Sustainable Communities Grant Program

The Sustainable Communities Grant Program is funded by Delmarva Power and administered in partnership with the Delaware Nature Society. The program reflects Delmarva Power’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community investment across its service territory in Delaware and Maryland. As outlined in the 2026 Request for Proposals, the initiative contributes to long-term regional goals tied to climate resilience, open space preservation, and environmental protection, while aligning with corporate sustainability targets such as reducing operational emissions and supporting cleaner energy outcomes. The primary purpose of the program is to support projects that enhance environmental stewardship and strengthen community resilience. Two distinct funding tracks are offered: Environmental Stewardship Grants and Community Resiliency Grants. Environmental Stewardship funding focuses on planning, protecting, and improving public open spaces such as parks, natural areas, and recreational resources. Community Resiliency funding supports projects that improve a community’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including severe weather events and environmental disruptions. Both tracks are designed to advance sustainable land use, improve environmental quality, and provide social benefits such as public health and community cohesion. Grant funding may be used for a wide range of eligible activities. These include conservation efforts, pollution prevention initiatives, community engagement programs, development or updating of open space plans, and capital improvements for passive recreation such as trails, boardwalks, kiosks, and observation platforms. Funding can also support acquisition of land for open space or conservation easements, as well as emergency preparedness measures, including planning, training, outreach, and procurement of equipment such as energy storage or solar systems. However, funding cannot be used for general operating expenses, and no more than 15 percent of a project budget may be allocated to indirect costs such as administrative or overhead expenses. Eligibility is limited to municipalities, recreational authorities, and nonprofit organizations operating within the Delmarva Power service territory, though nonprofit applicants may be located outside the territory if their projects directly benefit communities within it. Nonprofits must provide proof of 501(c)(3) status and supporting financial documentation. Applicants may submit proposals for both funding tracks in a single cycle, but only one award may be granted per organization. Additionally, projects that are already underway or completed are not eligible for funding, and organizations may not receive funding for more than two consecutive years. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal via email, including project descriptions, alignment with local or regional plans, measurable outcomes, budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as financial statements and organizational details. Applications must be submitted digitally in PDF or Word format to the designated program email. The submission deadline for the 2026 cycle is June 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with established climate and land management strategies such as the Delaware Climate Action Plan or Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan. Applications are evaluated by a selection committee composed of representatives from Delmarva Power, Delaware Nature Society, and partner agencies. Evaluation criteria include project description, goals and measurable outcomes, alignment with regional plans, team qualifications, action plan feasibility, community engagement, project impact, and budget justification. Awards are expected to be announced in September 2026, with a formal announcement event planned during that time. Funded projects are expected to begin around September 1, 2026, and must be completed within a 12-month performance period, concluding by September 30, 2027. All grant recipients are required to submit a final report documenting project outcomes, community impact, and financial expenditures. The report must also include supporting materials such as photographs and evidence of public acknowledgment of the funding partners. The program is offered annually, allowing organizations to plan for future application cycles if not selected in the current round.

Align project with climate or land management plans clearly define measurable outcomes demonstrate strong community partnerships and ensure budget justification aligns with project activities