Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Delaware

Delaware nonprofits serving underserved youth and young adults in New Castle County can access funding for programs that build skills and support for a self-sufficient future. Through the Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation Grant from Delaware Community Foundation, eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may receive up to US $5,000 for youth services and leadership development initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware and eligible parts of southern Chester County can apply for Welfare Foundation grants to support capital projects in areas like social services, housing, health, education, environment, civic initiatives, and arts. These grants may benefit Delaware nonprofits planning facilities, equipment, or other major infrastructure investments rather than ongoing operations.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Delaware can receive more than US $2,500 from Wawa Foundation for programs in health, hunger relief, and support for everyday heroes. The foundation funds hospitals and pediatric care, food access initiatives, and services for military, veterans, first responders, and at-risk youth within Wawa’s regional market.

The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, offers grants between $2,500 and $50,000 to support music organizations across diverse genres. Focused on fostering music education and philanthropy, the Foundation seeks to empower non-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. However, it does not fund theater or dance productions. Proposals are evaluated based on organizational accomplishments, community value, stability, and overall contributions to the music community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, and music education organizations in Delaware can seek US $5,000 - US $25,000 for general operating support or resilience needs. With a mission to advance musical education and philanthropy, Presser Foundation provides Special Projects Grants to eligible groups within its 75-mile Philadelphia service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware providing oncology patient support, resources, or community assistance can receive general operating or program funding through Incyte Charitable Giving Foundation. Eligible U.S.-based, publicly funded nonprofits must submit a W-9 and their most recent IRS Form 990; requests follow a quarterly submission calendar.

Delaware 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking foundation support for community-focused work can access funding through Delaware Community Foundation’s Standard Arsht Cannon Grants. Grants support approved projects following a required Letter of Intent and full application process. Organizations in Delaware with eligible, community-serving initiatives may benefit, but individuals and non-501(c)(3) entities are not supported.

Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in social services, education, health, arts and culture, environment, housing, or civic sectors can access funding through Crestlea Foundation. Grants of approximately US $15,000 support organizations located in Delaware or within four miles of Longwood Gardens that benefit local residents, the environment, or culture.

The Visionary Leadership Fund Grant, managed by the Valentine Foundation since 2005, aims to support leadership development for women and aspiring leaders in the Greater Philadelphia area. By funding organizations that primarily serve women and girls, the grant fosters community, effectiveness, and innovation among under-represented groups, including Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This initiative is committed to closing equity gaps in non-profit leadership, ensuring diverse voices lead the way towards transformative social change.

Grants from Delaware Community Foundation help Delaware nonprofits and community-based organizations fund projects that improve vital community conditions such as humane housing, transportation, public spaces, and a sense of belonging. Eligible projects may receive US $25,000 - US $150,000 to advance community-level change and create thriving places for residents to live, work, and learn.

Delaware nonprofits and those near Kennett Square seeking catalytic funding to advance their missions can access support through Longwood Foundation. Organizations may request grants for projects that strengthen or grow their impact across areas like education, health, arts, environment, housing, and community services. Applicants seeking $500,000 or more must schedule a pre-meeting.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) hunger-relief organizations in Delaware can apply for funding to purchase food for distribution to people facing food insecurity. Focused on food delivery and distribution services, Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation accepts applications biannually from groups operating within 20 miles of a Food Lion store in its 10-state service area.

The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, initiated in 2018, aims to enhance ecosystems in the Delaware River watershed through grants supporting habitat restoration and water quality improvement. With $72.1 million awarded to 239 projects, it has significantly impacted over 26 miles of riparian habitat and 77 miles of stream habitat, along with conserving 1,176 acres of wetlands. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, also emphasizes outdoor recreation and community vitality in the region.

Grants from Delaware Community Foundation help Delaware nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public agencies fund health-related projects, programs, and supportive services, with awards up to US $50,000. Funding can launch or expand initiatives that increase care access, reduce health disparities, support early childhood health, train health professionals, or address social determinants of health.

Nonprofit organizations in Delaware supporting at-risk children and young adults up to age 21 can apply for Delaware Community Foundation’s 21st Century Children's Fund, awarding US $2,500 - US $5,000 for direct education or financial assistance programs. Funding can support scholarships, field trips, extra-curricular activities, and similar youth development experiences.

Nonprofit organizations in Delaware can receive small grants for arts programs and projects, including performing, visual, literary, media, and folk arts, especially those expanding access to the arts. Delaware Community Foundation provides Delaware arts and culture groups with US $1,000 - US $2,500 to support statewide community-focused initiatives.

Delaware 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community-led programs that prevent or mitigate adverse childhood experiences can access funding through AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation, with awards of US $100,000 - US $150,000 for one-year, project-specific work. Eligible organizations focus on healing behaviors, health care access, and empowering families in communities with many Medicaid enrollees.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware focused on hunger relief and food access can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support local programs in eligible rural counties. Land O'Lakes Foundation funds food banks, pantries, meal programs, delivery services, community gardens, and local food systems serving New Castle and Sussex County communities.

Delaware nonprofits focused on environment, education, health care, or social services can access funding through the Chichester DuPont Foundation for new initiatives, special projects, program expansion, or capital improvements. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may receive up to US $50,000, with some projects in priority areas considered for multi-year support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving economically underprivileged residents in Kent County, Delaware can apply for funding to support basic human needs, homelessness, hunger, crisis assistance, and health care programs. Grants from Delaware Community Foundation, via the Benjamin F. Potter Trust, back charitable activities that create lasting, positive impact for needy Kent County residents without discrimination.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving life in central Delaware through economic development and career or occupational education in Kent County can apply for the Roy Klein Education Fund, with awards up to US $3,000. Administered by Delaware Community Foundation, this grant supports project-based work benefiting Delaware residents without discrimination.

Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Inspire Awards

This year’s Inspire Awards seeks nonprofits supporting the career navigation and workforce development needs of workers across the United States. The challenge seeks applications that help individuals gain the skills, guidance, and support needed to access quality jobs, advance in their careers, and build long-term stability in an evolving world of work.

2026 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge Question

How are nonprofits providing innovative direct services, training programs, and career navigation supports for adult workers in the age of AI?

Challenge Dimensions

Nonprofit organizations have long been critical advocates and service providers for workers in the United States. Nonprofits provide workers necessary upskilling opportunities, AI literacy training, career navigation support, and wraparound services in conjunction with career pathways programming. All necessary for the modern workforce. Meeting the moment, Truist Foundation and MIT Solve want to hear the ways in which nonprofits headquartered in the Truist operating footprint are providing innovative career pathway programming in the age of AI. Although solutions don’t need to focus on generative AI specifically, teams should demonstrate how their career pathways programming align with the following dimensions:

• Training and Upskilling Programs – Providing holistic, accessible programming that equips workers with essential skills, industry-validated credentials, and technical literacy for the modern workplace.
• AI Readiness and Literacy – Offering high-quality training that helps workers understand generative AI and agentic technologies as augmented intelligence tools, helping to build practical skills like effective prompting, domain expertise application, and ethical use.
• Additional Wraparound Services and Basic Needs Support – Supporting unemployed and underemployed workers on their journey to economic mobility through comprehensive, integrated resources including childcare, transportation support, mentorship, mental health services, benefits navigation, and more.
• Career Navigation in the AI Economy – Enabling workers to navigate career choices with clarity and confidence by providing accessible information about how AI is reshaping job roles and industries, facilitating informed decisions about high-quality career trajectories that align with individual circumstances, and connecting workers to industry-validated credentials or trainings.

Here are the grants for this challenge

• First place: $250,000
• Second place: $150,000
• Runners-up: $25,000
• Audience favorite: $75,000

Nonprofit organizations in Delaware can apply for Delaware Community Foundation’s Highmark BluePrints for the Community large grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $200,000 for health-related projects and services. Funding supports programs that expand healthcare access, reduce health disparities, strengthen economic stability, improve neighborhoods, bolster the health workforce, and enhance social and community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting community development, education, and rural services in Delaware can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Funding supports local programs such as ag education, schools, city improvements, fire and ambulance departments, United Way chapters, and economic development in rural or primarily rural communities.