Delaware Recreation Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

The Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Trails (ORPT) Program, formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program in Delaware. Its core mission is to assist with public park land acquisition and the development of outdoor recreation facilities. This aligns with a broader foundation mission to enhance public access to green spaces and improve community well-being through recreation. The program emphasizes collaboration, encouraging partnerships between governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and other non-traditional recreation providers, though only municipalities and counties are eligible to apply. The primary beneficiaries of the ORPT Program are county and municipal governments and park districts in Delaware, along with the communities they serve. The impact goals are to increase and improve public parkland, open spaces, and outdoor recreation facilities across the state. This includes ensuring modern, safe, and universally accessible facilities for all residents. A key focus is also on supporting areas identified as having the highest social vulnerability, aiming to reduce disparities in access to quality outdoor recreation. The program prioritizes a diverse range of projects, including fee simple acquisition of parkland and open space, purchase of development rights, replacement of outdated facilities, and new construction of various outdoor recreation amenities such as athletic fields, playgrounds, swimming pools, picnic areas, and park infrastructure. Additionally, it supports professional services for park master planning and universal accessibility upgrades. This comprehensive approach ensures that both the physical spaces and the planning for their future development are addressed. Expected outcomes include a significant expansion of available parkland and open space, modernization of existing facilities, and the creation of new recreational opportunities for communities. Measurable results could include the number of acres acquired, the number of new or renovated facilities, increased visitor numbers, and improved scores on community health and well-being indicators in funded areas, especially those with high social vulnerability. The program's strategic priority on assisting vulnerable census tracts demonstrates a theory of change focused on equitable access and community resilience. The ORPT Program offers matching grant assistance, with municipalities and counties eligible for up to 50% of project costs. To further support areas with greater need, park districts, municipalities that have not previously received ORPT funds, and projects in Census Tracts identified with a high CDC Social Vulnerability Index (SVI score range 0.75 – 1.00) can receive up to 75% assistance. This tiered funding structure reflects a strategic priority to channel resources where they can have the greatest impact, aligning with a theory of change that targeted investment can address social inequities and foster healthier communities.

The 2024 Sustainable Communities Grant Program, a collaborative effort between Delmarva Power and the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature), aims to distribute $35,000 to support open space and resiliency projects within Delmarva Power's service area in Delaware and Maryland. This program continues Delmarva Power's commitment to sustainability, having already provided over $235,000 in grants for similar projects since 2020. The initiative aligns with both organizations' missions to foster environmental well-being and community strength. The program targets municipalities, recreational authorities, and nonprofits operating within the Delmarva Power service area. The grants, each up to $10,000, are designed to fund projects demonstrating significant impact across several key areas. The overarching impact goals are to strengthen natural systems and provide reliable community resources in emergencies, thereby addressing the realities of climate change and increasing extreme weather events. The grant program prioritizes projects focusing on Open Space Preservation, Conservation & Habitat Improvements, Environmental Conservation, and Community Resiliency. Community Resiliency is a broad focus, encompassing community engagement and education regarding resiliency, the purchase of energy storage solutions, and solar installations, including mobile solar units. This holistic approach ensures that projects can address various facets of environmental and community preparedness. Expected outcomes include enhanced natural systems, increased community preparedness for severe weather, and innovative solutions for emergency resource provision. The program encourages initiatives that not only mitigate the effects of climate change but also build resilience within communities. By funding projects that strengthen natural systems and offer reliable resources during emergencies, the program aims to achieve measurable improvements in local sustainability and safety.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Community Reinvestment Fund is a capital grant program established by the Delaware General Assembly, designed to foster community redevelopment, revitalization, and investment capital projects. Its overarching mission is to improve the economic, cultural, historical, and recreational health of Delaware communities. This program aligns with a strategic priority to enhance local well-being and stimulate growth across various sectors within the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include county and local governments, community-based nonprofit organizations, and private sector nonprofit organizations that hold a 501(c)3 designation at the time of application. The program specifically excludes state agencies, school districts, charter schools, private schools, institutions of higher education, childcare facilities, churches, fire companies, fiscal agents, and for-profit organizations. The impact goals are broad, aiming for a holistic improvement in community health. The program prioritizes projects that involve preconstruction costs, land acquisition, building construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or restoration. It also supports the acquisition or installation of apparatus or equipment permanently attached to buildings, and the acquisition and improvement of land for project sites. Furthermore, the construction of sidewalks, sewers, or water mains connecting to public systems are eligible. These priorities demonstrate a focus on tangible, capital-intensive projects that build or restore essential community infrastructure. The expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful completion of capital projects that contribute to the economic, cultural, historical, and recreational health of Delaware communities. While specific metrics are not detailed, the emphasis on "redevelopment," "revitalization," and "investment" suggests a theory of change where targeted capital injections lead to observable improvements in community assets and overall quality of life. The program implicitly aims for a ripple effect, where improved infrastructure and facilities foster greater community engagement, economic activity, and cultural preservation.

The Caesar Rodney Rotary Foundation’s (CRRF) New Castle County Youth Empowerment Fund, administered by the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF), is currently accepting applications from non-profit organizations. This grant program aims to provide funding for projects that specifically benefit at-risk youth within New Castle County, Delaware. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this fund, aligns with empowering young people to overcome challenges and achieve self-sufficiency, contributing to the overall well-being of the community. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are underserved youth and young adults, ranging from birth through 25 years of age, who reside in New Castle County. These individuals are identified as being at risk for not developing the necessary skills and support systems to achieve a self-sufficient future. The impact goal is to empower these at-risk youth by funding initiatives that provide them with crucial skills and support, thereby fostering their long-term independence and success. The program prioritizes non-profit organizations that are based in New Castle County and demonstrate a clear commitment to serving the identified demographic. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the overarching goal of fostering self-sufficiency, it is implied that successful projects will equip young individuals with the tools and resources needed to thrive. The "organization doubles its commitment, offering up to $5,000 per grant" indicates a strategic priority of increasing support for these critical initiatives. The CRRF and DCF's strategic priorities are clearly focused on community development through youth empowerment. Their theory of change appears to be centered on the belief that by investing in organizations that directly serve at-risk youth, they can create a positive ripple effect, leading to improved life outcomes for individuals and stronger, more resilient communities in New Castle County.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

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 grant provides financial support to small and mid-sized nonprofit arts organizations in specific U.S. regions to present professional performing artists and engage their communities through public performances and activities.