Delaware PFAS Awareness and Outreach Grant Program

The Delaware PFAS Awareness and Outreach Grant Program is a collaborative initiative by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). The program aims to enhance public understanding and engagement regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are persistent chemicals known to pose health risks. This initiative is driven by growing concern over environmental and public health impacts stemming from PFAS exposure and aims to bridge gaps in community knowledge through educational and outreach efforts. Funding for this grant is sourced from the State of Delaware Settlement Agreement with several major chemical companies, including E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Corteva, The Chemours Company, and DuPont de Nemours. The focus of the grant is on projects that raise awareness about PFAS, their presence in the environment, potential health implications, and strategies for exposure reduction. Research-based projects are eligible only if they do not duplicate existing efforts being led by the State or its partners. The grant explicitly excludes infrastructure upgrades, water sampling, and treatment projects, focusing instead on public education and environmental justice. Eligible applicants include Delaware-based entities such as municipalities, civic groups, local governments, schools, community centers, and higher education institutions. To qualify, projects must directly address PFAS-related issues, such as contamination education, environmental equity in impacted areas, or development of new outreach tools. Emphasis is placed on communities identified as disadvantaged—either through poverty indicators or designated Environmental Justice Index exceedances. The application process includes completing a detailed proposal with a cover sheet, scope of work, optional letters of support, and a budget. Applications must outline clear deliverables, a target audience, measurable benefits, and community involvement strategies. Applicants must also demonstrate the capacity and experience necessary to implement their proposed projects. The submission must be sent electronically, and if approved, recipients will receive a Notice of Award and a draft grant agreement before any work begins. Additional administrative requirements include the provision of insurance certificates, proof of tax status, vendor registration, and a UEI number. Grant recipients are expected to submit semi-annual progress reports and a final report before reimbursement of final expenses. Awarded projects are subject to funding availability, and priority will be given to high-ranking proposals that benefit disadvantaged or environmental justice communities. The timeline includes optional office hours for applicant Q&A, with sessions occurring in November, December, and January. While the grant does not appear to be recurring, the program reflects a sustained commitment by state agencies to address emerging PFAS challenges. All application materials and the most recent program PDF are publicly available through the DNREC website.

Clearly define target audience, measurable outcomes, and include community engagement in planning.