Before You Apply

1. Make sure you’re eligible to apply.

All applicants must have a Unique Identity Identifier that is valid during the entire period of performance (the period of activity in which Delaware Humanities funds are being used).
Your organization must be Delaware-based.
Your organization must be a K-12 school, college, or university; museum, historical society, library; state/local government agency, nonprofit group (professional or social organizations, community or religious group, etc.). Funding cannot be applied for by a fiscal sponsor or pass through entity.
If you want to apply for an Action/Innovation grant, your organization must be a registered nonprofit.

2. Understand the purpose of our grants.

Review Delaware Humanities’ mission, vision, and core concepts. All projects must match our mission and at least one core concept.
The projects we fund must be centered around the humanities. If the humanities portion of the project was removed and it could still be carried out and achieve the same goals, then the project is not centered around the humanities. We cannot fund the creation or performance of art; creative writing, autobiographies, memoirs, and creative nonfiction; and quantitative social science research or policy studies.
We primarily serve small, humanities-based nonprofits. We prioritize supporting organizations and projects which serve historically marginalized community (this includes but is not limited to rural communities, ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ communities, active military and veterans, senior citizens, women, low-income individuals, incarcerated individuals, and individuals with disabilities).

3. Review our grant guidelines.

Once you have confirmed that you are eligible to apply and that your project is humanities-based, you will need to review our other requirements and guidelines.

4. Select a grant type.

Delaware Humanities offers two grant types: Opportunity Grants and Action/Innovation Grants. Action/Innovation Grants and only accepted twice a year and have a period of performance of twelve months. Opportunity Grants are offered on a rolling basis with a period of performance of six months – however, the application must be received two months before your intended activity period. Keep your goals, budget, and timeline in mind when selecting a grant type.
You may not have two of the same grant type open with Delaware Humanities.
For example, if your organization has an open Action/Innovation Grant, you may not apply for a new Action/Innovation Grant. However, if you only have an open Opportunity Grant, you may apply for an Action/Innovation Grant.

Want more information on our grants and how to apply? Watch the video below with Grants and Operations Manager Helen Siers as she explains the eligibility needed for funding, our grant types, and how to submit your application most effectively. You can also set up a virtual meeting or phone call with her using this link.