division of the Arts help Delaware arts educators bring professional teaching artists into classrooms and workshops to build skills, creativity, and measurable learning outcomes.

Kenny Family Foundation provides Delaware arts and culture nonprofits with small-scale support through its Active Partners micro grant program. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in New Castle County can request approximately US $100 in ShopRite gift cards, which may help with events, performances, or other community-focused arts activities that align with the foundation’s mission.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

LGBTQ+-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware and the Greater Philadelphia region can apply for Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s Emerging Needs Grant, awarding up to US $5,000 for programs in areas like arts and culture. Funding supports projects where a majority of participants are LGBTQ+, with priority for communities of color and other underrepresented groups.

Delaware arts nonprofits, especially those focused on innovative visual arts, can seek funding for general operations or specific programs and projects. Focused on arts, animal welfare, and environmental initiatives, the Joseph Robert Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the mid-Atlantic region with awards up to US $10,000, prioritizing smaller, local groups.

Delaware 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national funder supports charitable organizations that respect people, life, and the environment, which may include arts and culture initiatives that advance community well-being.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit music performance, presenting, and music education organizations in Delaware can seek funding for general operating support or resilience efforts through the Presser Foundation’s Special Projects Grants. With a mission to promote musical education and philanthropy, the foundation provides US $5,000 - US $25,000 to eligible groups within its regional 75-mile Philadelphia service area.

Delaware arts nonprofits focused on creating, presenting, or teaching the arts can access funding through the Delaware Division of the Arts to build management capacity and cover basic operating expenses. This StartUp Program offers up to US $2,500 and serves as an entry point to the Division’s broader general operating support opportunities.

Focused on arts facilities, Delaware Division of the Arts invites Delaware nonprofit arts organizations to seek up to US $20,000 for renovations, safety upgrades, and critical building systems or equipment. Eligible groups must own or hold a long-term lease on their space, and projects should address structural, safety, accessibility, or operational needs.

Nonprofit arts organizations and public schools in Delaware can seek funding to deliver standards-based arts learning for pre K–12 students. Focused on arts and culture education, Delaware Division of the Arts invites applicants to develop partnerships, in-school and extended-time programs, arts integration projects, and curriculum or assessment tools that enhance existing arts programs.

Delaware arts nonprofits with a primary arts mission can use this grant for general operating expenses, including staff, artist fees, facilities, and program costs. Delaware arts organizations can access funding through Delaware Division of the Arts on a staggered three-year cycle, with full and interim applications supporting sustained, year-round arts programming.

Delaware public schools, districts, and nonprofit arts organizations can receive funding to deliver standards-based arts learning experiences for Pre K–12 students across Delaware. Focused on arts education partnerships, Delaware Division of the Arts supports projects like in-school artist residencies, extended-time arts programs, arts integration with other subjects, and development of curriculum or assessment tools that enhance existing arts programs.

Delaware-based nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and government entities whose primary mission is not the arts can seek $2,000 - $10,000 for community arts projects. Focused on arts and culture, Delaware Division of the Arts invites Delaware groups to fund public arts experiences, reach underserved audiences, support lifelong learning, and celebrate diverse cultural traditions.

Visual and performing arts organizations in Delaware and nearby counties can apply for $25,000 - $50,000 to deliver arts programming and expand access to the arts. With a mission to support visual and performing arts, PNC Foundation backs exhibitions, performances, festivals, pop-up experiences, and other initiatives that reach diverse audiences in Greater Philadelphia, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community-focused programs such as economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in Delaware and other O’Reilly Auto Parts communities may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports organizations improving quality of life for underserved and underrepresented people, which can include arts groups with aligned missions.

Bank of America Foundation provides Delaware arts and culture nonprofits with project-focused funding for programs in arts, historic preservation, education, and human services. 501(c)(3) public charities in Delaware, especially those with strong track records, can apply for US $5,000 - US $40,000, typically for one-year, program-specific grants rather than general operating support.

Nonprofit arts organizations in Delaware can receive US $1,000 - US $2,500 for small programs or projects that present performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts, especially for audiences with limited access. Delaware Community Foundation supports both small organizations and larger groups with discrete arts initiatives across the state.

Arts and culture nonprofits, especially 501(c)(3) organizations, can seek approximately US $2,500 in support for programs from the Howell Lockhart Seiple Trust. While there are no geographic limits, Delaware arts organizations may be competitive alongside others in the Delaware Valley region, and projects can also span education, environment, health, human services, religion, and public benefit.

Nonprofit organizations, government units, and tribal governments in Delaware and other mid-Atlantic jurisdictions can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for folk and traditional arts community projects. Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation provides funding for performances, workshops, exhibitions, collaborations, fieldwork, and other publicly accessible activities that sustain traditional arts and cultures, with a required 1:1 non-federal match.

Mid-Atlantic small and mid-size arts or community organizations in Delaware presenting performing arts can receive funding for public performances and community engagement activities. Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation provides Delaware arts and culture groups with up to US $750 - US $5,000, covering up to 50% of artist or company presentation costs, including fees, housing, per diem, and travel.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit or government arts presenters in Delaware that regularly present touring artists can apply for Jazz Touring Network membership to support jazz programming and tours. With a mission to expand jazz presentation, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation provides professional development, block-booking opportunities, and up to US $3,000 to strengthen diverse, accessible jazz performances in the mid-Atlantic region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations using arts programming for social change in New Castle County, Delaware can seek up to US $10,000 to support impactful initiatives. Delaware Community Foundation’s Next Generation North prioritizes future-thinking, collaborative arts projects that serve vulnerable or underserved residents and demonstrate strong management, community involvement, and clear evaluation plans.