Delaware Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $36.1 million (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by programme
• Grant Range: Up to $20,000 for capital projects; other programmes vary
• Geographic Focus: Delaware statewide

Contact Details

Wilmington Office

• Website: https://www.delcf.org
• Phone: 302-571-8004
• Email: grants@delcf.org
• Mailing Address: PO Box 1636, Wilmington, DE 19899
• Physical Address: 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 115, Wilmington, DE

Lewes Office

• Phone: 302-846-7974
• Mailing Address: PO Box 492, Lewes, DE 19958
• Physical Address: 302 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958

Overview

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is a statewide community foundation with a mission to strengthen Delaware by maximising community-based philanthropy. With a vision of creating "a Delaware where generosity expands opportunities for all," DCF invests over $36 million annually in the community, supporting hundreds of grant recipients and awarding scholarships to students. The foundation works through three key strategies: helping donors achieve their charitable goals, making strategic grants from the Delaware Forever Fund, and providing community leadership by identifying needs and bringing stakeholders together.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• Youth Philanthropy Board Grants: County-specific focus areas including mental health, student support, and family success (typically opens early January)
• Fund for Women: One-year seed money or expansion funding for programmes addressing needs of women and girls statewide (one-month application window typically opening in January)
• Capital Project Grants: Maximum $20,000 for facility acquisition, design, construction, or renovation (rare exceptions possible)
• Discretionary Grant Programmes: Various programmes addressing Delaware's greatest needs and opportunities

Priority Areas

• Programmes that build opportunity and advance equity
• Strengthening financial stability of nonprofits
• Increasing organisational impact
• Youth mental health and student support
• Women and girls' programmes
• Capital improvements for nonprofit facilities

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals
• Non-501(c)(3) organisations
• Sports clubs or leagues
• Public or tuition-based educational institutions
• Religious organisations for sectarian purposes
• Organisations primarily supported by public funding
• Fundraising events
• Debt reduction

Governance and Leadership

DCF operates with a Board of Directors and utilises a Grants Committee of community volunteers to review grant proposals and make recommendations. The foundation emphasises four core values: Serve with Joy, Lead with Integrity, Pursue Excellence, and Engage Inclusively. The organisation maintains a professional grant-making team accessible through their grants email and phone contacts.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• All applications must be submitted through the online grant portal at grantinterface.com/delcf
• Create an account on the GrantInterface platform
• Select the specific grant programme you're applying for
• Review eligibility requirements carefully before applying
• Submit all required documentation before the deadline
• Applications are reviewed by the Grants Committee of community volunteers
• Recommendations are made to the DCF Board for final approval

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by programme. The Fund for Women has a one-month application window opening in January, whilst other programmes have rolling or specific deadlines throughout the year.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. However, DCF reports supporting hundreds of grant recipients annually.

Reapplication Policy

For Capital Project Grants, organisations must wait two full grant cycles between awards. Reapplication policies for other programmes are not explicitly stated but organisations are encouraged to contact grants@delcf.org for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on DCF's stated priorities and requirements:

• Demonstrate clear alignment with DCF's mission to expand opportunities for all Delawareans
• Show how your programme builds opportunity and advances equity
• Provide evidence of organisational stability and impact potential
• Submit applications early and ensure all documentation is complete
• Clearly articulate community impact and benefit to Delaware residents
• For capital projects, demonstrate how facility improvements will enhance service delivery
• Focus on programmes that address Delaware's greatest needs as identified by DCF's community leadership initiatives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• DCF offers multiple grant programmes with varying deadlines - plan applications according to specific programme cycles
• Maximum capital project grants are $20,000, with rare exceptions possible
• The foundation prioritises equity and opportunity expansion across all programmes
• Applications must be submitted online through GrantInterface - no paper applications
• DCF provides support beyond grants, including connections, resources, and knowledge-building activities
• Contact grants@delcf.org with questions before applying to ensure alignment
• Organisations must serve Delaware residents to be eligible for funding

References

• Delaware Community Foundation Official Website (https://www.delcf.org)
• DCF Grants Page (https://www.delcf.org/grants)
• DCF Nonprofits Page (https://www.delcf.org/nonprofits)
• DCF About Page (https://www.delcf.org/about)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Delaware Community Foundation 990 Filings (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/222804785)