Apply For a Grant

The Gilliam Foundation is now accepting grant applications until November 15th, 2026

The Gilliam Foundation is not accepting grant applications at this time. The tab for grant submissions will reopen in 2026.

2026 Grant Season Now Open

The Gilliam Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2026 Grant Season is now open through November 15, 2026.

Currently, the Foundation is accepting applications primarily for Literacy Grants. Requests outside of this focus area may be considered only when there is a demonstrated and significant community need, as determined by the Gilliam Foundation Board of Directors.

Please note that organizations that received a Gilliam Foundation grant within the past two years are not eligible to reapply during the 2026 grant season.

We appreciate the important work organizations are doing to strengthen our communities and thank you for your interest in the Gilliam Foundation.

The Deadline To Submit Grant Applications Is November 15, 2026

The Gilliam Foundation Proposal Submission Guidelines

The mission of The Gilliam Foundation is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities through the support of ongoing programs and innovative projects. Proposals for competitive grants are considered based on how they enhance the quality of life for primarily Delawareans. The Foundation funds innovative programs or projects that address problems to be solved, opportunities to be seized, or issues needing greater attention. The Foundation is particularly interested in proactive, preventative and future-thinking proposals that create positive outcomes. Specifically, major emphasis is on support of organizations that strengthen life and concentrate on providing opportunity and access to quality education, cultural arts and services to enhance family well-being.

Grant Guidelines

Our charitable giving program is designed to respect the diversity of our communities, with particular interest in the African American community.

Grants will be for short-term funding only – generally one year. An organization can apply for funding the following year for the same program. While The Gilliam Foundation generously funds many nonprofit organizations in our communities, it is impossible to fund every request received. The Foundation encourages seeking funds from multiple sources.

Organizations must have tax-exempt status under IRS Section 501(c)(3).

Gilliam Foundation Grantees

Seed Money for the formation of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League
Louis Redding endowed chair at the University of Delaware
Appleseed Foundation
Albert Einstein Academy
Boys and Girls Club
Clark Atlanta University
Christina Cultural Arts Center
East Side Charter School
Delaware Art Museum
Delaware Community Foundation
Delaware Sate University
Johns Hopkins University
Habitat For Humanity
Latin American Community Center
Morgan State University
Nativity Preparatory School
Operation Warm
Rob’s Barbershop Community Foundation
United Way of Delaware
Ronald McDonald House
Hope Center
Reach Riverside
Grand Opera House

The Gilliam Foundation Grant Application

Organization:

Contact Name

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Email Address

Phone

Amount Requested

Briefly describe program to be funded:

Is this an existing program?

When will this Program begin and end?

Please specify the demographics of you Board (i.e: Race, Gender, Ethnicity and age range):

Define the target population and how they will be recruited:

Have you collaborated with any other organizations? If so, Who?

How will you evaluate the success of this program (please note we require an Evaluation Form to be submitted at the completion of this program):

Please specify your total budget:

How will the funds from the Gilliam foundation be utilized?

List other funding sourced received and pending and the dollar amount requested:

Explain what will happen to the program if request is partially funded or not funded at all by The Gilliam Foundation:

Please submit the following with this request:

Files

Please fill in the below form as thoroughly as possible