Best Quality of Life Grants in Delaware

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Delaware Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds program aims to enhance resident outcomes in certified nursing homes by utilizing monetary penalties imposed on non-compliant facilities. These funds can be reinvested in initiatives such as resident support during facility closures, enhancing family council engagement, and improving facility standards through training. Eligibility includes various organizations like advocacy groups and nursing home associations, while ineligible uses encompass compliance restoration and capital improvements.

Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture has a dedicated staff that strives effectively and efficiently to accomplish our mission, to sustain and promote the viability of food, fiber, and agricultural industries in Delaware through quality services that protect and enhance the environment, health, and welfare of the general public.

Delaware Forest Resiliency Fund

The Delaware Forest Service received $1.5 million from the U.S. Forest Service to establish the Delaware Forest Resiliency Fund, a cost-share program through which landowners can address forest resiliency through tree planting, invasive species removal, and prescribed fire.

Program Goals

• Create a cost-share program to improve forest health by using forestry resiliency practices.
• To increase the amount of forest in Delaware.
• To improve forest conditions to increase resiliency.
• To promote practices supported in improving carbon management.
• To support the goals of the 2020 Delaware Forest Action Plan

Through the cost-share program, landowners can address forest resiliency by planting trees, removing invasive species, and using prescribed fire.

Eligible Projects

Reforestation Projects

From a pine monoculture or severely high-graded hardwood stand to include oak species, shortleaf pine, Atlantic white cedar, bald cypress, and pitch pine. All species used will be site-appropriate.

• Site preparation practices are eligible for funding.
• Post-planting maintenance, such as mowing and spot spraying, is eligible for funding.
• Tree shelters are eligible for funding.

Afforestation Projects

To include any native species besides loblolly pine.

• Site preparation practices are eligible for funding.
• Post-planting maintenance, such as mowing and spot spraying, is eligible for funding.
• Tree shelters are eligible for funding.

Invasive Species Removal or Control

Invasive species are a significant threat to the forest as they outcompete and displace native plant species, impact available food, and cover resources for native wildlife.

• Removal or control of any invasive plant as defined by the Delaware Invasive Species Council
• Must be in a forest as defined by the United States Forest Service.

Prescribed Fire Practices

Implementing prescribed fire allows native species that require fire as part of their life cycle to return to the landscape, and invasive species that flourish without fire are removed.

Install permanent vegetative fire breaks.

• Burn plan writing.
• Implementation measures.
• Other practices that are needed to perform a prescribed fire safely.
• Must be in a forest as defined by the United States Forest Service.

Program Rules

• All applicants must complete the Delaware W-9 form online and register as suppliers with the State of Delaware at https://esupplier.erp.delaware.gov.

• Applications will be reviewed to determine the level of cost-share payments. Most cost-share payments will be made at 90% unless otherwise outlined below for the specific project area. Landowners who have owned forestland in Delaware for a total of 10 years or less, own properties in priority areas, are limited resource producers or are veterans of any U.S. Armed Forces who were honorably discharged in the prior 10 years will receive a 100% cost-share payment.

• Prescribed Fire and Invasive Species projects will have a cap of $10,000 dollars per landowner. These payments will be made as reimbursements to the landowner once proof of implementation has been received and verified.

• Tree Planting projects have no maximum payment. Payments for tree planting projects will be directly made to suppliers and contractors.

• Applications will be taken on a rolling basis and approved on a first-come, first-served basis, as funding allows.

• Forest Stewardship Plans are required for any landowner who owns or will own 10 forested acres after afforestation efforts. The landowner can choose to use a private consultant or a Delaware Forest Service forester.

• Applications for prescribed fire practices and invasive species projects should include 3 bids from qualified contractors who will be considered to do the work. This is not required for tree-planting projects.

• Landowners are required to maintain records related to this program for a minimum of three years after the closure of this grant period. The USFS may audit these funds.

• Any work completed before signing a contract with DFS will not be eligible for reimbursement.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Delaware Division of the Arts offers ongoing Artist Residency grants aimed at enhancing arts education in schools. These grants support residencies with professional artists who engage students and teachers in creative processes, aligning with state arts standards. Eligible applicants include Delaware public, charter, private, and parochial schools, as well as not-for-profits providing preschool services. Applicants can request up to 75% of artist fees, not exceeding $450 per day, to facilitate meaningful artistic experiences in educational settings.

Highmark Corporate Giving is dedicated to enhancing community health and economic resilience across its service areas. With a focus on equitable access to healthcare and support for local organizations, Highmark aims to reduce health disparities and promote well-being. Their initiatives, such as the Bright Blue Futures program, provide funding to impactful community projects, supporting a diverse range of organizations that align with their mission of fostering healthier, more vibrant communities.

The Kenny Family Foundation Grant offers micro-grants to local 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in New Castle County, Delaware. The foundation supports a variety of community initiatives, providing assistance through ShopRite gift cards, typically averaging $100. Organizations must submit a formal request along with IRS documentation to be considered. Since its inception in 2008, the foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life and promoting social welfare in the region.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Next Generation – Southern Delaware Grant, established by young professionals, focuses on addressing social challenges in Kent and Sussex Counties. With over $100,000 awarded since 2013, the 2023 grant priorities include addiction treatment, family services, and homelessness prevention. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Delaware, ensuring programs enhance quality of life without discrimination. Proposals should be proactive and future-oriented, emphasizing prevention and education in addiction services.

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

The Longwood Foundation, established in 1937, supports nonprofit organizations in Delaware and Kennett Square. It seeks to enhance community quality of life by funding proposals that align with local missions. Organizations requesting over $500,000 must have a pre-meeting prior to application submission. The Foundation encourages innovative, impactful proposals that drive growth and strengthen nonprofit efforts. Responsive philanthropy is key, allowing nonprofits to present their most significant needs for community betterment.

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The Middle Run Foundation is a family-governed foundation based in Newark, Delaware. The Board of the foundation is chaired by Sarah Ives Gore, its founder, and includes her children, grandchildren, and non-family members who bring experience and expertise to our work.

About

Purpose:

The purpose of the foundation is to fund and support non-profit programs which focus on building healthy, self-sufficient families.

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The Middle Run Foundation makes grants up to $500,000 annually with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

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 J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Next Generation North of the Delaware Community Foundation is a philanthropic initiative driven by young professionals in Delaware. Established in 2004, it has awarded over $375,000 to programs focused on using the Arts for social change in New Castle County. Grants support innovative, collaborative projects that improve the quality of life for underserved communities, emphasizing long-term social impact through diverse artistic expressions and community involvement.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The Laffey-McHugh Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations focused on underserved communities in Delaware. Established by Alice Laffey McHugh in 1959, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life through funding initiatives that address poverty, education, and community engagement. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $30,000 and are intended for projects with implementation timelines under 12 months. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate sustainability and community impact in their proposals.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, funded by the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports innovative green infrastructure projects enhancing community livability. With funding opportunities ranging from conceptual plans to full project implementation, this program aims to reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban green spaces, and boost local water health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible locations include parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as New York.