Best Green Infrastructure Grants in Connecticut

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare worldwide can seek up to US $15,000 for programs including environmental education, clean air and water, and related green infrastructure themes. Focused on enriching children’s lives, the DanPaul Foundation also funds projects addressing homelessness, poverty, refugee enrichment, and child advocacy that may benefit communities in Connecticut.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Connecticut nonprofits and other organizations serving marginalized communities with health, education, or disaster relief programs can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for humanitarian and social services work. International and U.S.-based projects, including those that may incorporate green infrastructure elements into community health or resilience efforts, may be eligible if they align with the foundation’s focus countries and priorities.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations working on green infrastructure, environmental conservation, or related preservation, education, or wellness initiatives in Connecticut and nationwide can use this grant to elevate storytelling about their impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides more than US $50,000 to help showcase transformational community work across its three program pillars.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing communities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs, including in Connecticut. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects that enhance long-term community well-being and sustainability in areas where its facilities operate.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW computer science programs in select Connecticut counties and other eligible U.S. regions can apply for Project Lead The Way’s grants, awarding US $20,000 over two years for program launch costs. Funding can cover PLTW participation fees, required computers, equipment, supplies, and core training expenses.

Public and charter schools in eligible Connecticut counties that already offer PLTW Computer Science can seek funding to expand courses, sections, or teacher training. Focused on STEM education, Project Lead The Way invites these schools to apply for US $10,000 to cover PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs for 2027–2028.

Public and charter schools launching new PLTW Engineering programs, including those in eligible Connecticut counties, can receive US $40,000 to cover participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. Project Lead The Way and Burns & McDonnell support schools serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students over two academic years.

Public and charter middle schools expanding PLTW Gateway engineering and STEM programs in eligible Connecticut counties can apply for US $10,000 to cover PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs. Project Lead The Way partners with Burns & McDonnell to help schools increase student access to hands-on STEM learning starting in 2027–2028.

Public and charter middle schools starting new PLTW Gateway STEM programs in eligible Connecticut counties can receive US $20,000 for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Project Lead The Way, with Burns & McDonnell, supports schools serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students, which may benefit green infrastructure or sustainability-focused STEM curricula.

Public and charter schools running PLTW Gateway in eligible Connecticut counties and other listed regions can apply for Project Lead The Way’s US $10,000 grants to expand existing STEM programs. Funding can cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs, which may support green infrastructure–related STEM curricula.

Connecticut public and charter elementary schools serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can access funding through Project Lead The Way to start new PLTW Launch STEM programs. Schools in eligible Connecticut counties may receive up to US $20,000 for participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs over two years.

Connecticut public and charter elementary schools offering PLTW Launch and serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can access funding through Project Lead The Way to expand STEM programming. Grants of US $5,000 may cover PLTW participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and teacher training, which can complement broader green infrastructure and sustainability education efforts.

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations in Connecticut can receive funding to create or enhance public urban green spaces, including green infrastructure like rain gardens, bioswales, and native plantings. Focused on urban environmental improvements, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection invites projects in distressed, targeted investment, or environmental justice communities that clearly provide public access and enjoyment.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits running basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants, which may benefit Connecticut organizations. Funding supports hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, neighborhood revitalization, small business support, and arts and cultural enrichment, with priority for projects engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, health, workforce readiness, or disaster relief in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports community-focused organizations, and groups working on green infrastructure alongside these priorities may also benefit if they meet location and mission requirements.

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.