Best Higher Education Grants in Delaware

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary grants from Costco Foundation. Funding supports community-based programs with measurable outcomes and broad financial backing. Higher education institutions or affiliates serving children and youth in these areas may be eligible if they meet the criteria.

Higher education and youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware and beyond can seek funding for programs that support the health, education, development, and welfare of young people. Focused on scholarships, early childhood development, child advocacy, and related youth enrichment, the Dan Paul Foundation offers awards up to US $15,000 for aligned initiatives.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Higher education and cultural nonprofits in Delaware offering arts, science, or STEAM programs can seek more than US $100,000 to support impactful cultural initiatives. William Randolph Hearst Foundation funds established U.S. 501(c)(3) institutions for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, prioritizing large-budget organizations serving broad audiences and engaging young people.

Delaware higher education and community organizations improving community health, economic stability, or educational access can access funding through Highmark for programs and services that advance health and well-being. Grants support efforts like access to care, health education, workforce and career preparation, housing stability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion within Highmark’s core service areas.

Higher education institutions and other education-focused organizations in Delaware working with urban low-income youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities include schools, nonprofits, social enterprises, and government bodies serving education, health, or family economic stability in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Higher education institutions and accredited charities in Delaware can seek support for science education, youth services, health, environment, and arts initiatives that promote sustainable development. Grants from La Roche help fund innovative, high-quality projects worldwide, so Delaware colleges and related nonprofits with strong local partnerships and employee engagement may be eligible through the company’s affiliate framework.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Higher education and other educational 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware can seek support for charitable, scientific, medical, and educational programs that serve U.S. communities. With a mission to advance broad public welfare, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides funding to tax-exempt nonprofits whose well-managed projects have substantial impact within the U.S.

Delaware 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community, workforce, basic needs, or cultural programs can apply for the Bank of America Charitable Foundation Sponsorship Program to support events and initiatives. Funding may benefit higher education institutions or partners focused on workforce development, arts and culture, the environment, diversity and inclusion, and neighborhood or community development.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and institutions of higher education in Delaware supporting rural microentrepreneurs can access grants and loans to build and manage microloan revolving funds. Grants from USDA help higher education and other eligible organizations provide training, technical assistance, and financing for rural microenterprise working capital, equipment, debt refinancing, and real estate improvements.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Ameriprise Community Grants to support program work in areas like hunger, shelter, economic development, and arts access. Organizations in Delaware may be eligible, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee and advisor volunteers.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Higher education and other 501(c)(3) education organizations in Delaware can seek project funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental initiatives. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. nonprofits with one-year projects, with typical awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

Higher education and other 501(c)(3) or aligned for-profit organizations in Delaware can receive support to create storytelling projects that highlight their real-world impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant funds communications and narrative efforts for programs in preservation, education, or wellness, with awards of More than US $50,000 for eligible initiatives.

Delaware public entities and 501(c)(3) organizations running cardiovascular health, education, or research programs, especially for underserved populations, can access funding through Edna Kynett Memorial Foundation. Grants up to US $50,000 support community health initiatives, professional education in the Philadelphia region, and rigorous research on prevention, risk factors, and innovative, sustainable interventions.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Delaware higher education institutions, public schools, libraries, and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 for environmental, human services, or related community programs. Lawrence Foundation offers unrestricted operating or project support, with no geographic restrictions, so eligible Delaware organizations working in these areas may benefit.

County and local governments and 501(c)(3) community-based or private nonprofits in Delaware can apply for capital funding to support community redevelopment, revitalization, and investment projects. Grants from the Delaware General Assembly’s Community Reinvestment Fund may benefit higher education-related initiatives that strengthen the economic, cultural, historical, or recreational health of local communities.

With a mission to strengthen community-based programs, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Delaware higher education nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 for colleges, universities, and related initiatives. IRS-qualified U.S. organizations, including post-secondary institutions and supporting nonprofits, can apply for projects in education, skills training, youth, seniors, disabilities, and related community services.

Robinson Foundation provides Delaware higher education and other educational nonprofits with single-year project funding across the broader Southern region. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities active for more than three years and serving communities below the Mason-Dixon line. Programs supporting students, families, poverty relief, or related educational needs may be competitive.

Delaware higher education institutions, nonprofit corporations, public entities, and other eligible rural organizations can use these USDA Rural Development grants to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Funding supports activities like business counseling, feasibility studies, rural business incubators, community and technology-based economic development, and long-term strategic planning in qualifying rural areas.

Fall 2026 Early Childhood Education Funding Cycle

Overall Early Childhood Education Program Blueprint

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program supports efforts to improve access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families. We do this by investing in strategies that strengthen, support, and retain a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce.

The Foundation has a history of supporting professional development (PD) and learning systems through its Provider strategy (). We believe strong professional development systems are essential for building a skilled early childhood workforce and creating positive learning environments for young children.

The Fall 2026 funding cycle is available for organizations that align with this Provider strategy.

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity will provide up to $750,000 to support early childhood education providers in strengthening existing professional development (PD) systems. Funding is intended to improve a specific area of an established PD system—not to build a brand-new system from scratch or put the foundational elements in place.

What kind of improvements can funding support?

Organizations should focus their projects on strengthening their professional development systems. The Stranahan Foundation defines a strong professional development system as one that includes:

• Connect learning opportunities that build on one another over time.
• Use adult learning best practices.
• Align staff learning to educator competencies, credentials, career growth, or compensation.
• Provide learning experiences that are individualized, scaffolded, and responsive to educators’ needs, experience, and goals.
• Have dedicated leadership and organizational capacity to support ongoing implementation.

• Gather regular feedback from staff and families.
• Use standardized assessment and evaluation tools to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Make ongoing improvements based on what is learned.
• Support reflective practice, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry among educators.

• Offer both individual and group learning opportunities, such as training, professional learning communities, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide learning opportunities on an ongoing basis rather than in a one-and-done situation.
• Connect internal and external learning opportunities to make the best use of available resources.
• Support classroom implementation through observation, modeling, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Provide learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and easy to apply in daily work.
• Include fundamental topics such as family engagement, effective instruction, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management.
• Align with established standards, research, and effective practices in the early childhood field.
• Equip educators to support all learners, including multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences.

Nonprofit organizations in Delaware with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary collaborative leadership addressing significant social issues. Focused on impactful, model partnerships, this award could recognize higher education initiatives that unite colleges, public agencies, and community groups to improve local outcomes.

Delaware public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural areas can access funding through USDA: Rural Development to develop essential community facilities. Support covers purchasing, constructing, or improving facilities and equipment for services such as health care, public safety, education, community support, utilities, and local food systems in communities under 20,000 residents.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.