Since 1986, the Delaware Community Foundation has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars in the community, enabling us to help improve quality of life in the First State and expand opportunities for all.
Through our Community Impact Grants program, we make direct grants to initiatives throughout the state that demonstrate the greatest potential for impact. For specific requirements and timing, please explore the grant opportunities below.
For more information about the DCF’s grantmaking process, contact Yolanda Rushdan, Program Associate, at 302.504.5239.
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Grant Opportunities
| Location | Grant Opportunities | Detailed Description | Application & Deadline |
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Statewide
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Capital Project Grants
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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. Grants will support organizations and initiatives so all Delaware residents can overcome barriers to success, benefit equitably, and thrive. Two optional workshops are available for those interested in learning more about the program and the application process. Participation in these workshops is not required and will not influence funding decisions. Please review the grant guidelines in advance. Workshops are now FULL. -Georgetown Public Library, Thursday, Oct. 17, 3 PM |
Deadline Nov. 8
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New Castle County
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Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation (CRRF) New Castle County Youth Empowerment Fund
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Available to New Castle County nonprofit organizations 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. Grant maximum is $2,500 |
Deadline Nov. 15 |
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New Castle County
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Youth Philanthropy Board
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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, Typical award $1,000 – $2,500 per year |
Application now closed. The next application cycle opens December 2019. |
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Kent County
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Youth Philanthropy Board
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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 closed. The next application cycle opens December 2019. |
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Sussex County
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Youth Philanthropy Board
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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 closed. The next application cycle opens December 2019. |
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Statewide
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Fund for Women
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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.
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Application now closed. The next application cycle opens January 2020. |
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Western Sussex County
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Nanticoke Rotary Club
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Grants support any nonprofit organization, including any qualified school (public or private) on the Delmarva Peninsula, with particular emphasis given to Western Sussex County.
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Application now closed. The next application cycle opens February 2020. |
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Statewide, unless otherwise noted
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Specific Interest Grants
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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 |
Application now closed. The next application cycle opens Fall 2019.Specific Interest Grants Guidelines |
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Wilmington
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Community Equity Project
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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.
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Application now closed. |
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Statewide
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Increasing Youth Success Focus Grants
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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.
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Sussex County
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Supporting Delaware’s Growing Latino Communities Focus Grants
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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.
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Kent County
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Kent County Fund for the Arts
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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.
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Application now closed. The next application cycle opens February 2020. |
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Kent County
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Potter Charitable Trust
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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 closed. The next application cycle opens Spring 2020. |
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Statewide
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Highmark Delaware BluePrints for the Community
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Highmark Delaware announces an RFP for BluePrints for the Community grants that will fund up to $1 million for organizations addressing opioid addiction in our communities. |
Application now closed.
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Kent and Sussex Counties
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The Next Generation – Southern Delaware
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Next Gen South supports programs addressing addiction within our local community including, but not limited to, treatment services, addiction prevention and education, mental health services, and to support families who have experienced addiction. |
Application now closed. The next application cycle opens Summer 2020. |
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Statewide
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African American Empowerment Fund of Delaware
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The AAEFD funds causes important to the education, social and economic empowerment of African American Delawareans. Their grantmaking focus for 2019 will be education, and more specifically, higher education access and retention. Grant awards will be up to $2,500. |
Application now closed. The next application cycle opens in 2020.Grant Application Assistance Document |
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New Castle County
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The Next Generation – Northern Delaware
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The 2019 grants focus will be announced soon.
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The next application cycle opens in 2020.
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