Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Delaware

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware that support children, education, or health and human services can apply for Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions to fund monetary program needs. Programs with clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diverse financial support may be competitive, and child- and family-serving infrastructure or service initiatives may be eligible.

501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least one year of status and innovative approaches to social problems can apply for Creag Foundation support, including those in Delaware. Funding can help smaller or evolving organizations test new human services models that may strengthen communities and public systems; initial contact is by letter of inquiry and grants are by invitation.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides Delaware public infrastructure and other early-stage social impact organizations with up to US $300,000 over three years in unrestricted funding or investment capital plus intensive capacity-building support. Eligible independent nonprofits and impact-first for-profits must serve underserved communities, operate post-pilot and pre-scale, and show scalable, measurable impact.

Delaware public infrastructure and community organizations using technology to address crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants. Nonprofits and NGOs serving predominantly economically underserved populations worldwide may receive up to US $100,000 for innovative, tech-enabled programs that expand reach and efficiency of services.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability in Delaware and other eligible regions can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other entities serving urban low-income children and youth.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware communities where PNC operates can seek funding for early childhood education, economic development, housing, arts, and community services. Grants from PNC Foundation help public-serving organizations expand programs for low- and moderate-income residents, including neighborhood revitalization, small business support, cultural enrichment, and essential human services.

Delaware public infrastructure and community-focused charities can seek support for humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts projects that strengthen local communities. Grants from Roche help accredited charities worldwide deliver sustainable development initiatives, disaster response, youth science and education programs, and contemporary arts and culture projects, with local affiliate offices funding organizations operating within their own country.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits conducting charitable, educational, scientific, or medical work can apply for support from the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, with funded activities carried out in the U.S. With a mission to strengthen community welfare, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Delaware public infrastructure and related organizations with project and program funding.

New or expanding businesses in Delaware that create significant permanent full-time jobs can seek reimbursement grants for public transportation infrastructure improvements, including roads, intersections, sidewalks, and related utilities. With a mission to support public infrastructure, Delaware Department of Transportation funds design, construction, and inspection of eligible projects located in public rights-of-way or on public land.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants to support services like hunger relief, shelter, housing, workforce readiness, and financial literacy. Delaware organizations addressing community development or public-serving facilities may be eligible, especially where Ameriprise employees or advisors are actively engaged as 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.

Delaware 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, or environmental initiatives can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help organizations with eligible public infrastructure or community-improvement components fund one year of work, with most awards going to U.S. applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations can receive more than US $50,000 to tell powerful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides Delaware public infrastructure and community-focused groups with funding to document and share impacts in areas like historic preservation, environmental conservation, mental health, and early childhood education.

Rural Delaware libraries and related service providers seeking to expand health care access can use this grant to design, launch, and operate library-based health access services. Delaware Division of Public Health funding can cover telehealth technology, broadband upgrades, private consultation spaces, health navigation and enrollment help, outreach, data systems, and administrative infrastructure.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Delaware communities with programs in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports community-focused initiatives where O'Reilly Auto Parts operates, which can include infrastructure-related services that strengthen local quality of life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs in youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship in Delaware and other eligible regions can seek funding to expand community services. Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards provide US $30,000 - US $350,000 for initiatives like educational enrichment, hunger relief, family services, and community or environmental projects that benefit local residents.

Robinson Foundation provides Delaware 501(c)(3) organizations with single-year funding for programs such as poverty relief, education, health, disaster relief, veterans’ services, and family or youth support. Eligible nonprofits must serve communities south of the Mason-Dixon line, be active for more than three years, and demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact from the grant.

Non-sectarian nonprofits addressing disadvantage and self-reliance, including 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware operating globally, can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, and human services. With a mission to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, Gupta Family Foundation provides multi-year support to smaller organizations with highly committed leadership.

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.

Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program

The DNREC Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT), formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development in Delaware. The program was established in 1986 with annual deposits from real estate transfer tax to grow the Trust. Trust-generated income is used to fund the Program. Since 1988, when the first grants were awarded, the program has provided over $36 million in matching grant assistance to eligible local, county and state governments throughout Delaware.

Park Grant

ORPT grant assistance is available for the following types of projects:

• Fee simple acquisition of parkland, open space, or conservation areas
• Purchase of development rights for public parkland, open space, or conservation areas
• Replacement of outdated and unsafe outdoor facilities
• Outdoor recreation facility engineering and design
• Outdoor recreation facility construction for example:
  • Athletic fields and courts
  • Playground equipment
  • Swimming pools
  • Picnic tables and pavilions
• Park maps for information boards or kiosks
• Park infrastructure such as entrance roads, parking, restrooms, and way finding
• Municipal or countywide park/open space comprehensive plans
• Universal accessibility upgrades to outdoor recreation facilities
• Professional services for park master planning 

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.

Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program

The DNREC Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT), formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development in Delaware. The program was established in 1986 with annual deposits from real estate transfer tax to grow the Trust. Trust-generated income is used to fund the Program. Since 1988, when the first grants were awarded, the program has provided over $36 million in matching grant assistance to eligible local, county and state governments throughout Delaware.

Trail Grant

ORPT Program assistance is available for trail projects within parks or public right of ways:

• Trail, pathway or riverwalk pre-construction (design and engineering)
• Trail, pathway or riverwalk construction (paved)
• Trail construction within a park
• Development of trailheads and associated facilities and infrastructure (parking, information boards and kiosks, restrooms, composting toilets, electricity, water)
• Pedestrian and bicycle bridges
• Trail improvements that facilitate access to and use of trails by persons with disabilities
• Development and installation of trail markers or directional signs
• Water trail planning and development
• Acquisition of conservation greenway corridor lands for wildlife habitat, stream corridor protection, buffer preservation, forest preservation, and historic or cultural sites
• Acquisition of fee simple title to property for trail development
• Educational or interpretive brochures and wayside exhibits for a specific trail or conservation greenway
• Trail or greenway corridor maps for information board or kiosks
• Municipal or County Comprehensive Greenway Corridor or Trail Plans

Delaware public infrastructure organizations and related 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Eligible charitable organizations may use these grants to support initiatives that improve shared facilities, protect the environment, and enhance quality of life for local residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment may be eligible for public-benefit projects in Delaware communities served by Georgia-Pacific facilities. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes applicants within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community that strengthen long-term well-being and local infrastructure-like community assets.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in Delaware can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s funding to support basic needs, youth education, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Eligible community groups working to strengthen local infrastructure of services for vulnerable families and children may submit a letter of inquiry after completing the eligibility questionnaire.