Best Grants for Museums in Delaware

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware that support children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary grants from the Costco Foundation. Programs with clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diverse financial support may be competitive, and museum-based initiatives serving children or families may be eligible if they meet these priorities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can apply for invitation-only funding that may benefit museums and cultural institutions in Delaware. The Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations that are testing new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues across areas like arts, community development, and public safety.

Museums and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware that serve youth through education, enrichment, or child welfare programs can apply for Dan Paul Foundation grants up to US $15,000. Focus areas include early childhood development, youth development, environmental education, basic needs, homelessness, poverty, and refugee enrichment for children and young people.

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides Delaware early-stage social impact organizations with up to US $300,000 in unrestricted funding or investment capital over three years to scale proven solutions. Eligible independent nonprofits and impact-first for-profits must serve underserved communities and operate in priority regions including the U.S.; innovative, scalable museum-related initiatives may be considered.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that strengthen local communities. Focused on auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, and K–16 education, State Farm Companies Foundation invites eligible institutions and government programs to apply through its Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants.

Museums and other cultural nonprofits in Delaware offering arts or science programming for U.S. audiences can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused science programs at well-established 501(c)(3) institutions with audited expenses of at least $2 million.

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.

Delaware museums and cultural nonprofits working in health, education, or community services can seek support for programs such as food access, STEM education, or preventative healthcare. Focused on health, education, and community, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants reviewed in March and September.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware communities where PNC has a significant presence can seek funding for early childhood education and community economic development initiatives. Grants from PNC Foundation help museums and cultural organizations offer arts education, cultural enrichment, and community services, especially for low- and moderate-income children and families.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Delaware museums and cultural nonprofits serving marginalized or vulnerable communities can access funding for health, education, and humanitarian programs through Semnani Family Foundation. This private funder supports organizations in the U.S. and globally working on healthcare access, disaster relief, literacy, and related human and social services that benefit underserved populations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in charitable, educational, scientific, or medical fields can use this funding for programs carried out within the U.S. With a mission to strengthen broad-impact services, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Delaware nonprofits with support for well-managed initiatives that significantly benefit their target populations and general welfare.

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 can cover purchasing, constructing, or improving facilities, equipment, and related costs, including museums, libraries, community centers, public safety buildings, health facilities, and other qualifying rural infrastructure projects.

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.

Delaware 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern region can seek funding for programmatic work such as education, children and families, poverty relief, disaster relief, health, animal welfare, or spiritual initiatives. Robinson Foundation provides single-year grants to established nonprofits active for more than three years; capital projects are not supported. Museums with eligible programs may benefit.

Delaware 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national private foundation supports charitable projects that respect people, life, and the environment, so Delaware museums with qualifying nonprofit status and aligned programming may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing communities can seek funding, including in Delaware. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports community-based programs and projects that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in counties where its facilities operate; Delaware museums may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations can apply for TJX Foundation grants to support basic needs, out-of-school enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Museums in Delaware that meet these criteria and are within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office may be eligible to submit a letter of inquiry.

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.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware can seek project funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, environmental, and community programs. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. nonprofits with one-year initiatives; organizations may submit one application per year for US $5,000 - US $25,000 in support.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware can seek the Storytelling Grant to showcase their community impact through compelling narratives, with awards of more than US $50,000. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports organizations working in preservation, education, or wellness, so museums with qualifying programs may be eligible to strengthen their storytelling efforts.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware working on youth education, food insecurity, housing, or environmental stewardship projects can seek funding to expand their community impact. Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards offer US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs such as academic enrichment, family services, community gardens, and other initiatives benefiting underserved young people and their families.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Non-sectarian nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for social and human services work, including poverty alleviation, disability support, and disaster relief. With a mission to empower disadvantaged individuals, Gupta Family Foundation provides funding to smaller organizations, and Delaware museums with qualifying 501(c)(3) status may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations using arts programming for social change in New Castle County, Delaware can seek funding for initiatives with long-term social impact. Delaware Community Foundation’s Next Generation North supports fine, visual, performing, creative, and folk arts projects, including museum and cultural programs, with awards up to Up to US $10,000.