Best Green Infrastructure Grants in Delaware

Delaware 501(c) nonprofit organizations and public libraries seeking to install solar energy systems can receive up to US $500,000 for panels, installation, utility upgrades, and related components. Sustainable Energy Utility supports projects that advance solar, renewable energy, and green infrastructure across Delaware, including roof, ground, or carport-mounted systems, subject to local utility constraints.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Delaware with at least three years of operation and a $100,000+ budget can seek funding for workforce skills, youth development, inclusive prosperity, and environmental sustainability projects. RBC Foundation USA provides support for programs that build job readiness, expand access to community resources, and advance net-zero, climate-focused initiatives, which may include green infrastructure efforts.

Community-based, tax-exempt or fiscally sponsored organizations in the Mid-Atlantic, including Delaware, can seek funding to develop workforce programs in community forestry and green infrastructure. Focused on environmental justice, Chesapeake Bay Trust backs training, apprenticeships, and career pathways in tree planting, maintenance, and related green jobs for historically excluded communities, with awards up to US $200,000.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Community Development Grant

Raised in rural Texas, Adam saw firsthand the challenges small towns face related to demographic changes, workforce development, capital access, infrastructure, health, land use and environment and community preservation. As he got older, he often felt compelled to help - even in small ways - when he saw a neighbor struggling. Inspired by his generosity and leaning into innovation, we built a Community Grant & Loan Program to be the catalyst for investable initiatives while working to leverage additional public and private capital.

We are getting further, faster thanks to partnering with leaders in the Program Related Investment (PRI) arena. PRIs are powerful and versatile tools in the philanthropic toolkit, making capital available to any kind of organization advancing any charitable purpose via various financial structures. Financial returns can be repurposed for new charitable objectives, multiplying the impact. The focus through this program revolves around the types of communities Adam called home with a focus on specific economic barriers.

This grant is focused on semi-permanent or permanent community assets including infrastructure, public works, green space, revitalization, and other real assets essential for businesses to thrive in a community. Generally, these funds will not be used exclusively for beautification.

Emerging Leaders Program alumni working on conservation and green infrastructure in Delaware can receive US $500 to support professional development, membership, conference fees, or similar career-building costs. The Soil and Water Conservation Society recognizes graduates who are current members, actively engaged in SWCS activities, and demonstrating leadership in conservation efforts.

U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) organizations implementing multidisciplinary environmental projects can use these grants to advance green infrastructure, renewable resources, and related sustainability initiatives, including in Delaware. Grants from Renewable Natural Resources Foundation help fund collaborative, evidence-based projects in areas like water quality, soil health, air quality, and sustainable infrastructure, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $200,000.

Renewable Natural Resources Foundation provides Delaware green infrastructure and environmental organizations with planning and small grants up to US $50,000 for collaborative projects. U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) leads working on areas like renewable energy, water quality, soil health, or recycling with multidisciplinary partners, including at least one from an RNRF member organization, may be eligible.

U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) organizations with multidisciplinary projects in green infrastructure and related environmental fields can seek up to US $50,000 in rapid response funding to replace terminated federal support. With a mission to connect research and practice, Renewable Natural Resources Foundation provides short-term grants to complete, sustain, or responsibly close out work that advances its mission and member organizations’ priorities.

Delaware green infrastructure and climate-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation to reduce fossil fuel demand, influence climate and clean energy policy, or advance climate change education for youth. Eligible U.S.-based nonprofits may request general operating or program-specific support for research, advocacy, legal strategies, or innovative education initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on green infrastructure, clean drinking water, or sustainable energy in Delaware and across the U.S. can apply for Park Foundation environment grants. Grants support policy development, advocacy, organizing, corporate responsibility, and investigative reporting focused on drinking water protection and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with timely, actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related challenges, American Water Works Association invites researchers, including those studying green infrastructure and clean water issues in Delaware, to apply for this scholarship opportunity.

Tribal governments and communities pursuing renewable energy and green infrastructure projects across the U.S. can apply for up to US $100,000 to build solar capacity and workforce development. Grants from GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund help tribal entities, including those serving Delaware, plan, finance, and implement solar projects that enhance energy sovereignty, resilience, and job opportunities.

Delaware green infrastructure and climate-focused startups can access funding through Exelon Foundation’s Climate Change Investment Initiative to advance mitigation, resilience, and adaptation solutions in Exelon service territories. For-profit ventures whose work benefits Wilmington or other eligible markets may receive equity investment plus in-kind support such as expertise, networking, and regulatory and financial guidance.

Delaware green infrastructure and coastal conservation organizations working within eligible National Estuary Program (NEP) watershed areas can seek US $200,000 - US $500,000 for projects addressing estuary health and resilience. Restore America’s Estuaries, with EPA support, funds efforts such as habitat restoration, stormwater management, harmful algal bloom response, and climate resilience in NEP-designated estuaries nationwide.

Delaware green infrastructure and environmental nonprofits can access funding through the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work through compelling media and narratives. Eligible 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations working in areas like green infrastructure, conservation, and wellness may receive more than US $50,000 to elevate their stories.

Local governments, nonprofits, and community partners in Delaware’s Chesapeake Bay watershed can seek Chesapeake Bay Trust funding for green streets, green infrastructure, community greening, and urban tree canopy projects. Grants up to US $175,000 support planning, design, construction, and related white papers that reduce stormwater runoff, expand green space, and improve local water quality and livability.

Delaware community organizations, nonprofits, local governments, and Keep America Beautiful affiliates can access funding to revitalize and beautify areas along or near Martin Luther King Jr. corridors. These MLK Corridor Community Grants from Keep America Beautiful support projects like green spaces, community gardens, public art, and cleanup efforts that may incorporate green infrastructure elements.

Nonprofits, local governments, KAB affiliates, and community groups in Delaware can apply for Keep America Beautiful’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 for cigarette litter receptacles, marketing, and program administration. Projects that expand to new communities or use CLPP as a clean water strategy may particularly benefit green infrastructure efforts.

Non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations running climate action projects in Delaware and across eligible Americas countries can seek support for two-year initiatives contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. HCL Technologies’ HCLTech Grant backs scalable efforts like green infrastructure, clean energy, biodiversity, and climate risk reduction, with awards up to US $500,000 for direct project implementation.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.