Delaware Community Foundation Grants Scholarships

Delaware Community Foundation grants (DCF) funds to NGOs that address the state’s most pressing needs and opportunities to enhance opportunity and equity. Donor-advised funds and the Delaware Forever finance finance Community Needs, Community Impact, BIPOC Leaders & Communities, Equity Partners, and Capital Grants.  Each DCF program focuses on various issues including arts, education, low-income housing, and veterans. DCF grants enable NGOs, improve community services, and create long-term beneficial benefits in Delaware.

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Key Takeaways

1. DCF offers grants targeting several critical areas including arts, education, veterans, and low-income housing, aiming to address Delaware’s most pressing needs and promote equity.
2. Applicants must visit the DCF website, download the application, complete it accurately, and submit it along with necessary documentation such as income evidence and rent invoices.
3. To qualify for these grants, organizations must be active 501(c)(3) charities, providing direct community services in Delaware, and meet specific program-related income and residency requirements.
4. DCF administers various specific interest grants such as those for arts programs, minority scholarships, low-income housing, and veteran support, each with distinct objectives and application details.
5. The application process may include interviews and requires detailed documentation to support claims of financial need or community impact, followed by a structured review process involving community members and DCF directors.

Delaware Community Foundation Grant Opportunities

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) offers a couple of grant programs for the welfare of the community. These are

Delaware Community Foundation Grants For Arts Programs

The Delaware Community Foundation supports arts programs via Specific Interest Grants. Arts groups use these donations to improve operations, programming, and audience reach. Applying organizations should focus on performance, visual, and arts education. Funding helps arts groups grow and change Delaware’s culture. Visit DCF Grants for details.

Delaware scholarships for minorities

BIPOC Leaders & Communities Grants and other DCF grants promote minority scholarships. These funds promote education, leadership, and community-driven programs that empower Black, Indigenous, and people of color. These initiatives give scholarships to minority students to increase their academic success. Visit DCF Grants for details.

Delaware low-income housing grants

To provide safe and affordable housing for all Delawareans, the DCF provides low-income housing grants. Capital grants help low-income households buy, build, and renovate homes. Underserved communities benefit from these grants’ stability and quality of life. Visit DCF Grants for details.

Delaware Community Foundation grants for veterans

Specific Interest Grants from the DCF assist veteran initiatives. These awards subsidize veteran-specific healthcare, education, and job programs. The DCF improves veterans’ well-being and community integration by sponsoring veteran-focused NGOs. DCF Grants lists available grants.

Do not miss your opportunities to get the benefits of Comcast Foundation grants and Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation Grants. 

Types of Delaware Community Foundation grant and eligibility requirements

Here are various types of Delaware Community Foundations and a short description on their purpose along with the eligibility requirements. Interested candidates can have a quick glimpse and grab their opportunities from the Delaware Community Foundation.

1. Community Needs Grants

In light of the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic, please help organizations in Delaware to either reopen or resume regular operations or to increase the scope of their services. Up to $15,000 per organization. Online submission, addressing pandemic impact and grant use.

Eligibility for Community Needs Grants

• It has to be an active, legitimate 501(c)(3) public charity.
• Presently offering assistance.
• Any funds raised must go directly to local communities in Delaware.
• Ineligible if they were recipients of a general operating grant in either March or May of 2021.
• That is, whether they were already granted funds from the COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund in Delaware (March 2020 – September 2020).

2. Community Impact Grants

For the benefit of all Delawareans, the DCF distributes these funds in an effort to increase opportunity and promote equity. The goal of the awards is to make Delaware a better, more fair place to live by funding a variety of charity initiatives that tackle local issues. Community Impact Grants offers Over $600,000 are awarded annually. Nonprofits serving Delaware communities are only eligible for the grant.

3. BIPOC Leaders & Communities Grants

Organizations that are headed or service people of color, including Blacks, Indigenous peoples, and people of color, are the intended recipients of these awards. The goal of the program is to help minority leaders in Delaware succeed both now and in the future by fostering community-driven change, bolstering capacity-building initiatives, and providing them with ongoing support. Leader-of-color-led organizations, promoting community-driven change and long-term success.Grant amount particularly varies. This can include multi-year program development grants.

4. Equity Partners Grants

An organization’s ability to weather adversity and remain in operation is the primary goal of the funding. Their goals include helping these groups become more capable, fostering leadership development, and igniting change within the community. Organizations with a focus on community-driven change and leadership development are eligible for the grant.

5. Capital Grants

Capital grants can be used to finance a wide range of facility upgrades, including but not limited to purchase, design, building, repair, remodeling, rehabilitation, and so on. In order to better serve their communities, organizations should run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Nonprofits in all three counties of Delaware are eligible. Supports projects that have a lasting positive impact on the community.

6. Specific Interest Grants

Nonprofits operating in certain fields or providing services to specific demographics can apply for these awards to get tailored support. A wide variety of projects are intended to receive funding from the DCF, all of which are in line with the interests of their respective funds. Nonprofits with missions aligning with specific interest areas are eligible. Total of $95,670 was awarded to 15 nonprofits in 2023 under this program. Visit delcf.org/grants or call 302.504.5239 to speak with Yolanda Rushdan about the DCF’s grantmaking process.

There is a relatable foundation such as Catholic Foundation grants, responsible for giving money to needy ones. Check the eligibility criteria to get the benefits of the foundation.

Examples of Delaware Community Foundation grant  recipients

Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House received $2,500 to support its Sensory-Friendly Family Programming, providing inclusive and accessible cultural experiences for families with sensory sensitivities.

RodneyStreet Tennis and Tutoring Association

This organization supports mentorship for girls of color, preparing them for the future through assessments, tutoring, health and wellness services, and extracurricular activities.

Read Aloud Delaware

Read Aloud Delaware was awarded $2,500 to enhance early childhood literacy through engaging music, movement, and storytelling sessions.

YWCA Delaware, Inc.

YWCA Delaware, Inc. received $2,500 to support art therapy at the Home-Life Management Center, aiding in emotional and mental health support for residents.

Nuestras Raíces

Nuestras Raices was granted $25,000 to support the Executive Leadership Development program, building minority leadership in New Castle County.

Afro-American Historical Society

The Afro-American Historical Society was awarded $12,500 to bolster organizational capacity and succession planning, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

Network Delaware

Network Delaware received $25,000 to increase civic leadership and training throughout the state, fostering community engagement and empowerment.

Newark Union Church

Awarded $3,850 to install an accessible walkway, improving mobility for all community members.

Tether Foundation

Received $15,000 to purchase a mobile utility trailer for storage and event equipment transport across the state.

Imperial Dynasty Arts Program

Granted $20,000 to purchase drum equipment for a partnership program with Howard High School, enhancing arts education.

Wilmington Delaware Area Rotary Clubs Community Fund

Awarded $10,000 to build a ninja warrior park for children aged 13 and older, promoting physical activity for all abilities.

Community Resource Center

Awarded $10,000 to renovate its food pantry, ensuring better climate and pest control.

Nanticoke Senior Center

Received $2,500 to purchase commercial kitchen equipment, improving community services.

Freedom Center for Independent Living

Granted $10,000 to renovate its new office for greater accessibility.

The ARC of Delaware

Awarded $10,000 for the renovation of a group home, enhancing accessibility and safety.

La Red Health Center

Received $20,000 to purchase diabetic retinopathy equipment, improving healthcare services.

Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Received $10,000 to renovate two bathrooms onsite with touchless technology, enhancing accessibility.

Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity

Granted $10,000 to purchase construction equipment to assist in building affordable homes in Kent County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware

Awarded $10,000 to build fencing for its youth enrichment center, creating a safe and secure environment.

Challenge Program

Granted $10,000 to repair the roof and downspout of its Construction Training and Education Center facility.

Wilmington HOPE Commission

Awarded $20,000 to help acquire land for a new skills center, supporting community development.

First State Community Action Agency

Received $20,000 to renovate the La Casita Afterschool Program building, including a ramp and restroom updates.

Wilmington Senior Center

Granted $14,203 to renovate its commercial kitchen, improving waste disposal, food preparation, and storage.

Bellevue Community Center

Awarded $7,200 to upgrade and renovate five classrooms, providing a safe and inclusive environment.

West End Neighborhood House

Received $20,000 for renovations to a future foster home in Kent County, enhancing living conditions.

Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc

Granted $10,000 to renovate its New Castle County center with improved security and facilities.

Delaware Community Foundation online grant application

The Delaware Community Foundation Grant Application Process involves five steps. You need to follow them in order to get the benefits. These are

1. Explore Grant Opportunities

• To learn about ongoing and future grant possibilities, check out the DCF website.
• Go over the prerequisites for both the general and particular award programs.

2. Prepare Your Application

• Verify that your nonprofit organization satisfies the required qualifications.
• Research the Grantee Publicity Policies and Procedures.

3. Access the Online Grant Portal

• To get access to the site, simply click on any “Apply Now” option listed on the DCF funding page.
• Attention first-time users: please register for an account.
• For existing users, please enter your credentials or click the “Forgot your Password” link as appropriate.
• Reach out to Kelly Sheridan at [email protected] if you have any questions regarding registration.

4. Submit Your Application

• When you’re at the portal, find the grant program that interests you and apply for it.
• Submit your application by following the comprehensive guidelines.

5. Application Review

• The DCF Grants Committee is a dedicated group of community members who donate their time to evaluate applications.
• The DCF Board of Directors receives funding proposals from the committee.

How to win a Delaware Community Foundation Grant ?

There are four simple but important actions candidates can take to obtain the Delaware Community Foundation Grant. These are…

1. Research eligibility and requirements 

Check the DCF website to see whether you qualify for a grant and how to apply. Make sure your nonprofit is ready before proceeding.

2. Perfect Your Application 

Write a convincing proposal explaining your organization’s mission, the grant’s predicted impact, and how it supports the DCF’s access and equity goals. Include financial goals and a deadline timeline.

3. Utilize Internet Power 

Apply online at the DCF’s grant portal. Take care of every aspect and submit documents.

4. Contact DCF Assistance 

DCF personnel can offer advice, and the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement can assist with technological issues.

Delaware Community Foundation grant deadlines for 2024

Many grant opportunities under the Delaware Community Foundation are not currently open. Please visit https://delcf.org/grants/ for more accurate details.

Delaware Community Foundation grant contact information

Main Office

• Mailing Address- PO Box 1636, Wilmington, DE 19899
• Office Location- 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 115, Wilmington, DE 19801
• Phone- 302.571.8004
• Fax- 1.302.467.2509
• Parking- Community Service Building Garage (Orange and 11th streets), complimentary validation.

Southern Delaware

• Address- 36 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947-4393
• Phone- 302.856.4393
• Parking- Free 30-minute spaces on The Circle, limited spots behind the office (East Laurel Street or North Race Street).

Office Hours

• Regular Hours- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Summer Hours- Office closes at 1pm on Fridays (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
• Hybrid Schedule- Physical offices open Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Remote work on Mondays and Fridays.

Contact

• Email- [email protected]
• Staff Directory- delcf.org/our-team
• Stay Informed- Sign up for the e-newsletter and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Conclusion 

For the benefit and growth of Delawarean communities, the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) grants offer a variety of financial aid and other forms of assistance. The DCF assists organizations in thriving and making a noteworthy effect through targeted financing for arts programs, minority scholarships, low-income housing, and veterans’ projects, in addition to particular grants for other community needs. In its ongoing efforts to promote equality and maintain community-driven change, the DCF is a critical player in creating a more inclusive and prosperous Delaware. Check out the openings and get more details by visiting the DCF website. If you are interested in knowing more about foundation grants, then please visit our page Grants Buddy at https://grantsbuddy.com/ To know more about  Delaware Community Foundation grants, visit this page

Frequently Asked Question

What are the Delaware Community Foundation grants?

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) grants help NGOs addressing the state’s most pressing needs and opportunities to enhance opportunity and equity. Donor-advised funds and the Delaware Forever finance finance Community Needs, Community Impact, BIPOC Leaders & Communities, Equity Partners, and Capital Grants. Each program focuses on arts, education, low-income housing, and veterans.

Can I get the Delaware Community Foundation grant benefits for my education?

BIPOC Leaders & Communities Grants and other DCF grants promote minority scholarships. These funds promote education, leadership, and community-driven programs that empower Black, Indigenous, and people of color. These initiatives give scholarships to minority students to increase their academic success.

Can I get a grant from the Delaware Community Foundation for my small business?

DCF funds encourage organizations and community-driven projects, although individuals may discover funding options for community-based initiatives or nonprofits. DCF funds seldom target small enterprises. For small company funding, check out alternative grant programs or financial options.