Spotlight State: Delaware
Ever been to Delaware? This is the state that started it all. One of the nicknames the State of Delaware is known for is ‘First State,’ since it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution and initiate the Union. Of course, this was only the beginning of Delaware’s great history and important ‘firsts.’ Among its many firsts, Delaware had the first log cabin, the first John Deere tractor, the first study abroad program, and the first nylon manufacturing plant.
GrantWatch wants to acknowledge the role of Delaware in being an important part of our nation’s founding, and has provided a listing of grants and other funding to help community development throughout the state. In addition, GrantWatch offers a list of over 1,700 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants list category. Be sure to also check out the national and international grant listings that are available.
Some Fun Facts About Delaware
- The first study abroad program was offered by The University of Delaware in 1923.
- Oldest church in the United States still in use is the Holy Trinity Church in Wilmington.
- Delaware is the birthplace of E.R. Johnson, the inventor of the Phonograph.
- John Deere, the first tractor made, is in the Messick Agricultural Museum in Harrington.
- The DuPont Company was founded in 1802 and was initially a gunpowder mill. At one point, it was the world’s largest chemical company, before mergers between 2015 and 2017.
- Seaford, first nylon manufacturing plant of the DuPont Company, is the world’s Nylon Capital. (factpackers.com, “66 Funny and Interesting Facts About Delaware“)
Some Interesting Facts About Delaware
- Delaware has only three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex), the fewest of any state.
- Did you know that in 1638, near the mouth of the Delaware River, Swedish and Finnish people built the first log cabin in North America?
- On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the constitution of the United States. The state is also nicknamed the “First State.”
- The Heimlich Maneuver, a popular method to reduce choking-related deaths, was created by Delawarean Henry Heimlich in 1975.
- The poultry and egg industry in Delaware currently accounts for 75% of the state’s overall agricultural production.
- Delaware is a corporate haven because of its business-friendly laws of incorporation. In fact, over 50% of all U.S. publicly traded companies and 66% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated there. It is interesting to note that there are more than one million registered corporations in Delaware.
- Delaware is one of only five states without a sales tax. The other states are Alaska, Oregon, Montana, and New Hampshire. (thefactfile.org, “77 Interesting Facts About Delaware“)
Oddly Interesting Facts About Delaware
- Delaware is home to one of the nation’s first scheduled railroads, in New Castle, in 1831.
- In certain parts of Delaware, it’s illegal to serve alcohol in an establishment if there is dancing going on at the same time.
- It’s against the law to trick-or-treat in Rehoboth Beach on a Sunday.
- It’s illegal to change your clothes in your car or in a public restroom in Rehoboth Beach.
- The 87-foot-tall lighthouse on Fenwick Island only cost $23k to build in 1880, that’s 73 million today.
- A frying pan with a 10-foot diameter was used during the Delmarva Chicken Festival of 1950. It fried 800 chicken quarters at a time.
- Delaware is home to the “Punkin Chunkin” world championship, a sport in which contestants use a variety of devices to hurl pumpkins as far as possible.
- The world’s largest Lego tower was built in Wilmington, standing 11 stories tall and made up of more than 500,000 bricks.
- Horseshoe crabs that frequent the Delaware coastline can survive up to a year without eating. (allamericanatlas.com, “51 Fun Facts About Delaware (that most people don’t know!)“)
Below is a current list of grants and other funding for Delaware Community and Economic Development.
Delaware Community and Economic Development Grants and In-kind Support
- Grants to Delaware businesses for roadway enhancements and statewide transit-related capital-improvement projects. Funding is to promote economic development and encourage construction, renovation, or other improvements to roads and transportation infrastructure. The program is designed to attract new businesses or expand existing businesses, and create a significant number of direct, permanent, quality, full-time jobs. Projects must provide a public benefit.
- There are grants and in-kind donations to eligible Delaware nonprofits to benefit local communities. In fact, donation types include products, gift cards, cash, and sponsorships.
- In addition, grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Delaware nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and faith-based organizations for programs supporting community improvement, inclusivity, and innovations. Funding supports strategic and transformative programs built on community collaboration and volunteer engagement.
- Grants to eligible Delaware nonprofits to meet basic human needs, promote community vitality, and encourage volunteerism. As a result, funding is to enhance communities and help people achieve financial independence.
- There are grants to Delaware nonprofits to advance entrepreneurship/investment diversity. Funding supports programs benefitting women, minorities, and other underrepresented communities. The goal of the program is to facilitate progress in diversifying entrepreneurship and empowering a more diverse group of investors.
- Also, grants to Delaware nonprofits and universities for scholarly research on public policy issues impacting personal/economic liberties of citizens. Funding supports scholarship leading to the publication of policy papers, journal articles, and books. The Foundation will also fund public interest litigation and outreach initiatives.
Additional Delaware Community and Economic Development Grants and In-kind Support
- Grants to Delaware nonprofits to preserve/advance American-Indian culture/self-sufficiency. Funding supports activities focusing on the development of American Indian entrepreneurism, facilitation of American Indian education (particularly college, graduate, and post-graduate education), and the preservation and enhancement of American Indian culture. The primary focus of the Foundation is to support specifically identified projects.
- There are grants of up to $50,000 and in-kind support of software and related services to Delaware nonprofits working to address social problems in local disadvantaged communities. By providing funding and technology solutions, these organizations can promote resilience, foster community, and create tech career pathways.
- In addition, grants to Delaware nonprofits, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), and hospitals for collaborative economics/decision-sciences research. Funding supports studies related to the institutions and processes of the American economy, as well as the global economy which it is a part of. Funding will also support scientific research about decision-making, judgment, and decision analysis on individual, organizational, and societal levels.
- Grants to Delaware nonprofits, government agencies, and tribes for programs to prevent/eliminate youth/young adult homelessness. Required registrations will take up to several weeks to complete. Funding supports activities that help to fulfill a variety of objectives, including building national momentum, promoting equity, and supporting youth leadership. The purpose of the program is to support selected communities in the development and implementation of a coordinated community approach in order to end homelessness among youth up to age 24, including unaccompanied youth and pregnant or youth-aged parents who are experiencing homelessness.
- Lastly, opportunity for Delaware early-stage companies to participate in a business development program. Successful applicants will receive coaching and mentorship, deals and perks from a variety of companies, opportunities to pitch to investors, and program support follow-up. Eligible applicants are businesses with an AgBioScience focus.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, we hope you have a new appreciation for all that the State of Delaware has to offer!
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