Sustainable Communities Grant Program

  • Children picking flowers in a garden.
  • Aerial view of a marshland river with a person paddling a kayak.

In Partnership with Delmarva Power

Delaware Nature Society and Delmarva Power partner to support community-driven projects that strengthen environmental sustainability and resiliency across Delaware and Maryland.

Through the Sustainable Communities Grant Program, funding is awarded to local organizations leading initiatives that expand access to open space, improve environmental health, and promote sustainable living practices. In December 2024, Exelon selected Delaware Nature Society to continue administering the program, reinforcing a shared commitment to long-term conservation and community impact.

Program Focus Areas

The Sustainable Communities Grant Program supports projects that promote:

  • Reforestation and habitat restoration
  • Sustainable transportation solutions
  • Affordable housing with energy efficiency components
  • Composting and waste reduction initiatives
  • Community resiliency and climate adaptation

These investments help improve air and water quality, reduce emissions, protect wildlife habitat, and expand opportunities for healthier communities.

2024 Grant Recipients

In 2024, $40,000 was awarded to five organizations leading impactful community projects:

  • Delaware Wild Lands, Inc. ($10,000)
    Restoring 3.2 acres of forest and meadow at Roberts Farm, including installation of a public interpretive trail and viewing platform.
  • Plastic Free Delaware, Inc. ($5,000)
    Providing composting infrastructure and education to community gardens in underserved areas to improve soil health and reduce organic waste.
  • Milford Housing Development Corporation ($10,000)
    Distributing electric lawn equipment packages to new homeowners to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution.
  • Urban Bike Project of Wilmington, Inc. ($10,000)
    Expanding access to sustainable transportation options that connect residents to jobs and community resources while reducing emissions.
  • Whitehall Community Garden Association ($5,000)
    Developing a shared school and community garden to promote health, nutrition, environmental education, and community engagement.

Program Impact

Over the past four years, the Sustainable Communities Grant Program has provided more than $235,000 in funding for open space and resiliency efforts across Delaware and Maryland.

Each grant strengthens local organizations working to create cleaner air, healthier soil, safer transportation options, and more sustainable neighborhoods. Together, these investments help communities adapt to environmental challenges while building long-term environmental and economic resilience.

About the Partnership

Delmarva Power, a unit of Exelon, and Delaware Nature Society share a commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. Through this collaborative grant program, the partnership continues to invest in projects that deliver measurable environmental benefits and strengthen the region’s sustainability goals.

As part of its broader Path to Clean initiative, Exelon aims to reduce operations-driven emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero operations by 2050. The Sustainable Communities Grant Program supports these goals by empowering local organizations to take action at the community level.To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit delmarva.com.