Delaware residents have access to federal grant programs plus state-administered programs funded by federal block grants, state appropriations, and partnerships with private foundations. This guide covers the most relevant 2026 programs by category.
Federal grants available in Delaware
Statewide federal aid includes the Pell Grant (up to $7,580 for 2026–27), FSEOG ($100–$4,000), the TEACH Grant ($4,000/yr), USDA Rural Development single-family programs (including the Section 504 $10,000 lifetime repair grant for very-low-income owners 62+), SBA programs, and FEMA disaster aid after federally declared events.
State higher-education grants
The Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship covers tuition for eligible Delaware high-school graduates attending Delaware Technical Community College or the Associate in Arts Program (University of Delaware), provided they meet GPA and continuous-enrollment requirements. The INSPIRE Scholarship covers tuition at Delaware State University for qualifying Delaware residents. The Delaware Scholarship Incentive Program (ScIP) provides need-based aid ranging $700–$2,200/yr to Delaware residents at qualifying institutions. The Diamond State Scholarship is a merit award for top students.
File the FAFSA to be considered.
State-administered federal block grants
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services administers TANF, SNAP, LIHEAP, and CCDF child-care subsidies. The Delaware State Housing Authority administers HOME and CDBG funds in non-entitlement areas (Wilmington and New Castle County run their own CDBG programs). The Department of Labor administers WIOA workforce funds.
Housing assistance in Delaware
Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) offers the Welcome Home down-payment-and-closing-cost assistance program (forgivable second mortgage), the DSHA Smart Start mortgage, and special programs for police, firefighters, EMTs, and teachers. DSHA also administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers statewide outside Wilmington. The Weatherization Assistance Program offers free energy upgrades to qualifying low-income households.
Small-business support in Delaware
The Delaware Division of Small Business runs the EDGE Grants (up to $100,000 in matching funds for early-stage entrepreneurs), the Encouraging Development, Growth, and Expansion (EDGE) competition, and site-readiness grants. The Delaware SBDC offers free counseling. Federal SBA 7(a) loans (up to $5M), microloans (up to $50,000), and SBIR awards (Phase I ~$314k; Phase II ~$2.1M) are available statewide.
Disaster and emergency assistance
After federally declared disasters (hurricanes, flooding, severe storms) Delaware residents may apply for FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA Disaster Loans (up to $500,000 for homeowners; up to $2M for businesses). The Delaware Emergency Management Agency coordinates state response. Call 2-1-1 Delaware for non-emergency referrals.
How to apply
- File the FAFSA for all education-related federal and state aid.
- Apply for SEED, INSPIRE, ScIP, and other state programs through your college's financial aid office and the Delaware Higher Education Office.
- For housing, contact a DSHA-approved lender or your local public housing authority.
- For small business, schedule a free consultation with your nearest Delaware SBDC or the Division of Small Business.
- For disaster aid, register at disasterassistance.gov after a declared event.
There is no application fee for legitimate government grants. Any service charging to "process," "expedite," or "guarantee" a federal or Delaware grant is a scam. Report scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Common questions
Where do I find the official Delaware grant portal? There is no single portal. Higher-education aid is administered through the Department of Education's Higher Education Office; housing at destatehousing.com; business and community programs at business.delaware.gov.
Are Delaware state grants taxable? Grants used for qualified tuition and fees are generally not taxable. Business grants generally are. Consult IRS Publication 970 or a tax professional.
What if my SBA loan is denied? Ask the lender for the specific reason. Consider SBA microloans through Delaware CDFIs such as True Access Capital.
Where do I report grant scams in Delaware? Report scams to the FTC and the Delaware Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit.
State residency alone does not qualify you for any grant — every program has its own eligibility criteria. Apply early, especially for state higher-education grants, which often have deadlines earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline.