Press Release: Delaware Humanities Announces Fall 2025 Action/Innovation Grant Recipients
December 5, 2024
Wilmington, DE – December 5, 2024 –Delaware Humanities is pleased to announce the first round of recipients for the 2025 Action/Innovation Grants.
Delaware Humanities’ Action/Innovation Grants are awarded twice a year to Delaware nonprofits for large-scale humanities-based projects or events hosted within the state. Action/Innovation Grants are awarded in sums ranging from $5,001 to $20,000 and support a period of performance of 12 months.
For the 2025 Grant cycle, Delaware Humanities received submissions from nonprofit organizations across the state including New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County. The first round of 2025 recipients include several organizations supporting a variety of projects.
The first round of 2025 Action/Innovation Grant recipients and their programs include:
Plastic Free Delaware – “YES! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit” ($18,000)
YES! is a free educational and leadership program available to high school students across Delaware featuring keynote speakers, panels, and breakout workshops for students to learn more about environmental topics like greening local campuses or global issues resulting in climate change.
Delaware Public Archives – “Diverse Histories for Delaware 250” ($18,000)
Delaware Public Archives will be expanding the understanding of what the American Revolution means to Delawareans by researching and presenting the stories of three distinct groups: Native/Indigenous Delawareans, African Americans, and members of the Hispanic/Latino community. They will be producing a special travelling exhibit that can be hosted at many organizations at once, along with three public programs.
Berkana Center for Media & Education – “Farming in the First State” ($18,000)
Berkana Center for Media & Education will be producing their documentary tentatively titled “Farming in the First State”, focusing on the diverse stories of farming families across Delaware.
Neighborhood House, Inc. – “Increasing Access to Humanities Education and Activities for At-Risk Youth in Wilmington” ($12,000)
Neighborhood House will implement a humanities-focused book club, with accompanying trips to exhibitions that directly relate to the historical and cultural stories the students are exploring in their clubs. Neighborhood House’s youth program servs predominantly African American youth and will focus on exploring stories from African American history and how that affects them today.
Delaware Department of Human Resources – “Cultural Kaleidoscope: Advancing Equity & Diversity in Learning” ($10,000)
The Delaware Department of Human Resources (DHR) is embarking on a series of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) learning opportunities that span cultural heritage, historical reflections, and personal narratives. From Native American Heritage Month to National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month these monthly online sessions will create dialogue that honors legacies, challenge perspectives and promote understanding.
“It was a fantastic, competitive cycle for our Action and Innovation grants this year. We received many applications for compelling projects this cycle,” says Helen Seirs, Grants and Operations Manager, “I’m looking forward to seeing how these projects help support and educate Delawareans across the state. As ever, Delaware Humanities is proud to provide funding to organizations that help connect Delawareans and further the work of the humanities.”
Delaware Humanities offers two types of grants to organizations located in Delaware. Opportunity Grants are offered on a rolling basis for $1,000 to $5,000 and Action/Innovation Grants are offered twice a year for $5,0001-$20,000. For more information on grant types and how to apply, visit https://dehumanities.org/grants/ or email info@dehumanities.org.
Founded in 1973, Delaware Humanities is Delaware’s independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The organization provides educational and cultural opportunities to people and communities in all three Delaware counties through original programming and grantmaking. The organization’s mission strives to provide opportunities for Delawareans to gain a deeper understanding of human identity, intellectual achievement, diverse cultures, and shared heritage. Delaware Humanities is based in Wilmington, Delaware.
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For media inquiries on the Fall 2025 Action/Innovation Grant recipients, please reach out to Kelly Murray, Engagement & Media Relations Manager through our Contact Us page.