Specific Interest Grants provide a structured opportunity for eligible nonprofits whose missions align with specific interest areas to apply for grants. These interest areas are specified in a variety of funds at the DCF.
Below is more information about what Specific Interest areas are supported. Please review them carefully as you decide how your organization is best positioned to join the DCF in building opportunity for all.
Application is now closed
Sample Application (for reference only – must apply online)
Small Grants for Arts in Wilmington
Fulfillment of Terminally Ill Children’s Wishes
Support Animals and Animal Welfare
Small Grants for Arts in Wilmington
Made possible through the Dave Ryerson Fund at the DCF, these small grants will support charitable organizations that support the arts in Wilmington. The opportunity is designed for small organizations or larger organizations with smaller, discrete projects. Supported projects include the presentation of performing, visual, literary, media or folk arts in communities throughout Wilmington, and that reach audiences and participants with limited access to the arts or to a particular art form.
Awards will range from $1,000 to 2,500.
Fulfillment of Terminally Ill Children’s Wishes
Made possible through the Walls & Turner Charitable Fund at the DCF, these grants will support charitable organizations that:
– Grant the dreams and wishes of chronically and terminally ill children of families with limited financial resources in Delaware
– Grant the dreams and wishes of chronically and terminally parents with children in Delaware who do not have the financial resources for sharing a dream or wish with their children before their expected deaths
Awards will range from $2,500 to $7,500.
Support Animals and Animal Welfare
Made possible through the Walls & Turner Charitable Fund at the DCF, these grants will support charitable organizations that:
– Assist in the training of professionally trained seeing eye dogs and service assistance dogs for blind individuals, deaf individuals and/or individuals with mobility impairments and/or other physical disabilities
– Provide support services in connection with the placements of such dogs with eligible recipients who are residents of the State of Delaware who demonstrate a drive to become more independent and who would not be able to acquire such dogs without financial assistance
– Encourage the humane treatment of animals in Delaware through education of the public, adoption of animals without owners, neutering, and enforcement of laws governing the humane treatment of animals.
Awards will range from $2,500 to $7,500.
How to Apply
The online grant application for each opportunity will be available beginning in April 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 April 30, 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
• Educational institutions
• 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 Sarah Grunewald, vice president of community impact, at 302.504.5267.