Best Connecticut Grants for Nonprofits

The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation offers general grants aimed at promoting arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Currently, they are not accepting applications for 2025 but will reopen in January 2026. Eligible organizations must be IRS-registered 501(c)(3) entities serving specific regions, with a focus on environmental, medical, and veterans initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission and provides opportunities for quality arts programming.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Eversource Energy Foundation Grants support community initiatives by providing funding to organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 and require annual reapplication. Organizations must be based within the service territory and hold a 501(c)(3) designation. The Foundation prioritizes projects focused on community wellness, education, clean energy, and economic development while avoiding support for political, fraternal, or discriminatory activities.

• Glenn W. Bailey: STEM Scholars Grant
• Glenn W. Bailey Foundation STEM Sprouts
• Glenn W. Bailey Foundation STEM Stars
• Glenn W. Bailey Foundation Teen Tech Competition

Our Mission

Our Mission is to foster pathways to success in globally competitive STEM careers for students in the United States.

We want to help ensure that the United States remains a global thought leader in all forms of science, math, and technology by promoting projects which encourage, enhance and advance STEM education in this country and to promote projects which provide career opportunities for individuals with STEM education backgrounds.

The Foundation, formed in 2022, seeks to give students and educators more resources for developing and participating in STEM-based, hands-on learning. As a Foundation, we want to support STEM education programs that are making a difference for students regardless of their background or resources. We want every student in America to have enough exposure to STEM from an early age and to transform our attitudes around STEM subjects. We are working towards changing the narrative that promotes STEM subjects as challenging and difficult to the idea that a broad knowledge of STEM education is imperative for socioeconomic and economic freedom as an adult, for all.

Programs & Partners

STEM Encouragement 

It all begins with an idea. We support educational opportunities ranging in age from children through post-doctoral candidates and beyond to promote STEM learning and initiatives that seek to increase awareness and success in STEM careers in the United States.

Environmental & Climate

We will support Innovative Environmental Projects (IEPs) that utilize interdisciplinary research to identify and address critical environmental problems with cutting-edge, innovative solutions that are scalable and replicable.

Scientific Research

Contribute to advancements in biomedical research and innovation to accelerate the progress in medical research and drug treatment development - specifically for high-mortality, under-funded areas of need such as pancreatic and colon cancers.

Urban & Community Entrepreneurship

Advancing entrepreneurship in moderate-income and underserved communities to help business leaders of today and tomorrow prosper. The focus of this program is to help foster economic empowerment by investing in organizations focusing on one individual, one job, and one business at a time.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to empowering organizations that promote the arts and develop programs designed to inspire, educate, and engage. Our vision is a world where the arts are not viewed as a luxury or elective, but as a vital part of every individual’s development and well-being.

Through strong community partnerships, we harness the transformative power of the arts to elevate educational outcomes, foster creativity, and enhance quality of life.

We believe in the synergy that arises when artists, educators, advocates, and creatives from all disciplines—musicians, museum professionals, actors, writers, and teachers—come together and collaborate. It is scientifically proven that the arts play a fundamental role in youth development, nurturing healthy brain function, social growth, and emotional resilience.

Aligned with our mission, we also support initiatives that protect and utilize nature as a source of enrichment and healing. Conservation and beautification efforts are not only essential to environmental health but also to individual and community well-being. Research consistently shows that time spent in nature supports both physical and mental health, especially for children. We are committed to partnering with organizations that recognize the vital connection between a thriving natural environment and a thriving population.

Equally important is our dedication to supporting veterans. We recognize the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and believe they deserve meaningful pathways to recovery, healing, and renewed purpose. That’s why we invest in programs that provide therapeutic support, service animals, respite opportunities, and community-centered initiatives that help veterans and their families thrive. Veterans’ well-being is not only a moral imperative but also a cornerstone of a strong, resilient community.

As a charitable foundation, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that drive progress, improve lives, and create lasting, positive impact across the arts, the environment, education, and veteran support.

The P/Arts Program

The P/Arts Program was created to strengthen connections between the philanthropic, arts, and education communities, fostering meaningful collaborations that enrich learning and inspire growth.

Eligible applicants must be accredited 501(c)(3) organizations that integrate visual and/or performing arts education into their work. Through P/Arts, we seek to support programs that:

• Revitalize learning by enhancing and transforming outdated public school curricula.
• Motivate and inspire students of all ages, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
• Empower educators by deepening professional development opportunities for teachers, professors, and childcare providers.
• Bridge the gap between school and home, creating continuity in learning and support for children and families.
• Apply evidence-based, arts-based instruction proven to strengthen both academic and personal outcomes.
• Address inequities in education by helping to close the achievement gap and expand access to high-quality learning opportunities.

At its heart, the P/Arts Program reflects our belief that the arts are a powerful driver of educational transformation, unlocking potential not just in the classroom but in entire communities.

The Town Fair Tire Foundation Grant supports local organizations in New England, focusing on social, health, and educational services. Established in 2000, the foundation emphasizes 'paying it forward' by encouraging grant recipients to assist others in need. TFTF aims to promote self-reliance and community advancement, funding initiatives that create positive change in the lives of individuals and families affected by poverty. Although primarily focused in New England, grants may be considered for aligned programs elsewhere.

The Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation Grant offers year-round funding for initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture and nutrition education, particularly in New York City and Litchfield County, Connecticut. Emphasizing support for human trafficking survivors, youth development, and social justice, the Foundation seeks projects that align with these priorities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, with some multi-year grants available. Notably, proposals outside the specified areas are by invitation only.

The Cigna Foundation is dedicated to enhancing veteran mental health through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative targets the alarming issue of homelessness among veterans, with nearly 40,000 veterans without shelter nightly and 1.5 million at risk. By funding evidence-informed programs, the foundation aims to increase access to permanent housing, improve affordability, and provide essential wraparound services, ultimately fostering mental health stability and resilience within veteran communities.

The VMIG Charitable Giving Fund aims to enhance community quality of life in regions served by Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. This fund supports non-profit organizations focusing on education, youth development, community building, and basic needs such as housing and hunger. Eligible organizations must operate within specific states and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status. The fund reflects a commitment to fostering healthy, vibrant communities through meaningful financial contributions.

The PCLB Foundation Grant supports organizations in Connecticut and New York that align with its mission of empowering individuals through strategic philanthropy. Founded in 1999, the foundation seeks to provide general operating support and restricted grants in five key areas: education, outdoors, science, medicine, and family projects. By fostering high-quality initiatives, PCLB aims to create systemic change while encouraging innovative solutions to pressing community issues.

The Neag Foundation Grant aims to foster positive change in education, healthcare, and the arts. Supporting initiatives in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, the foundation focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, advancing healthcare interventions, and promoting the arts and humanities. By encouraging innovative projects that receive community support, it seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Organizations with a 501(c)(3) status are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities that align with these goals.

The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations under IRS Section 501(c)(3) in four key areas: human needs, environmental stewardship, education, and community vitality. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000, with two application cycles each year. Notably, funding is unavailable for organizations without 501(c)(3) status or those located outside Dominion's service areas. This foundation aims to enhance community welfare through targeted support for impactful programs.

The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut. They focus on funding programs that enhance affordable housing, economic development, youth services, health, arts, and environmental initiatives. Multi-year grants may support capital projects and campaigns that directly benefit local communities. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in the areas they serve.

The WGPF: Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program celebrates and promotes local folklore, legends, and folklife as vital aspects of cultural heritage. Targeted at 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities across 14 US states, it aims to enhance cultural tourism by commemorating community stories. Successful applications typically focus on folktales, historical legends, and community traditions, while excluding purely literary works or personal folklore that lacks broader community significance.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

The PSEG Foundation provides funding for events and initiatives that enhance community safety and environmental stewardship in areas where they operate, such as New Jersey and New York. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with the foundation's focus areas, including sustainable neighborhoods and safety preparedness. The application process is rolling, with a response time of 8 to 12 weeks. Proposals must be submitted online between January 1 and October 31, at least eight weeks before the event.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, established in 1973, focuses on educational support for underserved populations in New England. It offers scholarships for employees of the Balfour Company and their families, as well as funding for organizations that provide educational services in Attleboro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes programs aimed at college readiness and success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students, and encourages multi-year funding requests to enhance nonprofit sustainability.

The CHEFA Nonprofit Grant Program offers Connecticut nonprofit organizations access to competitive funding for various initiatives. This program supports capital projects and program funding, utilizing CHEFA's resources rather than state funds. By inviting Letters of Interest for FY 2026, CHEFA aims to empower nonprofits to enhance educational, healthcare, and childcare services within the community, fostering growth and development in these vital sectors.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund (Watertown) provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in New York and New England. Established in 1974 by Marian Woodward Ottley, the fund aims to fulfill her vision of improving the world for future generations. The fund prioritizes arts, education, health, and human services, with a historical preference for Connecticut organizations. It also considers the religious affiliations of applicants, reflecting Mrs. Ottley's charitable legacy.

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

The George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation Grant supports quality educational, cultural, human services, and health care programming for underserved populations in Connecticut. Established in 1960, it seeks to promote initiatives that demonstrate financial responsibility and effective leadership. Eligible organizations must be based in Connecticut and can apply for one-year grants. The foundation prioritizes proposals for specific projects and does not fund deficit financing or capital projects.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The Ledyard Rotary Foundation Grant supports community-enhancing projects primarily in Ledyard and Gales Ferry, Connecticut, focusing on education, healthcare, and social issues. As a 501(C)(3) nonprofit, it welcomes grant applications from eligible organizations that can demonstrate a significant impact. While prioritizing new initiatives, the foundation also encourages proposals that seek matching funds. Grants are not available for political or religious purposes, and distributions are limited to nonprofit entities or municipalities.

The Gladys Brooks Foundation supports innovative projects in libraries, education, hospitals, and clinics. Grants focus on resource endowments, capital construction, and equipment aimed at improving public access to information and educational resources. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific states and demonstrate that projects will be funded primarily by the grant. Applications for direct salary support or research projects are not accepted.