Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

Nonprofit organizations in Greater New Haven seeking short-term consultant support for organizational capacity or diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work can apply for grants up to US $2,000. Grants from Community Foundation for Greater New Haven help cover coaching, assessment tools, consultant fees, retreats, and related expenses for DEI-focused projects in its twenty-town Connecticut service area.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit charities in Connecticut can seek support for humanitarian, educational, environmental, and contemporary arts initiatives that promote sustainable development and community benefit. Grants from Roche help organizations worldwide, including Connecticut groups, deliver high-quality projects managed by accredited charities and may support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within these broader program areas.

Connecticut nonprofits working on health, education, or humanitarian services for marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs in the U.S. or abroad. Grants may support healthcare access, women and girls, children’s health, literacy, disaster relief, and related human and social services that advance equity and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal entities in Connecticut supporting group domestic or international travel for youth under 21 can apply for up to US $3,000 to fund trips. Connecticut Community Foundation supports cross-cultural youth experiences that promote diversity, justice, equity, and direct connections among young people from varied cultures in its 21-town service area.

Nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in Connecticut communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports initiatives that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in its manufacturing communities, which may include diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within these focus areas.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) land trusts dedicated to land conservation can apply for the Transaction Assistance Grant Program, with awards up to US $20,000 for transaction-related project costs. Funding from Connecticut Land Conservation Council covers appraisals, title work, environmental site assessments, surveys, and recording fees for conservation easement or fee property projects, which may support organizations advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in conservation access and benefits.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies presenting performing arts events can apply for New England Foundation for the Arts’ New England States Touring grants, with awards up to US $15,000 for artist fees. New England-based organizations serving diverse or BIPOC communities may be especially competitive for these touring and community engagement projects.

Nonprofits, schools, and public agencies in Windham, Connecticut can seek funding for basic needs programs that promote self-sufficiency, food security, and homelessness prevention. With a mission to strengthen economic stability and opportunity, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut provides up to US $8,000 for evidence-based, client-informed services that may advance diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Connecticut can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians grants, awarding up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition. Funding covers capital, project development, stewardship, community engagement, and related operational costs that deliver equitable community and environmental benefits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal entities in Connecticut can receive funding for arts and culture programs that expand access and address disparities, especially through BIPOC-led, culturally responsive work. Connecticut Community Foundation supports participatory arts, artist development, and community-focused creative initiatives that can advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in the U.S., including Connecticut, can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds projects that communicate real-world change, which may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within these focus areas.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports community-focused organizations in U.S. locations where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates; groups advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within these priorities may benefit.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut focused on youth education, storytelling, or community engagement can apply for Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation’s Local Impact Grants to expand inclusive, community-centered programming. Organizations must operate within the NBC or Telemundo Connecticut market, meet revenue and expense thresholds, and serve local, often underrepresented, communities through equitable access and opportunities.

Blind NFB members in Connecticut can receive up to US $500 for assistive technology purchases that support accessibility and inclusion. The National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut provides these twice-yearly grants, with purchases made through the NFBCT office, which may benefit nonprofits and community groups advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for people with vision impairments.

Nonprofit organizations advancing equitable, ecologically sound, and economically robust food systems in Connecticut can receive US $10,000 to support their work. With a mission to strengthen regional food systems, North Star Fund’s Community Food Funders Champions Award honors groups with strong racial justice analysis and representative leadership; Connecticut diversity, equity, and inclusion nonprofits focused on food access or sustainable agriculture may be competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut building pathways out of poverty, often through education or job training, can access funding through Arbor Brothers; awards US $125,000 - US $175,000 per year in flexible, multi-year support plus intensive consulting. 501(c)(3)s focused on economic mobility and nonprofit growth may be especially competitive, including those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for low-income communities.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Connecticut nonprofits hosting community events that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion can seek sponsorship support, with awards up to US $2,500. Valley Community Foundation funds organizations located in or serving Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton that comply with applicable anti-discrimination laws and strengthen the Naugatuck Valley community.