Best Delaware Grants for Nonprofits

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.

Joseph Robert Foundation provides Delaware nonprofits with funding for visual arts, animal welfare, and environmental initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) groups and emerging nonprofits working in areas such as sustainability, animal rescue, and community-based environmental projects. Nonprofits addressing these priorities in Delaware may benefit from this opportunity.

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.

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 Inc. provides Delaware nonprofits with support for community health, economic resilience, and equitable access to care. Eligible organizations working to improve health outcomes, address food insecurity, expand educational opportunities, or enhance neighborhood well-being may benefit from this funding. Preference is given to 501(c)(3) organizations serving Delaware 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.

Focused on health, hunger relief, and supporting everyday heroes, Wawa Foundation invites Delaware nonprofits to apply for financial grants over $2,500. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations working in areas such as food access, K-12 education, pediatric health, and first responder support may benefit from this funding opportunity to strengthen their local impact.

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.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

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.

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.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Delaware and Maryland provides essential funding to ensure access to clean drinking water and effective waste management in rural areas. Eligible applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, can use the funds for various infrastructure projects such as drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and stormwater management. This program aims to enhance public health and environmental quality in underserved communities.

The DE Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) empowers agricultural producers and non-industrial forestland owners to enhance their conservation practices. With year-round applications, CSP offers personalized consultations to identify suitable enhancements based on existing efforts. Participants can receive annual incentive payments for practice implementation, with options for bundled enhancements for higher rates. This program not only promotes sustainable land management but also supports the long-term viability of agricultural operations throughout Delaware.

The Quintin E. Primo Jr. Fund for Racial Justice and African American Empowerment Fund, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, will open for applications in March 2025. This fund offers small grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 to support educational programs and initiatives that promote racial justice and empower African American communities. It aims to foster positive change and enhance opportunities for education and engagement.

Grants from Bank of America Fdn Mc naughton help Delaware arts, education, historic preservation, and human services organizations advance their missions. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a strong local track record may apply for project-focused support. Nonprofits working in these fields across Delaware may benefit from awards ranging from $5,000 to $40,000.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.