Our communities are a critical part of what makes our region shine, and we’re proud to partner with Delaware Nature Society to empower local organizations who share our commitment to ensure a strong, sustainable future for all. Through the Sustainable Communities Grant Program, we provided $40,000 to support community-driven projects focused on reforestation efforts, sustainable transportation, affordable housing, and composting programs.   

 Over the last four years, the program provided more than $235,000 to support open space and resiliency efforts across Delaware and Maryland.   

 Learn how the 2024 grant recipients are putting these funds to work, building resilient communities and preserving our environment for years to come.      

• Delaware Wild Lands, Inc. ($10,000): Over the next year, Delaware Wild Lands (DWL) and volunteers will restore 3.2 acres of forest and meadow at DWL’s Roberts Farm. Complementary work will include the planning and installing of an interpretive trail open to the public, and the construction of a terrace/viewing platform where public events and educational activities will be hosted, fostering a new generation of environmentalists and expanding the impact of DWL’s miss 

• Plastic Free Delaware, Inc. ($5,000): This project will provide infrastructure and education to four organizations so their community garden members can produce and use high quality compost developed onsite. They will focus on providing resources to community gardens primarily located within areas highlighted on the EPA’s IRA Disadvantaged Communities Map, ensuring the community gardens that have the greatest need get the resources necessary to effectively turn their garden residuals into finished, quality compost that will improve their soil. 

• Milford Housing Development Corporation ($10,000): Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, reduce energy costs for consumers, and improve the competitiveness of U.S. businesses. Energy efficiency is also a vital component in achieving net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide through decarbonization. A Go Green Lawn Equipment package will be given to new homeowners to help curb carbon emissions and reduce noise pollution. The package will consist of either an EGO Power Mower or a package of lawn EGO lawn equipment including a weed trimer, leaf blower and hedger. 

• Urban Bike Project of Wilmington, Inc. ($10,000): The Urban Bike Project seeks to build community resilience through improved access to sustainable transportation, such as walking and biking, which builds economic resilience by connecting residents with jobs, resources, and opportunities. It also builds environmental resilience by reducing the demand for nonpermeable surface parking lots, reducing carbon emissions and other air pollutants, and reducing run-off pollutants into local water sources.  

• Whitehall Community Garden Association ($5,000): The Whitehall Community Garden Association is using land next to the Lorewood Grove Elementary School to build a combined community and school garden through collaboration with the school, the neighborhood, and several established Delaware garden organizations. The garden will serve many purposes centering on health, nutrition, education, and community engage