Arts Stabilization Fund

The Arts Stabilization Fund is administered by the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA), a state agency that supports nonprofit arts organizations throughout Delaware. The program is funded through the Division’s participation in the Arts Consortium of Delaware, Inc. (ArtCo) endowment held at the Delaware Community Foundation. The purpose of the Arts Stabilization Fund is to provide capital support for nonprofit arts organizations that own or operate facilities used for arts programming and public engagement. The program is intended to strengthen the long-term operational stability of arts organizations by helping them maintain, improve, repair, renovate, or modernize their facilities and facility-related infrastructure. Funding is specifically directed toward projects that extend beyond routine maintenance and contribute to the sustainability, safety, accessibility, and functionality of arts facilities. The program supports projects such as structural renovations, safety-related facility modifications, upgrades to operational systems like HVAC, electrical, or plumbing infrastructure, accessibility improvements for people with physical disabilities, and improvements to customer or programmatic service systems including lighting, sound systems, flooring, storage, and related facility equipment. The Division explicitly prioritizes projects that address structural deficiencies and safety concerns. The application may only include one discrete project, and applications containing multiple unrelated projects or generalized wish lists will not be considered. Certain activities are specifically ineligible, including routine maintenance such as cleaning or painting, purchases of office or shop equipment, most computer hardware or software, and bundled project requests. The FY2028 funding cycle requires that awarded funds be spent on activities occurring between September 1, 2027 and August 31, 2028. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit arts organizations currently eligible to receive General Operating Support funding from the Delaware Division of the Arts. Eligible organizations must either own the facility involved in the project or operate under a long-term lease agreement. Organizations that are members of the Arts Consortium of Delaware are not eligible for Arts Stabilization funding through this program. The guidelines specifically identify ineligible ArtCo member organizations including Christina Cultural Arts Center, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Delaware Theatre Company, Grand Opera House, Music School of Delaware, OperaDelaware, and Rehoboth Art League. Applications may not be submitted through fiscal agents, and individuals associated with the Delaware State Arts Council or Division staff may not prepare or submit applications on behalf of organizations if conflicts of interest exist. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Division before beginning the application process to verify both organizational and project eligibility. The application process is conducted through the smARTDE online grants portal. Applicants are required to submit an organizational profile, narrative responses explaining the project and how it aligns with evaluation criteria, a project budget, at least two comparable and competitive bids, photo documentation, and a facilities management plan if available. Organizations leasing facilities must also submit documentation of their long-term lease agreement. The Division notes that all application materials are subject to public inspection under Delaware Freedom of Information Act provisions, and applicants are advised to redact confidential financial information prior to submission. For the Fiscal Year 2028 grant cycle, funding must support projects occurring between September 1, 2027 and August 31, 2028. The annual application deadline is March 1, 2027 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Based on prior cycles, the application portal is expected to open in December 2026 through the smARTDE system. Applications are evaluated by citizen review panels using detailed scoring rubrics. Evaluation criteria include the urgency and need for the proposed project, the extent to which the project improves facilities or operational capacity, the realism and detail of the project budget and supporting bids, and the degree to which the project aligns with long-term facilities planning. Project Need accounts for 30 percent of the score, Nature of Project accounts for 40 percent, Financial Information accounts for 20 percent, and Facilities Planning accounts for 10 percent. While matching funds are not required, applicants that provide some level of cash match from non-NEA sources generally receive more favorable consideration during panel review. Grant awards typically do not exceed $20,000. After administrative review for completeness, applications are evaluated by a public panel and then reviewed by the Delaware State Arts Council, which makes funding recommendations to the Division Director during the June 2027 Council meeting. Final funding decisions are expected after July 1, 2027 following state budget approval. Payments are generally issued in full around September 30, 2027 through the State of Delaware eSupplier payment system. Organizations receiving funding must comply with the Delaware Division of the Arts Statement of Assurances, including accessibility compliance, public acknowledgment requirements, reporting obligations, and maintenance of current event listings. Questions regarding the program may be directed to Kathleen Dinsmore in Organization Support at 302-577-8287.

Focus on one clearly defined facility stabilization project rather than multiple needs. Demonstrate urgency and alignment with long-term facilities planning. Include detailed realistic budgets and at least two strong competitive bids. Projects with voluntary matching support from non-NEA sources may receive more favorable panel review.