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The Delaware Division of the Arts offers a variety of grants for nonprofit arts organizations chartered and based in Delaware. Below find a list of grants for organizations whose primary mission is the promotion, production, presentation, or teaching of the arts.
General Operating Support – for annual operating expenses to ensure that year-round participation in the arts is available to the people of Delaware.
To be eligible for General Operating Support, applicants must:
New arts organizations must successfully complete the Division of the Arts StartUp Program before applying for General Operating Support, Education Resource, or Arts Stabilization Fund grants.
Please note the following restrictions:
Three-year Application Cycle
The Division uses a staggered, three-year application cycle for General Operating Support (GOS). Organizations seeking GOS must submit a Full Application in the “on year,” and Interim Applications in the “off years.” Grant awards for the second and third years will be determined by applying a funding formula to updated financial information submitted in the “off year” Interim Application.
A multi-year application cycle permits grantees, as well as the Division, to focus more attention on the delivery of programs and services and less on the preparation, processing, and review of grant applications. Organizations approved for GOS demonstrate a history of programming, service to their community, and management of their operations that provides confidence that a similar level of service or activity may be sustained over a three-year period without requiring a full application and review each year.
Funding awarded in the FY2025 grant cycle must be spent on projects taking place between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025.
Click here for FY2025 General Operating Support Guidelines
Download Grantwriting Tips for Organizations here.
The next deadline for the General Operating Support (GOS) Full and Interim applications is 4:30 pm on March 1, 2025. The Fiscal Year 2025 General Operating Support application may be accessed at smARTDE on December 1, 2024.
Download the smARTDE Instructions to learn how to log in and navigate within the system.
Click on the link to view a smARTDE Demonstration Video (13 minutes long). NOTE: For GOS interim applications, log in and click on “Pending Reports.”
All applicants will receive notification via email in July. Applicants approved for a grant will receive additional instructions from Division staff via email to receive their payments.
To receive a grant payment, individuals must have an active State of Delaware eSupplier record.
We recommend that you choose to receive payments through Automated Clearing House (ACH), an electronic fund transfer, when completing or updating your eSupplier record. Electronic transfers and checks are free methods of payment. However, electronic fund transfers are faster than mailing a check.
Please contact: Division of Accounting by email at FSF_Supplier_Maintenance@delaware.gov or by phone at (302) 526-5600.
After the Division staff receives confirmation of your eSupplier registration, payments will be sent to the accounting office to process. Please see the payment schedule below.
Application Opens | December 4, 2024 |
Application Deadline | 4:30 p.m. ET March 1, 2025 |
Grant Panel Review | Approx. May 2025 |
Delaware State Arts Council Review | Approx. June 2025 |
Funding Notification | Approx. July 2025 |
Grant Activity Period | September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026 |
First Payment | Approx. September 2025 |
Mid-Term Report (Art Trust Only) | Approx. February 2026 |
Final Report Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Final Payment (pending final report) | October 2026 |
The Statement of Assurances is the contract that all Division grantees must sign. Grant applicants must indicate that their organization’s authorizing official has read and agreed to the obligations of grant recipients, should a grant be awarded. Receipt of state and federal grants carries with it certain obligations and responsibilities. By submitting a Division of the Arts grant application, applicants are affirming that they are familiar with the requirements of the Delaware Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, as presented in the Division of the Arts Statement of Assurances, including but not limited to:
Final Reports for General Operating Support grants must be submitted through smARTDE to the Division of the Arts by September 30 (or within 30 days after the grant period end date). Failure to submit a final report on time may result in forfeiture of the final payment (10%-15%) of the grant award and may impact future funding.
Kathleen Dinsmore
Organization Support
302-577-8287
kathleen.dinsmore@delaware.gov
Arts Stabilization – for improvements to facilities owned (or under long-term lease) and operated by the organization. ASF grants are funded through the Division’s participation in the Arts Consortium of Delaware, Inc. (ArtCo) endowment.
To be eligible for Arts Stabilization funding, applicants must:
Please Note: Applicants for Arts Stabilization should contact the Division prior to beginning the application process in order to verify the eligibility of their organization and the project.
Please note the following restrictions:
The Delaware Division of the Arts has established the following goals, in accordance with the ArtCo bylaws, for Arts Stabilization grants:
Funding awarded in the FY2026 grant cycle must be spent on projects taking place between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
Click here for FY2026 Arts Stabilization Fund Guidelines
Download Grantwriting Tips for Organizations here.
The next deadline for the Arts Stabilization applications is 4:30 pm on March 1, 2025. The Fiscal Year 2025 Arts Stabilization application may be accessed at smARTDE on December 4, 2024.
Download the smARTDE Instructions to learn how to log in and navigate within the system.
Click on the link to view a smARTDE Demonstration Video – Arts Stabilization (17 minutes long).
All applicants will receive notification via email in July. Applicants approved for a grant will receive additional instructions from Division staff via email to receive their payments.
To receive a grant payment, individuals must have an active State of Delaware eSupplier record.
We recommend that you choose to receive payments through Automated Clearing House (ACH), an electronic fund transfer, when completing or updating your eSupplier record. Electronic transfers and checks are free methods of payment. However, electronic fund transfers are faster than mailing a check.
Please contact: Division of Accounting by email at FSF_Supplier_Maintenance@delaware.gov or by phone at (302) 526-5600.
After the Division staff receives confirmation of your eSupplier registration, payments will be sent to the accounting office to process. Please see the payment schedule below.
Application Opens | December 4, 2024 |
Application Deadline | 4:30 p.m. ET March 1, 2025 |
Grant Panel Review | Approx. May 2025 |
Delaware State Arts Council Review | Approx. June 2025 |
Funding Notification | Approx. July 2025 |
Grant Activity Period | September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026 |
Full Payment | Approx. September 2025 |
Final Report Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
The Statement of Assurances is the contract that all Division grantees must sign. Grant applicants must indicate that their organization’s authorizing official has read and agreed to the obligations of grant recipients, should a grant be awarded. Receipt of state and federal grants carries with it certain obligations and responsibilities. By submitting a Division of the Arts grant application, applicants are affirming that they are familiar with the requirements of the Delaware Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, as presented in the Division of the Arts Statement of Assurances, including but not limited to:
Final Reports for Arts Stabilization grants must be submitted through smARTDE by September 30 (or within 30 days after the grant period end date). Failure to submit a final report may jeopardize future funding.
Jessica Ball
Director
302-577-8278
jessica.ball@delaware.gov
Education Resource – to assist in the facilitation of partnerships between Delaware’s schools, arts organizations, and artists in providing standards-based arts learning experiences for pre K-12 students statewide. Education Resource projects focus on ways that Delaware arts organizations can serve as resources to Delaware schools before, during, and after the school day.
The following organizations are eligible to apply for Education Resource funding:
Please note the following restrictions:
You may contact the Program Officer for Arts in Education at the Division of the Arts to review your ideas to determine if they qualify for Education Resource support. Projects that have been supported in the past include, but have not been limited to:
Funding awarded in the FY2026 grant cycle must be spent on projects taking place between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
Click here for FY2026 Education Resource Guidelines
Download Grantwriting Tips for Organizations here.
The next deadline for Education Resource applications is 4:30 pm on March 1, 2025. The Fiscal Year 2025 Education Resource application may be accessed at smARTDE on December 4, 2024.
Download the smARTDE Instructions to learn how to log in and navigate within the system.
All applicants will receive notification via email in July. Applicants approved for a grant will receive additional instructions from Division staff via email to receive their payments.
To receive a grant payment, individuals must have an active State of Delaware eSupplier record.
We recommend that you choose to receive payments through Automated Clearing House (ACH), an electronic fund transfer, when completing or updating your eSupplier record. Electronic transfers and checks are free methods of payment. However, electronic fund transfers are faster than mailing a check.
Please contact: Division of Accounting by email at FSF_Supplier_Maintenance@delaware.gov or by phone at (302) 526-5600.
After the Division staff receives confirmation of your eSupplier registration, payments will be sent to the accounting office to process. Please see the payment schedule below.
Application Opens | December 4, 2024 |
Application Deadline | 4:30 p.m. ET March 1, 2025 |
Grant Panel Review | Approx. May 2025 |
Delaware State Arts Council Review | Approx. June 2025 |
Funding Notification | Approx. July 2025 |
Grant Activity Period | September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026 |
First Payment | Approx. September 2025 |
Final Report Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Final Payment (pending final report) | October 2026 |
The Statement of Assurances is the contract that all Division grantees must sign. Grant applicants must indicate that their organization’s authorizing official has read and agreed to the obligations of grant recipients, should a grant be awarded. Receipt of state and federal grants carries with it certain obligations and responsibilities. By submitting a Division of the Arts grant application, applicants are affirming that they are familiar with the requirements of the Delaware Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, as presented in the Division of the Arts Statement of Assurances, including but not limited to:
Final Reports for Education Resource grants must be submitted through smARTDE by September 30 (or within 30 days after the grant period end date). Failure to submit a final report on time may result in forfeiture of the final payment (15%) of the grant award and may impact future funding.
Sheila Dean Ross
Program Officer, Arts in Education
302-577-8286
sheila.ross@delaware.gov
StartUp Program – financial support, training, and consultation to develop and strengthen the management capacity of emerging arts organizations so that they can operate in a sustainable manner. Completion of the StartUp Program is a prerequisite for emerging organizations seeking General Operating Support.
To be eligible for the StartUp Program, applicants must:
Please note the following restrictions:
StartUp Program funding consists of operating support of up to $2,500 (grant may be less) and a program of training classes and consulting with Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA). The program pairs the organization with a Standards for Excellence® Licensed Consultant to determine the needs of the organization, and then provides customized training for staff and board members to learn nationally accepted best practices for nonprofit management. Topics covered may include: Vision, Mission, Strategy, and Evaluation; Leadership: Board, Staff and Volunteers; Legal Compliance and Ethics; Finance and Operations; Resource Development and Fundraising; Public Awareness, Engagement and Advocacy. DANA will continue to work with members of the organization’s board/staff for a period of time to guide them in their growth.
Funding awarded in the FY2026 grant cycle must be spent on projects taking place between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
Click here for FY2026 StartUp Program Guidelines.
Download Grantwriting Tips for Organizations here.
A Letter of Interest is due no later than January 15, 2025. Refer to the StartUp Program guidelines for more details on what must be included with the Letter of Interest. If the Letter of Interest is approved and you are invited to apply, the deadline for StartUp Program applications is 4:30 pm on March 1, 2025. The Fiscal Year 2024 StartUp Program application may be accessed at smARTDE on December 1, 2024.
smARTDE
If your organization has never applied to the Division before, please read these instructions on how to register for smARTDE.
Once logged in, if you need help with the system, please read these instructions first.
All applicants must submit a Letter of Intent. If approved, applicants will receive approval to apply by February. Once approved, the grant application deadline is due March 1 with full grant approval notification by July.
To receive a grant payment, individuals must have an active State of Delaware eSupplier record.
We recommend that you choose to receive payments through Automated Clearing House, an electronic fund transfer, when completing or updating your eSupplier record. Electronic fund transfers are faster than mailing a check.
Please contact: Division of Accounting by email at FSF_Supplier_Maintenance@delaware.gov or by phone at (302) 526-5600.
After the Division staff receives confirmation of your eSupplier registration, payments will be sent to the accounting office to process. Please see the payment schedule below.
Application Opens | December 4, 2024 |
Letter of Intent Deadline | January 15, 2025 |
Invitation to Apply | February 1, 2025 |
Application Deadline | 4:30 p.m. ET March 1, 2025 |
Grant Panel Review | Approx. May 2025 |
Delaware State Arts Council Review | Approx. June 2025 |
Funding Notification | Approx. July 2025 |
Grant Activity Period | September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026 |
First Payment | Approx. September 2025 |
Final Report Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Final Payment (pending final report) | October 2026 |
The Statement of Assurances is the contract that all Division grantees must sign. Grant applicants must indicate that their organization’s authorizing official has read and agreed to the obligations of grant recipients, should a grant be awarded. Receipt of state and federal grants carries with it certain obligations and responsibilities. By submitting a Division of the Arts grant application, applicants are affirming that they are familiar with the requirements of the Delaware Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, as presented in the Division of the Arts Statement of Assurances, including but not limited to:
Final Reports for StartUp Program grants must be submitted through smARTDE by September 30 (or within 30 days of the grant period end date). Failure to submit a final report on time may result in forfeiture of the final payment (15%) of the grant award and may impact future funding.
Kathleen Dinsmore
Organization Support
302-577-8287
kathleen.dinsmore@delaware.gov
Arts Access provides small grants of up to 80 percent of eligible cash expenses, not to exceed $1,250, to support the presentation of performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts in communities throughout the state.
To be eligible to apply for an Arts Access grant, applicants must:
Please note the following restrictions:
Arts Access provides program support to organizations that offer occasional arts programs and to organizations that do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Division’s General Operating Support and Project Support categories. Applicants are encouraged to contact program staff prior to application.
Arts Access funding is available for arts projects that accomplish one or more of the following:
Download the full Arts Access guidelines here.
Download Grantwriting Tips for Organizations here.
Arts Access Grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis but must be received at least six (6) weeks prior to the start of the project. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, beginning in July of each year. When the funds allocated to this program are depleted, the application will be closed for the remainder of the fiscal year (ending June 30). Early applications (starting in July) are recommended, whenever possible.
smARTDE
If your organization has never applied to the Division before, please read these instructions on how to register for smARTDE.
Once logged in, if you need help with the system, please read these instructions first.
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, beginning in July of each year. Applicants approved for a grant will receive additional instructions from Division staff via email to receive their payments.
To receive a grant payment, individuals must have an active State of Delaware eSupplier record.
We recommend that you choose to receive payments through Automated Clearing House, an electronic fund transfer, when completing or updating your eSupplier record. Electronic fund transfers and checks are free methods of payment. However, electronic fund transfers are faster than mailing a check.
Please contact: Division of Accounting by email at FSF_Supplier_Maintenance@delaware.gov or by phone at (302) 526-5600.
After the Division staff receives confirmation of your eSupplier registration, payments will be sent to the accounting office to process.
You can expect to receive your grant payment approximately two weeks after contacting Division staff with your eSupplier information.
Rolling Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis but must be received at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the project.
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, beginning in July of each year. When the funds allocated to this program are depleted, the application will be closed for the remainder of the fiscal year (ending June 30).
Generally, organizations may receive a maximum of two Arts Access Grants each fiscal year (July 1- June 30).
Grant Committee Review | Approx. two weeks from application deadline |
Funding Notification | Approx. four weeks of application submission |
Full Payment | Two weeks after individual has entered or updated eSupplier information |
Final Report | Report due 30 days after completion of the project |
The Statement of Assurances is the contract that all Division grantees must sign. Grant applicants must indicate that their organization’s authorizing official has read and agreed to the obligations of grant recipients, should a grant be awarded. Receipt of state and federal grants carries with it certain obligations and responsibilities. By submitting a Division of the Arts grant application, applicants are affirming that they are familiar with the requirements of the Delaware Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, as presented in the Division of the Arts Statement of Assurances, including but not limited to:
Final Reports for Arts Access Grants must be submitted through smARTDE and are due within 30 days following the end date of the project. Failure to submit a final report may preclude future funding.
Kathleen Dinsmore
Organization Support
302-577-8287
kathleen.dinsmore@delaware.gov
Related Topics: Delaware, delaware division of the arts, Department of State, grants