By James Bush

The Delaware General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session recently concluded, capping off a year that saw the advancement of numerous public policy initiatives impacting the nonprofit sector.  DANA, the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, conducted strategic engagement with the General Assembly during session, successfully influencing multiple pieces of legislation while protecting Delaware’s nonprofit sector interests. Through coordinated meetings with key legislators, committee staff, and bill sponsors, DANA strengthened its role as a trusted voice in state policy. 

Legislative Advocacy 

House Bill 190 – DANA’s most significant opportunity came through supporting Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown‘s bill to reform Delaware’s Grant-in-Aid process. HB 190 would create a new Grant-in-Aid Subcommittee to support the Joint Finance Committee. It would add standard rules for how nonprofits could apply for GIA funds. 

After a key meeting with the Speaker’s staff, DANA successfully pushed for major changes to the bill: 

• Modifications to the original bill, which said nonprofits must serve an unmet need and not duplicate existing services. DANA helped change this to allow organizations to qualify by meeting either of those requirements. 

• Removal of a ban on using GIA funds for child daycare services. 

Despite these wins, the bill was tabled in the Senate on the last day of session. Because this is a two-year General Assembly, the bill can be considered when the Legislature reconvenes in January 2026. 

House Bill 105(S) – DANA supported Representative Melanie Ross Levin’s bill to require salary ranges and benefits in job postings. The bill sponsor publicly recognized DANA’s support on June 10. The General Assembly passed HB 105(S) on June 30. 

House Bill 111 – DANA negotiated a nonprofit organization exemption from Representative Sophie Phillips’ environmental regulation prohibiting food establishments from providing single-use food service items unless requested. Many nonprofits rely on these items for events and meal programs. While the bill passed out of committee, it was not brought to a full vote on the House floor. 

Senate Bill 109 – DANA supported Senator Marie Pinkney‘s bill to allow social workers licensed in one compact state to work in others. This makes it easier for professionals to work in Delaware and strengthens the workforce.  

The General Assembly also passed bills creating two new offices that align with nonprofit work: 

• Office of the Inspector General, which will be focused on government accountability. This was created by Senate Bill 4, which awaits the governor’s signature. 

• Office of Suicide Prevention, which will expand mental health services. This was created by House Bill 54, which awaits the governor’s signature. 

Delaware Funding Bills 

The Community Reinvestment Fund, which supports capital projects for nonprofits, was reduced again — from $90 million in 2023 to $20 million in 2025. 

Grant-in-Aid funding totaled $98.3 million: 

• $37.1 million to government units and senior centers. 

• $47.1 million to community agencies and one-time grants. 

• $13.3 million to fire companies and ambulance services. 

• $839,000 to veterans’ organizations. 

This is similar to last year’s total ($98.5 million), but there were major shifts in how the funds were distributed. Community agency and one-time funding dropped by $4.5 million compared to last year, increasing competition for grants. 

Some organizations received more funding, others saw small increases, and some lost funding completely. (A more detailed analysis of the Grant-in-Aid bill will be forthcoming in the near future.) 

On May 20, DANA held the Save Our Services Rally to urge lawmakers to protect or increase GIA funding. While Senator Russell Huxtable and Representatives Danny Short and Nnamdi Chukwuocha spoke in support of investment into the nonprofit sector, the final budget reflected the difficult funding climate. 

Delaware’s financial reserves remain strong. The Budget Stabilization Fund remains at $469.2 million while the Rainy-Day Fund maintains $365.4 million, ensuring state fiscal resilience during potential economic downturns. 

Conclusion 

The 2025 session showed that DANA’s advocacy efforts made a difference. Wins like the amendments to House Bill 190 and the nonprofit exemption in HB 111 show how DANA protects nonprofit interests while building strong relationships at Legislative Hall. 

However, the challenges in Grant-in-Aid and capital funding highlight how unpredictable state support can be. Nonprofits will need to be more strategic, adaptable, and aligned with state priorities. 

Going forward, DANA will continue to advocate for the needs of the sector through the summer and fall. Consider joining our effort by joining a Community of Practice for Public Policy.