The Laffey-McHugh Foundation Grant

The Laffey-McHugh Foundation provides funding to eligible 501(c)(3) public charities that primarily serve people or programs in Delaware. With a focus on supporting defined programs or services, the Foundation also considers requests for general operating support and capital projects, though capital campaign and endowment funding is rare. The Foundation emphasizes proposals that demonstrate a clear path to sustainability and meaningful community impact, favoring projects that can act as catalysts or bridges to further support. There are two funding cycles annually. The Spring cycle opens on February 1 and closes April 1, with funds typically disbursed by the end of June. The Fall cycle opens on August 1 and closes October 1, with funding disbursed by the end of December. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online Grantee Portal. All applicants must first complete a short “Request to Apply” form. If the request is accepted, a link to the full application is provided by email. Once in the portal, applications may be edited until submitted. After submission, changes cannot be made unless authorized by Foundation staff. Grants typically range between $20,000 and $30,000. Multi-year grants are rarely awarded, and most funding is considered unrestricted once awarded, unless a significant change in use arises. The Foundation does not fund organizations that promote religion, engage in lobbying, or re-grant funds. Faith-based organizations providing community services are eligible, but religious programming is not supported. National organizations are eligible only if the funding is used for Delaware-specific programming. Preferred projects are those with implementation timelines under 12 months. Pilot initiatives must include budgets, timelines, and partnership documentation. The Foundation generally does not fund compensation-only requests, operational basics, or events focused on fundraising or recognition. Small nonprofits are eligible, and the Foundation has a track record of funding organizations with fewer than 10 employees and budgets under $1 million, though newly formed nonprofits without a track record are typically not funded. Applicants must be prepared to submit financial documentation including sources of revenue and expenses, cash balance, prior and projected budgets, and, if applicable, financial statements or audits. Grantees are required to submit a written evaluation update within 12 months or before a subsequent application. This report helps inform future funding decisions. Organizations are encouraged to schedule meetings with Foundation staff early in the application cycle, as availability may be limited within two weeks of the submission deadline. The Foundation does not notify applicants when a cycle opens; they must refer to the website for updates.

Contact staff before applying, especially for large requests or if previously declined; submit early to allow for meeting availability.