Types of Grants

Delaware Humanities offers two types of grants. Read below for more information on each type and how they differ. Then be sure to check our Before You Apply page for additional eligibility and application requirements. Once you know your organization and project are eligible, you can learn more about The Application Process.

Opportunity Grants

Amount	$1,000-$5,000
What They Fund	Projects or events Planning or research for larger projects
Period of Performance	6 months
Next Due Date	Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility	Delaware not for profits (tax-exempt status not required).
Review Process	Applications are reviewed the month after they are submitted and are then awarded the month following their review. For example, if an application is submitted in the month of August, it is reviewed in September and if awarded, the Period of Performance begins October 1.
Number Typically Awarded	15-20 per year
Reporting Requirements	Data Summary, Project Evaluation, Financial Documentation Report due within 90 days of the end of the Period of Performance.
Other Important Information	For event funding, the application must be received 90 days before the event or first event.
Application	Preview application here. To apply, read over the Application Process and complete the online application through Foundant.

Action/Innovation Grants

Amount	$5,001-$20,000
What They Fund	Large scale projects or events
Period of Performance	12 months (November 1-October 31 & May 1-April 30)
Next Due Date	The Letter of Inquiry (LOI) for projects taking place between November 1, 2025 and October 31, 2026 opens on March 14, 2025. That LOI is due May 15, 2025.
Eligibility	Delaware nonprofit (must be a registered nonprofit organization).
Review Process	Applications are reviewed twice per year by an external review committee and then voted on by the full Delaware Humanities board.
Number Typically Awarded	7-10 per cycle
Reporting Requirements	Evaluation Plan due one month after grant award. Data Summary and Project Evaluation and Financial Budget Reconciliation due within 90 days of the end of the Period of Performance. For high risk grantees, Progress Form due near the mid-point of the Period of Performance.
Other Important Information	Organizations are required to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through our online grant management system in order to be invited to submit a grant application. The Letter of Inquiry is the first step in the application process. These grants are awarded twice per year on November 1 and May 1.
Application	Preview LOI here. To submit an LOI, read over the Application Process and complete the submission online through Foundant. After completing the LOI, you may or may not be invited to submit an application for the grant and at that time given the due date for your grant application. You can preview the full application here.

Have more question? You can also schedule a virtual meeting or phone call with our Grants and Operations Manager Helen Siers using this link.