As the General Assembly enters the final stretch of session, Delaware’s nonprofit public policy landscape is moving into a critical budget-focused period, with several upcoming dates and policy issues that will have major implications for organizations that partner with the state, receive public funding, or deliver essential community-based services. 

The Joint Finance Committee’s budget markup process begins on May 27 and runs through June 4, during which lawmakers will make key decisions on the state’s operating budget. Bond Bill markup is scheduled for June 23, followed by Grant-in-Aid drafting on June 25. 

These processes will help determine how Delaware’s policy priorities are resourced, including areas where nonprofits play a central role, such as early childhood education, healthcare access, housing, workforce development, and human services. 

Earlier this year, Governor Meyer outlined an ambitious agenda for Delaware. Many of those goals align closely with the work of the nonprofit sector. However, as the state increasingly relies on nonprofits to advance public priorities, it is essential that funding decisions reflect the true cost of service delivery. 

Many organizations continue to face rising operating costs, workforce compensation challenges, administrative burdens, and contracts or grants that do not fully cover the cost of providing services. Sustainable progress requires treating nonprofits as essential public infrastructure, not simply as service vendors. 

One nonprofit-related bill currently moving through the process is House Bill 392, the Delaware Nonprofit Nonpartisanship Act. HB 392 was released from committee last week but has not yet been placed on the House agenda for a floor vote. DANA will continue monitoring its status and keeping members informed. 

DANA is also gathering feedback from members on Delaware’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program, passed in 2022 and now moving through implementation. Some employers have reported significant challenges related to system processes, regulatory ambiguity, and loopholes that are creating operational and staffing difficulties. Member feedback will help DANA better understand how these issues are affecting nonprofit employers and inform our advocacy moving forward.

The 2027 Legislative Calendar was also recently released, offering an early reminder that advocacy is a year-round effort. DANA will continue tracking budget developments, legislative activity, and opportunities for nonprofit engagement through the end of session and beyond.