Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for community program funding from the Costco Foundation. Eligible organizations may receive monetary support for evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes and strong community collaboration. Applications are reviewed within 4–6 weeks, with decisions based on need, impact, and diversified financial support.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Connecticut can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focused on these areas, State Farm Companies Foundation invites U.S. organizations to propose projects like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, job training, and K–12 or higher education, including STEM and college-career pathways.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. with audited expenses over $2 million can seek large social service grants to expand proven, direct-service programs addressing chronic poverty and economic hardship. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help Connecticut nonprofits working on housing, food access, job training, legal aid, reentry, or youth development that serve sizable populations and demonstrate sustainability.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Eligible nonprofits and social enterprises in Connecticut working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Organizations must serve urban low-income children or youth and be located in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can apply for grants that must be used within the U.S. With a mission to advance broad public welfare, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides tax-exempt organizations with funding for well-managed programs serving substantial populations.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Connecticut, can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support programs for children, education, animals, the environment, humanitarian aid, and arts and culture. Smaller organizations with budgets under $1 million and reasonable overhead may be especially competitive.

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.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations serving Northwest Connecticut communities can receive up to US $5,000 for arts and culture, civic and education, environment, health, or social services projects. Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation offers small and traditional cycle grants for programs, capital needs, capacity building, and innovative collaborations benefiting its 20-town service area.

Nonprofit microenterprise development organizations, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural entrepreneurs in Connecticut can access loans and grants for revolving microloan funds and technical assistance. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding up to US $500,000 supports working capital, debt refinancing, equipment and supply purchases, and real estate improvements for very small rural businesses.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking program support for education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, animal welfare, veterans, or spiritual initiatives can apply for Robinson Foundation grants; funding is limited to the Southern U.S. below the Mason-Dixon line. Connecticut nonprofits may find this useful if they also operate eligible programs in that region.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services programs or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships. Focused on community involvement and corporate citizenship, Insperity invites organizations in Fairfield and Hartford counties that engage Insperity employees, are Insperity clients, or serve local communities to apply once per year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment may be eligible for community-focused funding, including in Connecticut communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports programs that serve GP communities and are located within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing facility.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services work can access funding through the Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants are unrestricted and may be used for general operating or program costs, including reasonable indirect expenses, for organizations headquartered in the U.S. or abroad.

Educational organizations in Connecticut working on college readiness, access, and completion for underserved students can seek support from the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation. With a mission to advance post-secondary success, the foundation funds New England programs, research, and limited preK–12 reform led by eligible 501(c)(3)s, governments, Tribal entities, and religious organizations.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut seeking US $1,000 - US $20,000 for programs or facilities may be eligible for this national small-grant opportunity. With a mission to support impactful community programs, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with funding for education, arts and culture, health facilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants to support programs in hunger relief, shelter, self-sufficiency, and cultural or economic development. Connecticut organizations, especially those engaging Ameriprise volunteers or located near priority employee centers, may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut seeking program support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, or environmental projects can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help small nonprofits with one-year project funding; most awards go to U.S.-based applicants.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life for underserved people through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for funding. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S.-based community-benefit organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts markets with project, general operating, or capital support grants.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Connecticut can use these grants to support small and emerging rural businesses through technical assistance, infrastructure, and community economic development projects. Grants from USDA Rural Development help fund activities like training, land and facility development, revolving loan funds, business incubators, and technology-based economic development, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $500,000.

Nonprofit organizations addressing urgent basic human needs in northwest Litchfield County, Connecticut can apply for $5,000 - $7,500 from the Fund for the Northwest Corner to support essential services. With a mission to strengthen communities, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation provides small grants for program costs, expanded services, staffing, and other critical expenses in eligible towns.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for the national Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary collaborations addressing significant social issues across the U.S. Focused on impactful cross-sector partnerships, Mutual of America Foundation invites nonprofits demonstrating measurable community benefits and scalable models to compete for recognition.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.