Delaware grants for For profit organizations other than small businesses

This grant provides funding to dairy processors, associations, packaging manufacturers, and educational institutions in the Northeast to support innovative projects that improve processing and packaging in the dairy industry.

The First State Food System Program (Program) provides funding to entities that grow, process, store, transport, distribute, or sell food in the State of Delaware. Donor Name: Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Delaware Department of Agriculture through its advisory group – the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (Council) strives to facilitate and support a local food system where farmers can access viable markets; Delaware households can access nutritious and wholesome food options within their own communities; and where the impacts of supply chain disruptions can be diminished. Through this Program funding is available to a diverse range of entities, operating at various points in the food supply chain. This Program enables local entities to overcome challenges and build resilience in food system. The First State Food System Program is funded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act. Projects designed to support or provide benefit to more than one entity or producer within Delaware’s food system will be prioritized. The objective is to strengthen the local food system through wide-reaching and complementary efforts, rather than isolated and narrowly focused projects that serve to benefit only one individual operation.  Funding Information Using a standardized review process, the Council will award grants from $2,500 up to $150,000. Eligible Projects Applications will be evaluated based on the viability of the entity; its function and reach as part of the food system; and its demonstrated or potential capacity to do at least one of the following: Add to the volume of food production in Delaware. Add to the direct-to-consumer sale or availability of food products through retail or charitable outlets in Delaware. Add to activities used to transform food products from their harvested state to a consumable state for end users. Processing activities include: freezing, chopping, fermenting, packaging, washing, cooking, pasteurizing, canning, and more in Delaware. Add to the transportation or distribution of food products to consumer/end user outlets in Delaware. Improve efficiency and reduce costs of distribution systems. Improve capacity of food retail outlets including restaurants, to meet local demand. Improve flexibilities of food retail and distribution outlets to better align with consumer needs like online purchasing or food delivery. Address challenges to proximity through transportation solutions. Increase emerging agricultural practices by bringing food production into busy, populated areas – such as vertical gardens, shipping container farms, rooftop farming, hydroponics, community gardens, community composting, and food waste reduction. Eligibility Criteria General  Applicants that have been awarded funding during Cycle 1 or Cycle 2 may apply. The project must be new and distinct from an awarded project, or an addition or complement to an awarded project. (can include adding new partners, or new sites, or expanding market reach, etc.) Applicants must describe how the project positively impacts or creates measurable outcomes for Delaware’s food supply chain, including the entity and other entities or operations. The applicant must demonstrate/describe that the entity has the infrastructure in place and capacity to successfully implement the project. The applicant’s entity must be in operation for two or more years. Start-up entities will be considered when the operator provides a description of industry experience or when the start-up budget includes a contribution from the owner. The applicant’s entity must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to enter into a project agreement with the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Eligible entities must be owned and operated in the State of Delaware and include small to mid-sized, for-profit producers and nonprofit organizations; aquaculture/fishery operators; food distributors or transporters; food processing operators. The Council reserves the right to consider applications from non-Delaware entities that directly provide product or services to Delaware. Applicants may submit more than one proposal. If more than one proposal is submitted, please prioritize the submissions. Producers  For the purposes of this Program, small to mid-sized producers are defined as having operations with 1) An annual value of sales between $20,000 and $300,000; and 2) Acres in active production in fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, or other products for human consumption; of up to 300 acres. Larger scale producers are eligible to apply and are encouraged to demonstrate collaboration with other producers or entities. Supply Chain Entities  The following are eligible supply chain operations, this list is not all inclusive, some examples are listed: Storage: food hubs Transportation: fleet coordinators, logistics Processing: incubator facilities, commercial kitchens Distribution: retail outlets, pantries, food trucks Single or multi-site grocery stores, Cooperative grocers, Corner stores, Mobile markets, restaurants, farmers markets, on-farm stores For more information, visit Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy.

This grant provides funding to organizations and businesses in the Northeast to develop and expand dairy workforce training programs, enhancing opportunities for current and potential employees in the dairy industry.

The DNREC Green Energy Program in Delaware offers grant funding for renewable energy projects. The program is available to customers of Delmarva Power, Delaware Electric Cooperative, and certain municipal electric customers. Grants are provided to offset the installed cost of photovoltaic, solar water heating, wind, and geothermal renewable energy technologies. Each utility company has its own program regulations, requirements, and application forms. To apply for a grant, applicants must use the Green Grant Delaware online application system and submit a complete application with all required attachments. Applicants are also required to sign over their Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) to the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility. It is important to note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Before submitting a grant application, applicants must complete an energy audit and select an approved renewable energy contractor. After installation and operation of the renewable energy system, applicants must submit grant completion documentation for final approval. Grant payments are typically processed within 10-12 weeks after approval. For more information about the Green Energy Program or specific details about each utility's grant program, applicants can contact the respective utility or email [email protected].

This program provides unrestricted funding to small arts organizations rooted in communities of color, helping them sustain and expand their cultural practices while addressing systemic inequities.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program funds projects that develop the knowledge, awareness, skills and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers about sustainable agriculture practices to teach, advise or assist farmers. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: An agricultural service provider is a professional who assists farmers. Projects that develop the ability of other service providers (for example, real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys) to work with farmers are also eligible. These service providers then use what they’ve learned through participation in project activities in their work with farmers. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. Project Duration Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligibility Criteria  Professional Development Grants are open to anyone who works with service providers and farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, and for-profit business entities (such as farms, private consultants, veterinary practices and other businesses that serve the farming community). Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

The Community Reinvestment Fund, a capital grant program, shall be used for community redevelopment, revitalization and investment capital projects which will improve the economic, culture, historical, and recreational health of Delaware communities. Donor Name: Delaware General Assembly State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Project Eligibility Eligible project funding requests include preconstruction costs, land acquisition, building construction or other capital costs. Such projects may include, but are not limited to, the following: Preconstruction costs, to include development of plans and specifications for the capital project. The acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or restoration of buildings. The acquisition or installation of apparatus or equipment permanently attached to the building. The acquisition of land required as sites for such buildings, including land or rights to land needed to provide access to sites, and the grading or other improvements of such sites, land or rights in land. The construction of sidewalks where authorized by law. The construction of any sewers or water mains needed to connect such buildings to any publicly owned sewer system or water system. Eligibility Criteria Eligible entities include county and local governments, community-based nonprofit, and private sector nonprofit organizations. All nonprofit organizations must hold a 501(c)3 designation in order to be considered eligible. Designation must be held at the time of application. State agencies, school districts, charter schools, private schools, institutions of higher education, childcare facilities, churches, fire companies, fiscal agents, and for-profit organizations are not eligible for funds from the Community Reinvestment Fund. For more information, visit Delaware General Assembly.

Grant Opportunity: Energize Delaware Residential Solar Loan Program Description: The Energize Delaware Residential Solar Loan program offers low-interest loans to encourage the purchase of customer-owned renewable generation. The program aims to achieve utility bill savings, reduce environmental impact, and promote local job growth in the solar installation industry. Eligibility Criteria: - Must be a Delaware resident - Must be a homeowner of a single-family home or duplex - Minimum credit score of 650 - Maximum monthly debt-to-income ratio of 40% - Total loan cannot exceed 70% of the total project cost Loan Details: - Total loan amount: $5,000 - $30,000 - Interest rate: 3.9% - Loan term: Up to 10 years Additional Requirements: - Any storage capacity must be priced such that the total system cost does not exceed $6.00/installed watt of generation. - The system must meet specific Green Energy Grant Delaware requirements regarding grid connection, array orientation and tilt, and daily sunshine hours. Application Process: 1. Complete an online application at energizedelawareloans.org. 2. The application consists of two parts: initial and final. 3. After Part I is submitted, applicants will receive an eligibility letter via email. 4. Approved applicants can begin their solar project within three months of acceptance. 5. Once installation is complete, applicants must complete Part II within six months. 6. After Part II documents are reviewed, funds will be dispersed directly to the installer. Payment and Repayment: - Participating installers pay an initiation fee of $100 and must provide state licensing information. - Homeowners will begin loan repayment the month following fund disbursement. - Monthly payments cannot be adjusted. - There is no penalty for prepayment. Contractor Information: - Contractors must register with the program before being selected by homeowners. - Payment to contractors is issued after all Part II documents are submitted, including a signed Authorization Form, Promissory Note

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.  This program is for:  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, or  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:  Dairy farmer that:  Produces milk within the Northeast  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standards  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components  Has a business entity prior to applying  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applying  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:  Be headquartered or based in the Northeast  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and product  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility location  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

This program provides financial support to various food-related entities in Delaware to improve access to healthy food options in underserved communities.

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

TAP provides Delaware bioscience businesses access to high-end research technologies at reduced rates. Eligible facilities include Bioimaging, DNA Sequencing & Genotyping, Bioinformatics, NMR, and Mass Spectrometry. This program supports the technological advancement of Delaware's bioscience sector by making cutting-edge resources more accessible, with funding up to $5,000 per year per core facility.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This grant provides funding for various organizations in Delaware to support tree planting initiatives that enhance climate resilience and promote environmental justice.

This grant provides funding for organizations to engage youth in environmental education and stewardship projects throughout the Chesapeake Bay region, focusing on hands-on learning and community action.

This competition provides early-stage for-profit businesses in New Castle County, Delaware, with the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas for a chance to win funding and support for growth.

This funding opportunity supports established dairy farmers, processors, brands, and producer associations in the Northeast to improve food safety, obtain certifications, and enhance market access through various projects.

This program provides funding to dairy processors in the Northeast to modernize their operations by acquiring specialized equipment that improves efficiency, product quality, and sustainability.

This funding program provides financial support and resources to innovative startups focused on clean energy and environmental sustainability solutions that benefit communities within Exelon's service areas.