Delaware nonprofits are invited to apply for the Delaware Community Foundation’s 2016 Capital and Equipment Grants.

For 2016, approximately $250,000 will be awarded to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve Delawareans. Each grant request must be submitted electronically on a DCF 2016 Capital Grant Application Form or Equipment Grant Form, available at delcf.org/grants. Please note that these are two separate application forms. Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m., Jan. 29, 2016.

Former capital grant recipients must wait for the completion of two grant cycles before applying for another capital grant, and multi-year capital campaigns can be funded only once by the DCF. Agencies receiving DCF grants must serve the state of Delaware and its residents without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin or sexual orientation.

Over the years, the DCF has awarded more than $4.6 million in capital and equipment grants, funded through the State of Delaware Fund and other field-of-interest endowments. Last year, the DCF allocated more than $250,000 in capital and equipment grants.

These grants support projects that have a lasting, positive impact on the population served by the organization. Capital grants may be used to fund construction, renovation or repair of buildings, and/or land purchases. Capital grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with a $25,000 maximum.

Limited funding is allotted for the purchase of equipment. Equipment grants generally range from $2,000 to $4,000, with a maximum award of $5,000. Equipment grants are awarded only for items essential to the applicant organization’s delivery of services. Equipment is defined as portable items with a value of less than $5,000. Equipment grant applicants must complete a separate application.

“Capital grants enable nonprofit organizations to complete work that will benefit their communities for years to come,” Interim DCF President and CEO Tom Shopa said. “Each year, we receive dozens of applications, indicating a real need for help with capital projects that nonprofits’ funding doesn’t usually cover.”

Equipment grants are awarded in March, and capital grants are awarded in June. All applicants will be notified of the Board’s decision in writing by the end of June.

For more information, please contact Beth Bouchelle at 302.504.5239 or bbouchelle@delcf.org.