Delaware Grants

The Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation’s (CRRF) New Castle County Youth Empowerment Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is accepting applications from non-profit organizations that are seeking funding for projects to benefit at-risk youth in New Castle County. Donor Name: Delaware Community Foundation State: Delaware County: New Castle County (DE) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Organization doubles its commitment, offering up to $5,000 per grant. Criteria Eligible nonprofit organizations will be based in New Castle County. They should serve underserved youth and young adults aged from birth through 25 years who are at risk for not having the skills and support for a self-sufficient future.   For more information, visit DCF.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is now accepting proposals from Delaware county and municipal governments, conservation districts and estuary programs for matching grants for surface water project planning. Donor Name: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council (WIAC) developed the Surface Water Matching Planning Grant program to assist Delaware counties and municipalities improve water quality on the developed landscape in Delaware’s impaired watersheds.  The grants support planning, preliminary engineering, and feasibility analysis of surface water improvement projects and activities that focus on the developed landscape to improve water quality in impaired watersheds in Delaware. They can be used for a variety of projects, such as: Retrofitting stormwater systems Establishing green technology practices Restoring streams and wetlands Small watershed studies Developing master surface water and drainage plans The program is designed to assist counties and municipalities to prepare surface water projects for funding through Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund (WPCRLF). The available funding can be used to assist with surface water planning in general, and for specific project planning and designs necessary to submit a loan application to the WPCRLF for funding consideration. Program Goals Grant applicants should focus their proposals on one or more of the following program goals: Providing benefits to water quality within an impaired watershed Planning and/or preliminary design for projects associated with a watershed management plan Planning and/or preliminary design for community stormwater management improvements in existing developments and municipalities Restoration or retrofit projects to provide water quality benefits Funding Information Funding for projects receiving a grant award in any grant cycle will be capped at $50,000 with a 1:1 cash match requirement. Project Period The project shall not exceed 2 years. Eligibility Criteria Applicants may be any Delaware county or municipal government, conservation district, or Delaware estuary program. Applicants must have the matching funds available at the time of application. Non-profit organizations, educational institutions, community organizations, and/or homeowner’s associations within the State of Delaware that do not have taxing authority are ineligible to apply directly but may partner with an eligible applicant.  Agricultural operations, non-profit organizations, and private for-profit firms are not eligible for these funds. Interested parties may enter into working arrangement with eligible applicant. For more information, visit DNREC.

The Delaware Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Next Gen South Grant Program to support programs for addiction treatment, family services, emergency housing and homelessness prevention.  Donor Name: Delaware Community Foundation State: Delaware County: Kent County (DE), Sussex County (DE) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Next Gen South is a philanthropic organization that was created and is directed by young professionals living and working in Kent and Sussex Counties. Next Gen South utilizes many of the Delaware Community Foundation’s resources, but members have established their own structure to raise funds and support the community.  Next Gen South has support of initiatives that address underlying social challenges faced by the most vulnerable Delawareans in Kent and Sussex Counties. The focus of the organization changes periodically based on the needs of the communities they serve. Funding Information The Next Gen South Grant total is $10,000. Eligibility Criteria Only nonprofit organizations within the state of Delaware that have a 501(c)(3) designation by the Internal Revenue Service are eligible to apply. Agencies receiving Next Gen South grants must serve the state of Delaware and its residents without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin or sexual orientation. The foundation is interested in initiatives that Demonstrate vision, effectiveness, good management and action for positive change. Encourage collaboration between agencies and reduce duplication of services. Leverage funds from other sources. Create a sense of community through neighborhood involvement and outreach. Include an evaluation component. For more information, visit Delaware Community Foundation.

The Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation grant opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations in New Castle County, DE serving youth and young adults ages birth through 25 years who are underserved and at risk for not having the skills and support for a self-sufficient future. Donor Name: Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation State: Delaware County: Kent County (DE) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation (CRRF) was formed in 2018, as a means for the Caesar Rodney Rotary Club to accelerate the mission of educating the community and addressing the needs of youth at risk in New Castle County, Delaware. Educating the community includes providing public awareness of the need as well as encouraging volunteer opportunities to address the needs. Funding Information The grant maximum is $5,000. Criteria The Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation (CRRF) New Castle County Youth Empowerment Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation only accepts applications from 501(c)3 nonprofits. For more information, visit Delaware Community Foundation.

The American Lung Association in Delaware, through a contract with the Delaware Division of Public Health, is seeking applications from organizations to conduct tobacco/e-cigarette prevention programs, and/or implement policy, systems, or environmental (PSE) changes related to tobacco. Donor Name: Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grants may be awarded to communities and organizations that exhibit a strong commitment to tobacco prevention and control programs in Delaware and enhance or expand access to tobacco education and prevention opportunities for children, families, and communities. Funds for the program are made available from the Delaware Health Fund.  The goals for the 2023-2027 “A Plan for A Tobacco-free Delaware” include: Prevent the initiation and use of tobacco and emerging products among Delawareans. Increase quitting and quit attempts among Delawareans who use tobacco products. Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, vapors, and other emissions. Advance health equity by identifying and eliminating commercial tobacco product-related inequities and disparities. Strengthen and cultivate Delaware’s leadership and build partnerships and connections at all levels in comprehensive tobacco prevention and control. Funding Information Mini-grant applicants may receive a one-time (per year) mini-grant up to $25,000.00. Requested budgets must be between $15,000 and $25,000.  Eligibility Criteria Delaware community-based and non-profit organizations with a strong commitment to tobacco and nicotine control and prevention programs Municipalities, cities, and towns in Delaware Any organization looking to strengthen their capacity to positively inform social norms regarding all forms of tobacco use as well as build relationships among multiple sectors of the community, such as housing, education, business, and transport For more information, visit DPH.

The Excellence in Education Fund (EIE Fund) is now accepting grant applications for the 2024 cycle, aimed at supporting programs that promote workforce development and drive economic growth within Kent County. Donor Name: CenDel Foundation State: Delaware County: Kent County (DE) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Excellence in Education was created in 2019 through a generous contribution by –Statewide Workforce Development, as well as support of members of the Kent Economic Partnership, Greater Kent Committee, Delaware State News and the Kent County community. The Fund’s assets are managed by the Cendel Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and are administered by the Excellence in Education Advisory Board. EIE Fund invites public institutions, nonprofits, and civic/community organizations to submit their proposals. The Excellence in Education is interested in: Enhancing the workforce throughout the region: This includes quality and impact of the program. How many will be impacted? What is the duration of the program? Educating and broadening perspectives: What is the educational component to the program? How many will be impacted? What will those impacted learn? Economic and Community Development: Will this program serve or create a special skill set? Will this program generate some measurable economic impact? Will this promote employment opportunities in Kent County or possible relocation? Clarity of Application – The panel reviews dozens of applications each year. Applications which do not clearly outline the program, answer the questions, or are difficult to score may not be considered. Objectives and Outcomes – Does this program provide strong evidence to support achievement of stated goals? Funding Information The EIE fund will award up to $50,000 to eligible institutions and organizations. These include entities focused on educating and training individuals to fulfill the demands of present and future businesses in Kent County. Eligibility Requirements Must be a public institution or 501c3 organization with proper IRS documentation. Grant requests must be submitted on a 2024 Excellence in Education application form. For more information, visit CenDel Foundation.

The First State Food System Program (Program) provides funding to entities that grow, process, store, transport, distribute, or sell food in the State of Delaware. Donor Name: Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Delaware Department of Agriculture through its advisory group – the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (Council) strives to facilitate and support a local food system where farmers can access viable markets; Delaware households can access nutritious and wholesome food options within their own communities; and where the impacts of supply chain disruptions can be diminished. Through this Program funding is available to a diverse range of entities, operating at various points in the food supply chain. This Program enables local entities to overcome challenges and build resilience in food system. The First State Food System Program is funded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act. Projects designed to support or provide benefit to more than one entity or producer within Delaware’s food system will be prioritized. The objective is to strengthen the local food system through wide-reaching and complementary efforts, rather than isolated and narrowly focused projects that serve to benefit only one individual operation.  Funding Information Using a standardized review process, the Council will award grants from $2,500 up to $150,000. Eligible Projects Applications will be evaluated based on the viability of the entity; its function and reach as part of the food system; and its demonstrated or potential capacity to do at least one of the following: Add to the volume of food production in Delaware. Add to the direct-to-consumer sale or availability of food products through retail or charitable outlets in Delaware. Add to activities used to transform food products from their harvested state to a consumable state for end users. Processing activities include: freezing, chopping, fermenting, packaging, washing, cooking, pasteurizing, canning, and more in Delaware. Add to the transportation or distribution of food products to consumer/end user outlets in Delaware. Improve efficiency and reduce costs of distribution systems. Improve capacity of food retail outlets including restaurants, to meet local demand. Improve flexibilities of food retail and distribution outlets to better align with consumer needs like online purchasing or food delivery. Address challenges to proximity through transportation solutions. Increase emerging agricultural practices by bringing food production into busy, populated areas – such as vertical gardens, shipping container farms, rooftop farming, hydroponics, community gardens, community composting, and food waste reduction. Eligibility Criteria General  Applicants that have been awarded funding during Cycle 1 or Cycle 2 may apply. The project must be new and distinct from an awarded project, or an addition or complement to an awarded project. (can include adding new partners, or new sites, or expanding market reach, etc.) Applicants must describe how the project positively impacts or creates measurable outcomes for Delaware’s food supply chain, including the entity and other entities or operations. The applicant must demonstrate/describe that the entity has the infrastructure in place and capacity to successfully implement the project. The applicant’s entity must be in operation for two or more years. Start-up entities will be considered when the operator provides a description of industry experience or when the start-up budget includes a contribution from the owner. The applicant’s entity must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to enter into a project agreement with the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Eligible entities must be owned and operated in the State of Delaware and include small to mid-sized, for-profit producers and nonprofit organizations; aquaculture/fishery operators; food distributors or transporters; food processing operators. The Council reserves the right to consider applications from non-Delaware entities that directly provide product or services to Delaware. Applicants may submit more than one proposal. If more than one proposal is submitted, please prioritize the submissions. Producers  For the purposes of this Program, small to mid-sized producers are defined as having operations with 1) An annual value of sales between $20,000 and $300,000; and 2) Acres in active production in fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, or other products for human consumption; of up to 300 acres. Larger scale producers are eligible to apply and are encouraged to demonstrate collaboration with other producers or entities. Supply Chain Entities  The following are eligible supply chain operations, this list is not all inclusive, some examples are listed: Storage: food hubs Transportation: fleet coordinators, logistics Processing: incubator facilities, commercial kitchens Distribution: retail outlets, pantries, food trucks Single or multi-site grocery stores, Cooperative grocers, Corner stores, Mobile markets, restaurants, farmers markets, on-farm stores For more information, visit Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy.

The Community Reinvestment Fund, a capital grant program, shall be used for community redevelopment, revitalization and investment capital projects which will improve the economic, culture, historical, and recreational health of Delaware communities. Donor Name: Delaware General Assembly State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Project Eligibility Eligible project funding requests include preconstruction costs, land acquisition, building construction or other capital costs. Such projects may include, but are not limited to, the following: Preconstruction costs, to include development of plans and specifications for the capital project. The acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or restoration of buildings. The acquisition or installation of apparatus or equipment permanently attached to the building. The acquisition of land required as sites for such buildings, including land or rights to land needed to provide access to sites, and the grading or other improvements of such sites, land or rights in land. The construction of sidewalks where authorized by law. The construction of any sewers or water mains needed to connect such buildings to any publicly owned sewer system or water system. Eligibility Criteria Eligible entities include county and local governments, community-based nonprofit, and private sector nonprofit organizations. All nonprofit organizations must hold a 501(c)3 designation in order to be considered eligible. Designation must be held at the time of application. State agencies, school districts, charter schools, private schools, institutions of higher education, childcare facilities, churches, fire companies, fiscal agents, and for-profit organizations are not eligible for funds from the Community Reinvestment Fund. For more information, visit Delaware General Assembly.

The Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Trails (ORPT) Program, formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development in Delaware. Donor Name: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligible Projects ORPT grant assistance is available for the following types of projects: Fee simple acquisition of parkland, open space, or conservation areas Purchase of development rights for public parkland, open space, or conservation areas Replacement of outdated and unsafe outdoor facilities Outdoor recreation facility engineering and design Outdoor recreation facility construction for example: Athletic fields and courts Playground equipment Swimming pools Picnic tables and pavilions Park maps for information boards or kiosks Park infrastructure such as entrance roads, parking, restrooms, and way finding Municipal or countywide park/open space comprehensive plans Universal accessibility upgrades to outdoor recreation facilities Professional services for park master planning Eligibility Criteria County and municipal governments and park districts may request and receive ORPT grant assistance. Projects sponsored by municipalities and counties may receive up to fifty percent (50%) in ORPT assistance of an approved project’s total costs; park districts, municipalities that have not received ORPT funds in the past, and projects located in or serving Census Tracts identified as highest vulnerability by the CDC Social Vulnerability Index (SVI score range 0.75 – 1.00) are eligible to receive up to seventy-five percent (75%) in ORPT assistance of an approved project’s total costs. The Sponsor may obtain its share through partnerships with other governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and other non-traditional recreation providers. Partnerships with other agencies and organizations are encouraged however, only the municipalities and counties are eligible to apply for ORPT assistance. For more information, visit DNREC.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative bioscience research projects between Delaware academic institutions and businesses, aimed at fostering innovation and economic growth in the state.

ARC supports bioscience research projects that involve collaboration between Delaware academic institutions and business partners. It is designed to enhance applied research collaborations, and single PI proposals may request up to $100,000; multi-PI proposals may request up to $150,000 for one year. The program requires matching funds from the collaborating industry partner. Grant renewed every year.

iHIT – Ideas – High-return, Innovative, Transformative o Supports ideas in bioscience research that are in the development stage and promise to have a high economic return for innovative and transformative research projects. o This mechanism intends to support applicants to develop novel lines of multidisciplinary research different from their ongoing research. o Up to $75,000 for 1 year.Proposal must be submitted as a single electronic PDF document at the link provided on the CAT website https://cat.dbi.udel.edu. Please note that submission and award processes have changed.

This funding opportunity supports innovative bioscience research projects in Delaware that have the potential for significant economic impact, targeting researchers and businesses in the developmental stage.

EPoC – Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept o Supports proof of concept research towards establishing a new Delaware-based business by the end of the grant period. o Up to $75,000 for 1 year . Proposal must be submitted as a single electronic PDF document at the link provided on the CAT website https://cat.dbi.udel.edu. Please note that submission and award processes have changed.Proposal must be submitted as a single electronic PDF document at the link provided on the CAT website https://cat.dbi.udel.edu. Please note that submission and award processes have changed.

This funding opportunity provides up to $75,000 to researchers in Delaware to develop innovative ideas into marketable products or services, fostering the growth of new businesses and high-tech jobs in the state.

TAP provides Delaware bioscience businesses access to high-end research technologies at reduced rates. Eligible facilities include Bioimaging, DNA Sequencing & Genotyping, Bioinformatics, NMR, and Mass Spectrometry. This program supports the technological advancement of Delaware's bioscience sector by making cutting-edge resources more accessible, with funding up to $5,000 per year per core facility.

The Delaware Division of the Arts awards Arts Access Grants to support the presentation of performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts in communities throughout Delaware. These grants aim to provide experiences of artistic merit, support arts programs in new venues, foster collaboration, reach underserved audiences, and promote the creation of new works and conservation of diverse cultural traditions. Eligible applicants include municipal, county, or state government units within Delaware, and Delaware-based nonprofit organizations exempt from federal income tax under specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants may request up to 80% of eligible expenses, not exceeding $1,250. The grants focus on projects that provide increased access to the arts, especially in underserved communities, and demonstrate effective management and marketing.

The Delaware Division of the Arts offers the TranspARTation Grant Program, designed to support the travel expenses for Delaware students to attend high-quality arts events, performances, and exhibits at arts and cultural institutions and venues within the state. This initiative aims to enhance students' exposure to and participation in the arts by covering costs related to buses, fuel, parking, and tolls. Funding is available for nonprofit K-12 public, private, or charter schools in Delaware, including Pre-K programs affiliated with public schools. Eligible schools may apply for one grant per school year, with Title I schools eligible for additional grants subject to available funding. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, starting August 15 of the current fiscal year and require submission at least 6 weeks before the intended field trip date. Grants are reimbursed to schools post-event upon receipt of the Final Report.

This funding opportunity supports Delaware schools and not-for-profit agencies in bringing professional artists into classrooms to enhance student learning through creative arts experiences.

The Preschool Development Grant is a three-year federal initiative designed to bolster Delaware's early childhood system, ensuring it is inclusive and integrated to support the development and learning of all children and their families from birth through age 5. With an $8 million award for its first year, following a $4.2 million PDG B-5 grant received in December 2018, the grant aims to provide high-quality early learning experiences and facilitate a smooth transition to kindergarten for children. Approximately $4.8 million of the grant is allocated to expand home-visiting services and state-funded preschool seats, while $3.2 million is dedicated to enhancing support for professionals, including technological advancements delayed by the pandemic. Key initiatives funded by the grant include expanding state-funded preschool programs, piloting the Family Connects home visiting model, updating family materials for resource and referral, enhancing workforce support for early childhood professionals, developing a mental health consultation program for home visitors, and updating the state’s strategic plans for a cohesive birth to five strategy.