Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Delaware

The Arts Access Grant by the Delaware Division of the Arts supports nonprofit organizations offering occasional arts programs. This grant aims to enhance public access to artistic experiences, foster collaborations between artists and community groups, and promote lifelong learning in the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be based in Delaware and manage programs involving professional artists. The application process is ongoing, with reviews conducted starting in July each year.

The Community Based Organizations: Arts Access Grant, offered by the Delaware Division of the Arts, supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in presenting various art forms. Grants can cover up to 80% of eligible expenses, not exceeding $1,250. This initiative encourages community engagement through arts programs and is intended for groups that may not qualify for other funding categories. Applications must be submitted six weeks prior to the event, with early submissions recommended.

The Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EIFF) offers grants for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) projects in Delaware, supporting non-residential facilities in enhancing energy efficiency. Grant funding can cover up to 60% of project costs, with a maximum award of $250,000 per address annually. Eligible projects must demonstrate energy savings and sustainability, with a focus on supporting minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses, small businesses, and non-profits. Pre-approval is encouraged to secure funding.

The Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) offers Custom Pathway Grants to non-residential facilities in Delaware, promoting energy-efficient upgrades. These grants encourage complex energy improvements beyond standard measures, supporting both retrofit and new construction projects. Eligible projects can receive up to 60% funding, with a maximum award of $250,000 per year. The program aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and support diverse community sectors, including minority and veteran-owned businesses.

The Wawa Foundation offers financial grants exceeding $2,500 to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in its six-state market, focusing on health, hunger, and supporting everyday heroes. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October, with grant requests reviewed prior to the next submission window. Eligible organizations include those working to improve lives through health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and support for community heroes. For more details, visit the Wawa Foundation's official site.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

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

Incyte Corporation offers charitable contributions to organizations aligned with its mission to improve the lives of patients with cancer and other diseases. Eligible entities include medical schools, associations, not-for-profits, advocacy groups, and hospitals. Requests should focus on healthcare and comply with relevant guidelines. Organizations must enter a written agreement to receive funding, and requests should be submitted at least 60 days prior to the decision deadline.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

The Presser Foundation's Special Projects Grant supports innovative music organizations with funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Established in 1939, the Foundation aims to promote music education and philanthropy. The grant focuses on newly formed organizations and those impacted by funding changes, encouraging applications for projects enhancing artistic development, financial stability, and collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, ensuring a broad reach in supporting diverse musical initiatives.

The Community Voices Fund, established by the People’s Media Fund, supports innovative media projects that amplify marginalized voices in Greater Philadelphia. Prioritizing community-driven narratives, the Fund awards grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to support storytelling efforts that challenge systemic oppression and promote social justice. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations with annual budgets under $1 million, focusing on projects that enhance community organizing and movement-building efforts.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Delaware support communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies affecting safe drinking water availability. Eligible events include droughts, floods, and chemical spills. Grants can be used for water transmission line projects or constructing water sources, with funding up to $1,000,000. This initiative aims to restore access to clean water in rural areas, enhancing environmental conditions and encouraging local economic growth.

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 Highmark BluePrints Small Grants program, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, allocates funds to nonprofits addressing critical health-related issues in Delaware. Grants up to $50,000 support initiatives focused on enhancing health care access, reducing disparities, and fostering early childhood development. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and certain government agencies. The program emphasizes community equity and welcomes applications for innovative solutions that improve health outcomes for underserved populations.

The Welfare Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofits in Delaware and southern Chester County, emphasizing capital grants. With an annual budget of around $5 million, the Foundation has contributed approximately $130 million over 25 years. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and comply with non-discrimination policies. The Foundation prioritizes sectors such as social services, housing, health, education, environment, civic engagement, and the arts, while excluding annual support and political activities.

The DCF Capital Project Grants aim to enhance nonprofit facilities through capital improvements, helping organizations in Delaware operate more effectively. These grants support projects that not only renovate but also empower nonprofits to better serve their communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations within Delaware or those benefiting Delawareans. The initiative excludes funding for individuals, certain nonprofits, and specific operational expenses, ensuring support focuses on impactful community enhancements.

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.

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 Delaware Division of the Arts offers the StartUp Program Grants aimed at strengthening the management capacity of emerging arts organizations in Delaware. This program provides modest support for operating expenses and serves as an entry point for these organizations into the Division's General Operating Support grant program. New applicants are encouraged to contact the Division before submitting a Letter of Intent to ensure a smooth application process.

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.

The Arts Stabilization Grants, offered by the Delaware Division of the Arts, support nonprofit organizations focused on the arts. These grants aim to fund maintenance, repairs, and renovations of facilities owned or leased by the organizations. Priority is given to projects that address structural deficiencies and enhance safety. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations not affiliated with ArtCo. This initiative is critical for sustaining the arts in Delaware and ensuring accessible cultural experiences.

The Delaware Division of the Arts provides the Education Resource Grant to foster collaboration between Delaware schools, arts organizations, and artists, enhancing arts education for pre K-12 students. This grant supports projects that engage students in hands-on arts learning, integrate arts with other subjects, and develop standards-based curricula. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations and public schools in Delaware. The initiative aims to enrich educational experiences through arts, benefiting both students and the broader community.

The Delaware Division of the Arts provides General Operating Support Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on the promotion and teaching of the arts. Eligible organizations must be based in Delaware, have a stable board, and demonstrate a history of community service. Grants support annual operating expenses, allowing for year-round arts participation. A staggered three-year application cycle ensures ongoing support while minimizing the application burden. These grants foster artistic growth and community engagement in Delaware.

The Delaware Division of the Arts provides Education Resource grants to foster partnerships between schools, arts organizations, and artists, enhancing arts education for Pre K-12 students. These grants promote student engagement in the arts through hands-on programs, extended-time arts initiatives, and integration with other subjects. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations and public schools in Delaware. The program aims to supplement existing arts education while ensuring compliance with state regulations.

The CMFF: Faces Grants in Sussex County, led by the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, aims to support small, community-driven projects that often go unnoticed. Established in 2000, this program prioritizes local nonprofits with operating budgets under $500,000. To qualify, organizations must have been active for at least two years and serve Sussex County residents. FACES emphasizes collaboration with community leaders to ensure funding aligns with local needs, fostering impactful initiatives that enrich the community.

The Foundation for the Future of Delaware County offers grants aimed at enhancing community development and education for residents of Delaware County, Iowa. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and municipalities, with up to $7,500 available per project. A special $20,000 impact grant will be awarded in 2025 for innovative programs that benefit the entire county. Priority will be given to new and previously unfunded initiatives starting in 2026.

The AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation Grant aims to prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to promote healthier outcomes for children. With a focus on empowering families, healing behaviors, and access to healthcare, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations that provide comprehensive care and resources. Grants range from $100,000 to $250,000, totaling up to $1.945 million for project-specific initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in states where AmeriHealth Caritas Medicaid markets exist.