Best Sussex County Grants for Nonprofits in Delaware

Nonprofit and public entities addressing estuary and coastal ecosystem threats in Sussex County, Delaware can apply for Restore America’s Estuaries’ National Estuary Program Watersheds Grants; awards US $200,000 - US $500,000 for habitat restoration, water quality, stormwater, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and climate resilience projects within eligible NEP boundary areas.

Sussex County, Delaware music nonprofits can access funding through the Presser Foundation’s Advancement of Music Grants, which provide US $2,500 - US $50,000 in flexible general operating support. Eligible 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, and pre-collegiate music education organizations within the county’s 75-mile radius of Philadelphia may benefit.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Sussex County, Delaware can apply for Delaware Community Foundation’s Next Generation – Southern Delaware Grant; awards up to US $5,000 for addiction treatment, family services, emergency housing, and homelessness prevention. Eligible programs must serve Delaware residents and address addiction-related social challenges, with preference for proactive, preventative, and future-focused approaches.

The PositiveNRG Grant Program, led by NRG Energy, focuses on investing in communities through choice and education, community engagement, resilience, sustainability, and well-being. The program is open to non-profit organizations and governmental entities that can demonstrate a meaningful impact. Preference is given to initiatives that foster community involvement and inclusiveness. However, sponsorships for religious or political activities are generally not supported. This program aims to empower communities through innovative energy solutions.

Nonprofit organizations that are current or recent Regional Foundation partners in Sussex County, Delaware can request up to US $25,000 for urgent, unforeseen tactical or strategic needs. With a mission to back crisis response, Regional Foundation provides short-term funds within one week for emergencies like disasters, emergent policy threats, or sudden organizational disruptions.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provides Sussex County, Delaware nonprofits and public agencies with US $75,000 - US $1,500,000 for projects conserving and restoring the Delaware River watershed. Funding supports fish and wildlife habitat, water quality improvements, water management, and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities on public or private lands within the watershed’s eligible counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Sussex County, Delaware with local programs in youth education, next-generation storytelling, or community engagement may be eligible for NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants. The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, with NBC and Telemundo stations, funds community-focused initiatives in select U.S. markets that promote inclusion and equitable opportunities for underrepresented communities.

History

Foundation began in 1986 when community leaders realized the need for a permanent source of funding to provide for Delaware’s current and future needs.

In 1985, DuPont Executive Pierre S. DuPont III, an active board member of the United Way of Delaware and the Longwood Foundation, realized that the charitable needs of Delaware’s nonprofit agencies and institutions were more than existing resources could support. Concerned that most fundraising was for current operating needs and none for endowments to meet future needs, Mr. duPont recruited 19 community leaders to create the Delaware Community Foundation in July 1986.

The News Journal and parent company Gannett provided start-up money, In 1989, Gov. Mike Castle endorsed the Foundation, and the state provided a $2 million grant “to be used as an investment in the charitable future of Delaware.”

Today, the DCF is among the largest community foundations in the country.

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.

Most DCF grants are from donor advised funds. Nonprofits are invited to apply for the grant opportunities on this page, including the DCF’s Community Impact Grants, which are funded by generous donors who believe in our work to build opportunity and advance equity in Delaware.

Rehoboth Lake Fund

The purpose of the Fund shall be for grants exclusively for charitable, scientific or educational objectives, subject to the purpose and intent of the DCF, applicable law and Internal Revenue Service regulation. The Fund is intended to provide grants to qualified charitable organizations that support scientific, historical, cultural and artistic research, education, promotion and publication related to Silver Lake, Lake Comegys, and Lake Gerar in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Sussex County, Delaware. Grantees will be selected by the DCF’s grants committee or by an alternative process or committee appointed by the DCF. 

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status in Sussex County, Delaware can apply for M&T Charitable Foundation grants to support community-focused programs. Funding may benefit arts and culture, education, health care, human services, and civic affairs initiatives that improve quality of life for local residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within Ferguson’s geographic footprint can apply for Ferguson’s Ferguson Cares Grant to support housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, and community development initiatives. Sussex County, Delaware nonprofits may be eligible if they are in Ferguson’s service area and work on affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic wellbeing, or related programs.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community health, wellness, or related events in Sussex County, Delaware may be eligible for sponsorship or donations to support their activities. With a mission to help those in need, ATI Physical Therapy provides philanthropic support in the counties where it operates; requests are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis within about 30 days.

Nonprofit organizations in Sussex County, Delaware that support family success can seek funding for programs addressing mental health challenges, domestic or gun violence, and food insecurity or homelessness. Delaware Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Board also supports services for education, arts or sports recreation, and job-finding assistance for at-risk families and youth.

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority, supports crucial street outreach activities aimed at assisting the homeless. This funding enables organizations to provide essential services such as case management, emergency health care, and transportation. The program also helps improve emergency shelters and funds homelessness prevention initiatives. By prioritizing effective outreach, ESG aims to reduce homelessness and enhance the quality of services available to vulnerable populations in Delaware.

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, managed by the Delaware State Housing Authority, provides essential funding for homelessness prevention and street outreach activities. It aims to enhance emergency shelters and reduce homelessness through rapid rehousing initiatives. Grants are available to local governments and non-profit organizations, supporting a wide range of activities to ensure safe and sanitary shelter for vulnerable populations. This program is critical in addressing homelessness in Delaware.

Nonprofit and community health providers delivering rural healthcare services in Sussex County, Delaware can access funding to help establish mobile health units and brick-and-mortar health hubs. Delaware Division of Public Health supports coordinated, evidence-based care that improves health care access, preventive services, and chronic disease management for underserved rural residents in Sussex and neighboring Kent County.

Health care providers and professional service organizations supporting diabetes management can seek funding to supply continuous glucose monitoring devices to rural residents in Sussex County, Delaware. With a mission to improve healthy living, Delaware Division of Public Health provides resources to expand access to real-time monitoring for up to 500 uninsured or underinsured individuals.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies in Sussex County, Delaware can seek FACES grants to support local programming across community services, education, wellness, arts, environment, housing, and more. Focused on smaller organizations under $500,000 in annual budget, the Carl M. Freeman Foundation awards US $2,500 - US $10,000 for projects serving Sussex County residents.

Local governmental entities in Sussex County, Delaware can receive funding to repair substandard housing and improve infrastructure in needy areas. Delaware State Housing Authority’s Community Development Block Grants support projects like sewer and water system upgrades, street repairs, lighting, and other improvements that benefit low- and moderate-income housing development.

The TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.

Nonprofits and local entities planning green infrastructure, community greening, or urban tree canopy projects in Sussex County, Delaware can seek funding to design or implement green streets and related efforts. Chesapeake Bay Trust’s G3 program offers up to US $175,000 for projects that reduce stormwater runoff and improve local waters within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing hunger relief and food access in Sussex County, Delaware can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants Open Grant Round; awards US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs. Eligible projects include food banks, pantries, meal delivery, school meal programs, and community gardens serving rural communities.

The TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.

Nonprofit organizations focused on real estate and housing solutions that prevent eviction in low- to moderate-income communities in Sussex County, Delaware can apply for TD Charitable Foundation’s Housing for Everyone Competition. This program awards US $1,000,000 - US $2,000,000 to innovative early-intervention efforts that keep renters stably housed and in their communities.

Nonprofit organizations providing early childhood education and school-readiness programs, including vocabulary, social-emotional learning, math, science, and arts, may be eligible for funding in Sussex County, Delaware. Grants from PNC Foundation help 501(c)(3) groups in eligible U.S. counties strengthen outcomes for children from birth to age five and their families.

Private forest landowners in designated Delaware Forest Legacy Areas can receive funding to protect working forestlands through conservation easements or land purchases. With a mission to conserve critical forests, Delaware Forest Service provides Sussex County, Delaware land and habitat conservation projects with federal-state cost-share support to prevent development and maintain timber, wildlife habitat, and water quality.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Congregations

The Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Congregations (LRAC) is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit corporation established in 1983 as a collaborative effort of local churches to come together to serve those in need in the community. LRAC runs the New Life Thrift Shop which funds grant support for the Community Resource Center and a host of other local ministry partners.

LRAC grants

Our mission is to help those in need, primarily feeding the hungry and housing the homeless. Please be sure your mission addresses food or housing insecurity.