Longwood Foundation Inc.

Longwood Foundation operates as a place-based funder deeply rooted in Delaware and the Kennett Square, Pennsylvania area — a geographic focus linked to its historical connection to the du Pont family and Longwood Gardens. The foundation's strategy combines direct grantmaking with nonprofit capacity building, reflected in its Catalysts Together Leadership Cohort Program. Rather than issuing targeted RFPs, Longwood accepts applications across a broad range of focus areas (education, social services, arts, healthcare, environment, housing) through a semi-annual cycle. The foundation positions itself as a catalyst rather than a directive funder, aiming to strengthen organizations so they can better serve communities. This means proposals emphasizing organizational development, sustainability, and community impact resonate strongly. The two-year waiting period between applications (regardless of outcome) encourages organizations to make each submission count and discourages repeat fishing.

With approximately $968 million in assets, Longwood Foundation makes grants ranging from $6,000 to $8 million, with a long-term average around $150,000–$200,000. The maximum request allowed is $2 million. The foundation supports programs, operating support, and capital projects — a broad flexibility that many funders do not offer. Education is the most frequently funded area, followed by social services and arts. The foundation receives roughly 70 applications per cycle and funds about $1 for every $2.50 requested, meaning approximately 40% of requests are funded at some level. This relatively favorable ratio (compared to many national foundations) reflects the smaller applicant pool inherent to place-based funders. Grant decisions are made on a semi-annual basis with Spring (March 1) and Fall (September 1) deadlines, providing two distinct funding windows per year.

Longwood is Delaware's largest private foundation by assets and among the most significant funders in the state. It dwarfs other Delaware-based private foundations like the Welfare Foundation and Crystal Trust. Unlike the Delaware Community Foundation (a community foundation with donor-advised funds), Longwood makes strategic direct grants. Its du Pont family heritage connects it to a constellation of Delaware philanthropic entities, but Longwood operates independently with a distinct focus on strengthening nonprofits as community catalysts. Its geographic restriction to Delaware and the Kennett Square area makes it a critical funder for organizations in those regions but inaccessible to those outside.

In fall 2023, Longwood Foundation awarded grants ranging from $87,500 to $1.75 million to organizations including Delaware Shakespeare Festival, First State Ballet Theatre, Delaware State University Foundation, and various community development and health organizations. A $200,000 grant went to the James Farm Ecological Preserve, and $1 million was awarded to a planned charter school in Sussex County. The foundation announced plans for a $57 million higher education complex, demonstrating its commitment to capital investment in the region. The Catalysts Together Leadership Cohort Program continues to provide nonprofit capacity building. For the Spring 2026 grant cycle, applications opened January 2, 2026, with information sessions held to help prospective applicants submit stronger proposals. Registration for Spring 2026 sessions has closed, indicating strong demand.

1. Attend the grant information sessions: The foundation explicitly notes that participation in these sessions results in stronger proposals. Treat them as an essential step, not optional. Register early as sessions fill up. 2. Respect the two-year rule: Whether approved or declined, you must wait two years before reapplying. Make your first application as strong as possible, and if declined, use the intervening time to strengthen your organization and project design. 3. Apply electronically only: Longwood only accepts applications through its online grants management system. Do not mail or email proposals. 4. Demonstrate Delaware or Kennett Square connection: Your organization must be located in or directly benefit Delaware or the four-mile radius around Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. Make this connection explicit and quantifiable. 5. Consider operating support requests: Unlike many foundations that only fund specific programs, Longwood funds operating support and capital projects. If general operating support would make the biggest impact on your organization, say so — the foundation values organizational sustainability over program proliferation.