Best Grants for Churches in Connecticut

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary grants from Costco Foundation. Faith-based organizations are eligible when requesting support for community-serving programs rather than religious activities. Churches offering youth, education, or human services programs in their communities may be competitive applicants.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can apply for invitation-only funding; awards support new approaches and unaddressed social issues. The Creag Foundation considers organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year, including faith-based and church ministries working creatively to improve the human condition.

Churches and faith-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut that run programs for youth health, education, development, or welfare can apply for Dan Paul Foundation grants up to US $15,000. Funding supports child advocacy, early childhood development, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, refugee enrichment, and related youth-focused initiatives, with no geographic restrictions beyond U.S. nonprofit status.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Connecticut churches and faith-based nonprofits using technology to address crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment for mostly economically underserved communities can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation. Global Impact Cash Grants support innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled programs worldwide, with awards up to US $100,000 and a required brief LOI before full application.

Churches and faith-based nonprofits in Connecticut that operate eligible community programs can seek Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focus areas include auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–16 education, from State Farm Companies Foundation.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts and science programming, especially for youth, can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports museums, performing arts groups, arts schools, and similar organizations; Connecticut faith-based nonprofits may be eligible if their inclusive services fit these guidelines.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that run proven social service programs can seek more than US $100,000 to expand direct services nationwide. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation support program, capital, or general operations that address chronic poverty, strengthen families, and promote economic independence, including faith-based organizations offering inclusive services.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities working in health, education, or community services can seek support for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventive health. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites faith-based and church-affiliated organizations meeting these criteria to apply during its March and September review cycles.

Eligible U.S. organizations, including religious and education organizations in Connecticut, can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 to support or scale projects. Funding focuses on education, children’s health, and family economic stability for urban low-income children and youth, and is limited to a portion of project and operating budgets.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community programs such as housing, hunger relief, workforce development, arts, environment, or inclusion initiatives can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship support. Faith-based organizations with community-focused services may be eligible for regional sponsorships that strengthen local economic, social, and cultural life.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning historic preservation projects can access funding for exterior repairs, safety systems, and structural restoration; awards up to US $10,000 require a 1:1 match and exclude churches, schools, and municipalities. Grants from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation support work such as painting, masonry repointing, and porch, roof, or window repairs.

The 1772 Foundation offers Connecticut Historic Preservation Matching Grants of up to $10,000 for various preservation projects, including exterior painting, surface restoration, and structural repairs. To qualify, applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations and have completed any prior matching grants. Funding excludes schools and churches. Applicants may need to submit recent maintenance and restoration plans to demonstrate site sustainability, ensuring the longevity of these historic structures.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

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.

Preservation Connecticut

We enhance and sustain the culture and vitality of Connecticut’s varied communities by preserving, protecting, and promoting historic places which embody the stories of our shared past and enrich our shared future.

For fifty years, we have successfully championed the protection of remarkable community assets all over the state by leveraging funding, advocating for places, providing education opportunities, forming partnerships, and promoting stewardship.

Charles Barlow Fund for Historic Preservation

With a generous $460,000 donation from the New Milford Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Connecticut is proud to launch the Charles Barlow Fund for Historic Preservation, an annual 1:1 matching grant program of up to $20,000 to support the preservation of historic properties in New Milford, CT through maintenance, restoration, strategic planning, and efforts to prevent demolition. The Fund is named in honor of Charles Beach Barlow (1926-2016), a longtime New Milford resident and philanthropist who supported a wide range of non-profit efforts, including historic preservation.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Connecticut churches, 501(c) organizations, and Litchfield-area municipal affiliates can seek support for cultural, educational, health, religious, and civic projects serving Litchfield communities. Litchfield faith-based groups and Christian congregations may be eligible for capital improvements, equipment, or program support through the Seherr-Thoss Foundations, which prioritize projects benefiting residents of Litchfield and its villages.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving local quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support in O’Reilly Auto Parts communities. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports community-focused organizations, which can include church-affiliated nonprofits that are not organized for religious purposes.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can access funding for environmental, human services, disaster relief, and related programs, including general operating support. Lawrence Foundation offers unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to U.S.-headquartered organizations, which may include faith-based entities if their work fits the foundation’s stated priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut serving youth and families through education, hunger relief, housing, or environmental stewardship programs can seek funding for their community initiatives. Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards offer US $30,000 - US $350,000 for work such as youth leadership, food security, family services, and community or environmental projects.

With a mission to help impactful community programs, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Connecticut nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 for museums, arts, education, health, environmental, and community services. IRS-qualified church-affiliated or faith-based organizations operating eligible programs may be able to secure support for their local initiatives.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborations addressing significant social issues. Faith-based and Christian organizations that model effective public, private, or social sector partnerships can showcase their impact and potential to scale through this annual U.S. competition.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects can apply for this grant. Connecticut churches and faith-based ministries with qualifying nonprofit status may be eligible for funding from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation to advance programs that respect people, life, and the environment.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment in Connecticut communities near a Georgia-Pacific facility may be eligible for this funding. The Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports community-based programs that enhance long-term well-being, which can include church-affiliated initiatives that meet its charitable and geographic criteria.