In 2019, the Delaware Community Foundation launched a new opportunity as part of its overall community impact grants. Focus Grants will support organizations and initiatives working to build opportunity so all Delaware residents can overcome barriers to success, benefit equitably and thrive.
We believe that philanthropy is an important part of solving big challenges. In 2018, we identified three areas where we believe the DCF can provide valuable civic leadership: increasing youth success, supporting Delaware’s growing Latino communities, and strengthening equity and community. Funds available through the Focus Grants program have been aligned with these areas.
Below are summaries of the three Focus Grant areas, in which we have current grant opportunities. Please review them carefully as you decide how your organization is best positioned to join the DCF in building opportunity for all.
Youth Success
Thriving Latino Communities
Leadership in Community (New Opportunity!)
2021 Focus Grants Workshop Materials & Video
Youth Success
Strategy: Invest in enabling at-risk, traditionally disadvantaged youth (birth to age 24) to advance their personal development and resiliency, civic engagement, physical and mental health, educational readiness and achievement from birth to post-secondary.
The DCF will support programs and initiatives throughout Delaware that:
• Expand access to and quality of early education in local communities.
• Expand and strengthen out-of-school learning opportunities, with an emphasis on projects that serve middle and high school youth.
• Encourage civic engagement and participation of Delaware’s middle and high school youth.
• Identify and eliminate barriers to postsecondary access and success for our target population.
• Strengthen pathways from education and training to employment.
Awards will range from $10,000 to $20,000.
The online grant application will be available beginning January 11, 2021. Grant proposals must be submitted using the online DCF application form. One application per organization will be accepted. Other proposal formats will not be accepted.
The grant application submission deadline is February 12, 2021. Grants are approved by the DCF Board of Directors within three months of the application deadline.
Thriving Latino Communities
Strategy: Invest in enabling Delaware’s Latino families and residents to thrive, through expanded educational and community supports and building capacity and collaboration of service providers and resources in local communities.
The DCF will support programs and initiatives in Sussex County that:
• Expand access to and quality of English learner programs for youth and their families.
• Expand programs that connect families to affordable housing.
• Lower financial barriers to basic needs beyond housing, including food security, transportation, and health care.
• Improve financial literacy.
• Encourage civic engagement of Latino families and youth.
• Promote efforts for Latino youth to feel connected to – and engaged in – their communities.
• Develop local infrastructure that improves economic opportunity and quality of life for our target population (e.g. broadband access, clean energy or bike/pedestrian transportation).
• Expand access to arts and multi-cultural opportunities for all residents.
Awards will range from $10,000 to $20,000.
The online grant application will be available beginning January 11, 2021. Grant proposals must be submitted using the online DCF application form. One application per organization will be accepted. Other proposal formats will not be accepted.
The grant application submission deadline is February 12, 2021. Grants are approved by the DCF Board of Directors within three months of the application deadline.
Leadership in Community
Strategy: Significantly increase leader-of-color-led organizations amongst DCF grantees, support community-driven change, and provide capacity-building funding to support current and next-generation leaders’ long-term success.
The DCF will support programs and initiatives throughout Delaware that:
• Build the capacity (e.g., skill building, training, and mentorship) of existing, new, and emerging leaders of color.
• Build the capacity (e.g. skill building for board, staff, or volunteers; improving financial management) of nonprofit organizations that serve communities of color.
• Support grassroots organizing and advocacy efforts that aim to change policies and practices that negatively impact people of color, because of their race or ethnicity.
• Alleviate the impact of race-based discrimination and disparities.
• Improve economic well-being for people of color, such as increasing access to employment opportunities or access to education and professional development.
• Prepare and empower communities to participate in decision making processes.
Awards will range from $10,000 to $20,000.
The online grant application will be available beginning January 11, 2021. Grant proposals must be submitted using the online DCF application form. One application per organization will be accepted. Other proposal formats will not be accepted.
The grant application submission deadline is February 12, 2021. Grants are approved by the DCF Board of Directors within three months of the application deadline.
Eligibility for all DCF Grants
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.
We do not support:
• Non-501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
• Purchase of office equipment, furniture or electronics
• Sports clubs, leagues or facilities
• Public or tuition-based educational institutions
• Fundraising entities for programs and organizations that are primarily supported through public funding (e.g., schools, parks, libraries)
• Purchase of vehicles (i.e. mobile machines that transport people or cargo)
• Endowment
• Religious organizations for sectarian purposes (However, projects that serve the entire community, regardless of religious affiliation, are eligible for support.)
• Annual fundraising campaigns or general operating expenses
• Projects completed before June of the current year
• Individuals
• Special events
• Debt reduction
For more information, please contact Yolanda Rushdan, program associate for community impact, at 302.504.5239.