Delaware Community Development Grants

The Excellence in Education Fund (EIE Fund), managed by the CenDel Foundation, is currently accepting applications for its 2024 grant cycle. Established in 2019 through contributions from Statewide Workforce Development, the Kent Economic Partnership, Greater Kent Committee, Delaware State News, and the Kent County community, the EIE Fund's mission is to support programs that enhance workforce development and stimulate economic growth within Kent County, Delaware. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the CenDel Foundation administers the fund with the guidance of the Excellence in Education Advisory Board, ensuring alignment with its core mission of fostering community prosperity through strategic investments in education and economic opportunity. The EIE Fund targets public institutions, nonprofits, and civic/community organizations that are focused on educating and training individuals to meet the demands of current and future businesses in Kent County. The primary impact goal is to create a more skilled workforce, broaden perspectives through educational components, and drive measurable economic and community development. This includes generating employment opportunities and potentially attracting new residents to Kent County. The program prioritizes initiatives that enhance the regional workforce, emphasizing the quality, impact, and duration of programs, as well as the number of individuals impacted. It also focuses on educating and broadening perspectives, requiring applicants to detail the educational component, the number of participants, and the knowledge gained. Furthermore, a key focus is on economic and community development, looking for programs that cultivate special skill sets, generate measurable economic impact, and promote employment. Applications are reviewed for clarity and strong evidence supporting the achievement of stated goals. The EIE Fund's strategic priorities align with a theory of change that posits that targeted investments in education and workforce training will directly lead to enhanced economic vitality and improved community well-being in Kent County. By supporting programs that build relevant skills and create opportunities, the fund aims to strengthen the local economy, increase employment rates, and foster a more knowledgeable and engaged citizenry. Eligible institutions and organizations can be awarded up to $50,000, with a requirement to submit proposals on the official 2024 application form and demonstrate their status as a public institution or 501(c)3 organization.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that develop innovative resources and services to help adults in the middle or late stages of their careers with reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.

This program provides funding to Delaware counties and municipalities for planning and engineering projects that improve water quality and manage stormwater effectively.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Kent County, Delaware, that provide educational and job training programs to enhance workforce readiness and economic development in the community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

The Preschool Development Grant is a three-year federal initiative designed to bolster Delaware's early childhood system, ensuring it is inclusive and integrated to support the development and learning of all children and their families from birth through age 5. With an $8 million award for its first year, following a $4.2 million PDG B-5 grant received in December 2018, the grant aims to provide high-quality early learning experiences and facilitate a smooth transition to kindergarten for children. Approximately $4.8 million of the grant is allocated to expand home-visiting services and state-funded preschool seats, while $3.2 million is dedicated to enhancing support for professionals, including technological advancements delayed by the pandemic. Key initiatives funded by the grant include expanding state-funded preschool programs, piloting the Family Connects home visiting model, updating family materials for resource and referral, enhancing workforce support for early childhood professionals, developing a mental health consultation program for home visitors, and updating the state’s strategic plans for a cohesive birth to five strategy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to K–12 schools in Delaware to implement targeted interventions that improve school climate and address behavioral challenges for students not eligible for alternative placements.

This funding opportunity supports Delaware-based organizations in raising public awareness about the health risks and environmental impacts of PFAS chemicals, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

This funding program provides financial support to music organizations for capital projects that improve their facilities, technology, and equipment, excluding general operating expenses and non-music-related activities.

This funding initiative provides financial support to small, nonprofit music organizations in the Philadelphia area that are either newly established or facing challenges due to reduced public funding, helping them build capacity and ensure sustainability.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local governments in the Mid-Atlantic region to host live performances and community engagement activities featuring artists, with a focus on accessibility and geographic diversity.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that serve disadvantaged individuals and enhance community services in Georgetown and Millsboro, Delaware.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the tri-state area focused on addressing gun violence, improving community safety, and enhancing education and police relations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Kent County that assist economically disadvantaged populations by addressing basic needs such as homelessness, hunger, and healthcare.

This grant provides funding to local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to implement sustainable urban greening projects that improve stormwater management and enhance community green spaces.

This grant provides financial support to dairy farmers and related organizations in the Northeast to improve farm operations, enhance milk quality, and address climate challenges.

This funding opportunity provides $200,000 each to nonprofit organizations and local government entities that help low- to moderate-income homeowners overcome challenges related to maintaining their homes.

This funding opportunity supports Delaware nonprofit organizations seeking financial assistance for facility improvements that enhance their effectiveness and benefit the communities they serve.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in select states that focus on economic empowerment through initiatives like affordable housing, job training, and financial literacy.

This grant provides funding to Delaware-based public charities for programs that demonstrate community impact and sustainability, with a preference for projects that can be implemented within a year.