Best Head Start Grants in Delaware

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Delaware early learning and family literacy providers, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, colleges, and public libraries, can seek funding for integrated family literacy programs. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports adult education, children’s education, and Parent and Child Together Time (PACT) within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, awarding up to US $10,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or community empowerment in Delaware can apply for local funding to strengthen economic mobility. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help support vulnerable populations through health, jobs, small business resiliency, and community development, which may benefit early childhood and Head Start-focused programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth in Delaware can apply for the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation’s grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for programs in arts, education, health, and welfare. Early learning and preschool initiatives, including Head Start-style services, may be eligible if they support children and young adults up to age 21.

Title I pre-K–12 classrooms in Delaware can receive funding for park-based field trips and learning experiences, including program fees, transportation, and hands-on materials. National Park Trust provides up to US $1,000 to support visits to parks and public lands with stewardship projects and outdoor, environmental, or history-focused education, benefiting early learning and Head Start programs.

Educators working with pre-K through 9th grade students in Delaware classrooms can apply for Pets in the Classroom’s Petsmart Grant, awarding up to US $50 to purchase and maintain small classroom pets. Teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses, and other school-based staff may be eligible to enhance early learning and student development through animal interaction.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, churches, and government entities in Delaware can apply for Cdv5 Foundation’s grants to support early learning, youth development, family services, and community health. Funding may cover general operations, capital campaigns, or specific programs, which can include Head Start or other preschool and early childhood initiatives serving children and families.

Education providers offering innovative early learning or K–12 programs in Delaware and across the U.S. can apply for the Yass Foundation for Education’s Yass Prize, awarding US $1,000,000 for transformative, sustainable, and permissionless education models. Organizations advancing educational access, equity, or system reform may be especially competitive.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving early learning, K–12 education, and youth outcomes can apply for the Comis Foundation’s Comis Foundation Grant, offering US $5,000 - US $75,000 for programs and capacity building. Delaware organizations working on preschool or early childhood education, child care, or related Head Start-style services may be eligible if they have national scope and reach.

Delaware early learning and preschool education organizations, especially those offering STEM-focused programs or basic needs support, can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation if they are 501(c)(3) charities or eligible public entities within AEP’s service territory. National or regional programs benefiting AEP customers and advancing social justice, housing, hunger relief, or environmental stewardship may also be considered.

U.S. nonprofit professional development providers, school districts, and colleges improving early childhood education access can seek up to US $500,000 over three years for large-scale workforce initiatives. With a mission to strengthen early learning, Stranahan Foundation provides Delaware early childhood and Head Start-focused organizations with funding for coaching, leadership development, and substitute/floater teacher pool models serving mostly low-income children birth to five.

Nonprofit educational institutions in Delaware and across the U.S. can seek more than US $100,000 to strengthen higher education, early childhood, and K-12 programs. Focused on education, the Hearst Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million to request program, scholarship, capital, or limited general support, including early learning efforts related to Head Start-style services.

Delaware early childhood and preschool education organizations can access funding through the Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation to enhance local educational opportunities and facilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and certain church-based projects, with grants of more than US $10,000 supporting early learning alongside related needs like health care, arts, disabilities, and support for veterans and first responders.

Delaware early childhood education nonprofits can seek funding to improve school readiness for children from birth to age five, including Head Start and similar programs. Focused on early learning, the PNC Foundation invites organizations to propose high-quality initiatives in vocabulary, social-emotional development, math, science, and the arts within eligible Delaware counties.

Delaware early childhood and preschool education organizations can access funding through Ohio Children’s Foundation to support children ages 0–5, especially those at risk or unlikely to receive services otherwise. Grants up to US $20,000 may support early learning programs, family supports, literacy, and advocacy that improve school readiness and early development.

Head Start programs and early learning nonprofits in Delaware can receive free On My Way to Kindergarten kits to support school readiness for children ages 3–5. Grants from The Molina Foundation help organizations access bilingual (Spanish-English) activity books and online songs, games, crafts, and stories for families across the U.S.

Early childhood education students from Saline County, KS high schools planning to major in early childhood education can apply for the Linda K. Freeland Early Childhood Education Scholarship, supporting college tuition. Greater Salina Community Foundation offers this non-renewable award, which may benefit future preschool and early learning professionals, including those interested in Head Start programs.

Preschool and early learning programs in Delaware can access funding to support aspiring early childhood educators through the Austin Community Foundation’s Jacquie Porter Scholarship, which awards US $5,000. This scholarship is for first-generation students from AISD high schools who plan to become early childhood teachers; previous recipients may reapply.

Delaware students pursuing early childhood development degrees can access funding for higher education through the Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship. Offered by the Community Foundation of Carroll County, this award supports seniors and continuing college students focused on preschool and early learning fields who meet the scholarship’s academic and enrollment criteria.

The Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Scholarship Fund, established in 1948, supports graduating seniors from Albuquerque metro area high schools who demonstrate strong academic performance and community service. Annually, one to four scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to students pursuing careers in child development and teaching. The fund emphasizes the importance of community involvement and academic excellence, encouraging students to share their career goals and financial needs through an essay as part of their application.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

The Early Head Start Expansion and Child Care Partnership Grants aim to enhance early childhood services for low-income families across GA, NC, and VA. With approximately $7.7 million in federal funding, this initiative will provide comprehensive support to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, fostering family stability and community prosperity. The program reflects the Administration for Children and Families' commitment to improving economic and social well-being through accessible, high-quality early education services.

The Harry Sudakoff Foundation Grant supports qualified charities in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on arts, community, education for youth, environment, human services, and science. Established by builder Harry Sudakoff, the foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of support. Grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) entities, excluding individuals and certain funding types like endowments and operating expenses. A commitment to impactful contributions is central to the foundation's mission.

The McInnes Charitable Trust, founded by Sally and John McInnes, aims to support organizations in Colorado focused on animal welfare, children's health, education, and empowerment. The Trust prioritizes funding for exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) with a proven track record. It typically does not fund capital improvements or multi-year commitments. By fostering a spirit of generosity, the Trust honors the McInnes family's legacy and commitment to various charitable causes.

The Fash Foundation Grants aim to support and enhance children's education and the arts in Tarrant County, Texas. The Foundation prioritizes contributions to higher education institutions that align with its mission statement. Grants are awarded to initiatives that promote health and educational advancements in various disciplines including sciences and the arts. The Foundation seeks to foster a nurturing environment for children's educational growth.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.