Apply for Grants

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.

Application now open.

Deadline: June 15, 2019

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.

Opening date TBA.

New Castle County

The Next Generation – Northern Delaware

The 2019 grants focus will be announced soon.

Opening date TBA.

Kent and Sussex Counties

The Next Generation – Southern Delaware

The 2019 grants focus will be announced soon.

Opening date TBA.

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:

– Build leadership opportunities,
– Address specific challenges (including homelessness, substance abuse, or violence), or
– Target traditionally underserved populations (including low-income and immigrant youth)

Typical award $1,000 – $2,500 per year

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

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

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.

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.

Generally, grants will not exceed $25,000 other than on rare occasions due to their exceptional merits, based on the discretion of the DCF Grants Committee.

Western Sussex County

Nanticoke Rotary Club

Grants support any nonprofit organization, including any qualified school (public or private) on the Delmarva Peninsula, with particular emphasis given to Western Sussex County.

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:

– Delawareans in need of long-term health care
– Small grants for arts in Wilmington
– Fulfillment of terminally ill children’s wishes
– Support animals and animal welfare

Wilmington

Community Equity Project

In 2019, the DCF is convening the Community Equity Project, bringing together up to 10 experienced community leaders to develop and implement an innovative, collective approach to increasing equity in Wilmington. In recognition of the time and commitment of each participant, small grants in the amount of $2,500 will be made to organizations addressing equity issues in Wilmington. Each participant will have the opportunity to recommend a grantee organization.

Application now closed.

Community Equity Project Overview

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 now closed. The next application cycle opens February 2020.

Focus Grants Guidelines

Sussex County

Supporting Delaware’s Growing 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 now closed. The next application cycle opens February 2020.

Focus Grants Guidelines

Kent County

Kent County Fund for the Arts

The Kent County Fund for the Arts awarded more than $20,000 in grants in 2019. Applications are accepted from schools, nonprofit and civic/community organizations for programs that help to foster growth of arts organizations in Kent County, as well as those organizations that support the arts.