Through the Challenge Grant, any donations received by Delaware Humanities now until December 31, 2025, will be matched by the Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation. Due to the loss of federal funding for many of their programs, Delaware Humanities is looking to local supporters to contribute to the programs that have enriched local Delaware communities.
Delaware Humanities is one of 56 state councils and territorial groups supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): Democracy demands wisdom. Their funding comes from the NEH, the state of Delaware, and generous Delawareans who are committed to helping us do good work.
On April 29, 2025, the Mellon Foundation announced a $15 million grant to all state and jurisdictional humanities councils. The Mellon Foundation grant means an immediate $200,000 for Delaware Humanities and an additional $50,000 available in a matching grant.
In five months, thanks to an incredible network of donors, they have raised over $15,000 of the $50,000 Challenge Grant!
The largest portion of funding goes toward supporting other nonprofit organizations through grantmaking. Delaware Humanities funds a variety of projects, including the History Book Festival, Peace Week Delaware, and the Iron Hill Powwow, just to name a few.
Until they lost federal funding, Delaware Humanities offered two types of grants. Opportunity Grants funds projects or events as well as planning for future events. These awards were between $1,000 and $5,000. The organization awarded 15 to 20 grants per year.
Action and Innovation Grants were for large scale projects with costs between $5,001and $20,000. The organization awarded between seven and ten grants per cycle.
In addition to grant funding, Delaware Humanities offers programming services. From speaker presentations on Delaware history to building literacy through family reading, Delaware Humanities programs provide opportunities for lifelong learning throughout the state. Our program services support libraries, historical societies, museums, and community organizations across Delaware.
To donate to Delaware Humanities, click here.
