Since inception in 1986, the Delaware Community Foundation has distributed more than $220 million, now averaging about $20 million each year. For specific requirements, please see individual grant guidelines and applications. For more information about the DCF grantmaking process, contact Sarah Grunewald, Vice President of Community Engagement & Programs, at 302.504.5267.
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Grant Opportunities
| Location | DCF Fund | Detailed Description | Application & Deadline |
| New Castle County | Youth Philanthropy Board – NEW CASTLE COUNTY | In 2019, grants will support post-secondary readiness and/or mentoring programs that serve teens and young adults in New Castle County, with special consideration for initiatives that:
Typical award $1,000 – $2,500 per year |
Application now open. Applications due January 1, 2018. |
| Kent County | Youth Philanthropy Board – KENT COUNTY |
In 2019, grants will support organizations that enhance and support youth development in Kent County, with preference for those that focus on mental health, the arts, hunger and/or agriculture programs. Typical award $1,000 – $5,000 per year |
Application now open. Applications due January 1, 2018. |
| Sussex County | Youth Philanthropy Board – SUSSEX COUNTY |
Grants will support non-profit organizations that focus on mentoring at-risk youth in Sussex County with a preference toward programs supporting those affected by substance abuse, sex trafficking, and/or mental health issues. Typical award $1,000 – $5,000 per year |
Application now open. Applications due January 1, 2018. |
| Statewide | Fund for Women | Grants will support initiatives statewide that relate to health, wellness, and life skills that lead to future economic self-sufficiency for girls and women in Delaware. | Application available January 2019. |
| Statewide | Capital Project Grants |
Grants will support construction, renovation or repair of buildings, and/or land purchases, so nonprofits statewide can operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. Typical award $5,000 – $20,000; max $25,000 |
Application available January 2019. |
| Statewide, unless otherwise noted | Specific Interest Grants | There are a variety of funds at the DCF that provide a structured opportunity for eligible nonprofits whose missions align with specific interest areas to apply for grants. These specific areas include:
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Application available January 2019. |
| Western Sussex County | Nanticoke Rotary Club | Grants support any non-profit organization, including any qualified school (public or private) on the Delmarva Peninsula, with particular emphasis given to Western Sussex County. | Application available January 2019. |
| Statewide | Increasing Youth Success Focus Grants |
In 2019, grants will support organizations and initiatives working to build opportunity so all Delaware residents can overcome barriers to success, benefit equitably, and thrive. Investments in youth success are made to organizations statewide that are enabling at-risk, traditionally disadvantaged youth to advance their personal development and resiliency, civic engagement, physical health, educational readiness and achievement from birth to post-secondary. Typical award $10,000 – $20,000 per year; max $25,000 per year |
Application available February 2019. |
| Sussex County | Supporting Delaware’s Latino Communities Focus Grants |
In 2019, grants will support organizations and initiatives working to build opportunity so all Delaware residents can overcome barriers to success, benefit equitably, and thrive. Investments in Delaware’s Latino communities are made to initiatives in Sussex County enabling English learners and their families to thrive through expanded educational and community supports and that are building capacity and collaboration of service providers and resources in communities. Typical award $10,000 – $20,000 per year; max $25,000 per year |
Application available February 2019. |
| Wilmington | Fellowship for Collective Impact |
In 2019, this fellowship opportunity will support nonprofits leading efforts in Wilmington to address issues of equity and community. Through the fellowship, organizational leaders will participate in a five-month learning community to develop a collective approach and ground-breaking strategies for moving the needle on equity in Wilmington. Organizations with participating Fellows receive a $2000 stipend to help offset costs related to participation. |
Application available February 2019. |
| Kent County | Potter Charitable Trust | The Potter Trust, established by Colonel Benjamin Potter in 1843 is one of the oldest trusts in the nation and has helped the economically underprivileged in Kent County for 175 years. | The application period is currently closed. |
| Statewide | African American Empowerment Fund of Delaware | In 2018, grants supported initiatives that increased and leveraged opportunities for the next generation of Delaware’s young people of African American heritage, with a particular focus on education, by organizing, supporting and encouraging philanthropy. | The application period is currently closed. |
| New Castle County | The Next Generation – Northern Delaware | The 2019 grants focus will be announced soon. | The application period is currently closed. |
| Kent and Sussex Counties | The Next Generation – Southern Delaware | The 2019 grants focus will be announced soon. | The application period is currently closed. |