Sustainable Communities Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Delmarva Power's Delaware and Maryland service area

Overview:
A grant program providing up to $75,000 in annual funding to support open space preservation, environmental conservation, and community resiliency projects across Delaware and Maryland.

Funding Breakdown

Open Space & Environmental Conservation Grants:

• Amount: $50,000 annually
• Per-project range: $1,000 - $10,000
• Number of grants: Multiple grants available

Community Resiliency Grants:

• Amount: $25,000 annually
• Number of grants: 1-2 grants per year
• Focus: Innovation in providing safe and reliable resources during emergencies

Eligible Activities

Open Space, Environmental & Conservation Projects:

• Development of recreation trails
• Purchase and preservation of open space
• Improvements to parks and recreation resources
• Planting of trees and other vegetation
• Reforestation projects
• Pollinator habitat development and restoration
• Wetlands and forest protection
• Wildlife habitat restoration
• Land acquisition for conservation

Community Resiliency Projects:

• Community engagement and education regarding resiliency
• Purchase of energy storage systems
• Solar installation (including mobile solar units)
• Photovoltaic (PV) solar array installations
• Weather preparedness and climate adaptation initiatives

Eligible Applicants

• Municipalities
• Recreational authorities
• Nonprofit organizations
• Universities (demonstrated by Delaware State University award)
• Conservation organizations
• Organizations serving underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply

Geographic Focus

• Delaware (all areas within Delmarva Power service territory)
• Maryland (all areas within Delmarva Power service territory)

Award Examples (2020-2021 Cycles)

Notable 2020 Recipients:

• Children's Beach House: $25,000 (PV Solar Array installation)
• Center for Inland Bays: $10,000 (James Farm Ecological Preserve improvements)
• Delaware Wildlands: $10,000 (Reforestation)
• Lower Shore Land Trust: $8,700 (Pollinator habitat)
• City of Rehoboth: $7,500 (Boardwalk recycling program)

Notable 2021 Recipients:

• Delaware State University: $25,000 (25-kilowatt solar array)
• Delaware Center for Horticulture: $10,000 (Pollinator habitat gardens)
• Delaware Wild Lands: $10,000 (Wetland and forest protection)
• Town of Newark: $10,000 (Reforestation)

Review Process

Grant applications are reviewed by a committee including representatives from:

• Delmarva Power
• Delaware Nature Society
• County agencies
• Local conservation organizations

Contact Information

Program Administrator: Delaware Nature Society (DelNature)

• Phone: 302.239.2334
• Address: 3511 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707
• Website: delnature.org/sustainablecommunitiesgrant

Director of Advocacy: Mark Nardone

• Phone: 302.413.5057

Application Process

How to Apply:

1. Visit the program website at delnature.org/sustainablecommunitiesgrant or delmarva.com/SustainableCommunities
2. Submit a grant request during the designated application period
3. Applications are reviewed by committee with representatives from Delmarva Power, Delaware Nature Society, county agencies, and conservation organizations
4. Award decisions announced following review period

Application Timeline (Historical Examples):

• 2019 cycle: Applications accepted through January 31, 2020; awards announced March 2020
• 2021 cycle: Applications accepted April 28 - June 30, 2021

Required Information:
While specific form details are not provided in source materials, applicants should be prepared to submit:

• Project description and goals
• Project location and scope
• How project aligns with program focus areas
• Organization information and nonprofit/municipal status
• Budget and funding request amount
• Community benefit and impact information

Special Encouragement:

• Organizations focused on underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply
• Applications demonstrating diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations are valued