Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

RedRover Relief Safe Housing Grants provide vital support for domestic violence survivors by enabling them to keep their pets safe during challenging times. With grants up to $60,000, nonprofit organizations can create or enhance programs that offer shelter for pets, foster care, and veterinary services. This initiative fosters collaboration between domestic violence and animal organizations, ensuring comprehensive community support. By addressing the unique needs of families, these grants promote safety and well-being for both humans and their beloved pets.

The Walter B. Lowe Continuing Education Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support adults over 40 in Decatur County, Indiana, pursuing a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate degree. This scholarship alleviates the financial burden of education, promoting lifelong learning and personal development. For more details, interested candidates can contact the Decatur County Community Foundation at (812) 662-6364. This initiative reflects the foundation's mission to inspire community generosity and create lasting impact.

The Foster Care Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students who have been in foster care and have not been adopted. Applicants must be enrolling in an accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational school and are required to submit a transcript, personal essay, and letter of recommendation. This initiative aims to support the educational pursuits of youths from challenging backgrounds.

The Dupuytren’s Disease Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to reduce financial barriers for underinsured patients suffering from Dupuytren's Disease. This fund provides assistance for prescription drug copays and insurance premiums related to treatment. With an average grant utilization of $1,650 over a 12-month period, the fund ensures that essential medications and therapies are affordable. HealthWell Foundation, a private non-profit, has helped over 1.1 million patients since 2004, demonstrating its commitment to healthcare access.

The Cushing's Disease or Cushing's Syndrome Fund, operated by the HealthWell Foundation, provides vital financial assistance to underinsured patients facing high medical costs associated with these conditions. The fund covers co-payments, insurance premiums, and necessary treatments, ensuring that patients receive the care they need without financial burden. With an average grant utilization of $3,000 over twelve months, this fund aims to alleviate the challenges of treatment accessibility, supporting both physical and mental health for those affected.

The Blepharitis Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial barriers for underinsured patients suffering from blepharitis, an inflammatory condition of the eyelids. This program assists with prescription drug copays and insurance premiums, covering up to $3,500 annually for treatments. With a mission to ensure no patient is deprived of necessary healthcare due to financial constraints, the HealthWell Foundation has provided over $1.2 billion in grants, supporting more than 1.1 million patients since its inception.

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Fund, managed by HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial barriers for underinsured patients battling ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The fund provides financial assistance for prescription copays, insurance premiums, and related healthcare expenses, ensuring patients can access vital treatments. With an average grant utilization of $3,000 over twelve months, the fund exemplifies HealthWell's commitment to ensuring no patient is denied necessary healthcare due to cost. Since 2004, HealthWell has awarded over $1.2 billion in grants, supporting more than 1.1 million patients.

The Alagille Syndrome Vitamins and Supplements Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, offers financial assistance to patients suffering from Alagille Syndrome. This fund helps cover the costs of essential vitamins and supplements needed for treatment. With a maximum award of $1,500, the program aims to reduce financial barriers for underinsured individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary support to manage their health, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Joe Brisson Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Regional)Available to a graduating senior from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau County. Applicants must demonstrate adventurous spirit, a passion and zest for life, and will have played in a soccer league, whether school or community related.

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Jack Edward Allen Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Grand Traverse County)Available to graduating seniors from a Traverse City area high school and who have attained the Eagle Scout ranking from the Boy Scouts of America.

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation (BKCFF)

Brad Keselowski is a co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, where he drives the #6 Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Off-track, Brad is the sole owner and founder of Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing as well as Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation's president and founder. 

In 2009, Brad visited Walter Reed Medical Center, where he became inspired to give back to the men and women that answered the call to serve our country and were injured in the line of duty. Consequently, he founded BKCFF in 2010 with the mission to honor and assist those who serve. Since its founding, BKCFF has raised upright of $3.8 million to serve this mission.  

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation Grant Program

BKCFF was established to support those who are suffering financial, medical, or other hardship resulting from service to the United States or communities within. Funding decisions are made through an equitable and comprehensive application process, with financial support directed to 501(c)(3) public charities that provide services to our target constituents.

The purpose of the grant program is to empower and give hope to our nation’s heroes: military professionals, veterans, first responders, and others who provide courageous service and sacrifice. BKCFF requires all organizations seeking a grant to complete a comprehensive application, which is available on the Foundation’s website or can be requested by contacting the Foundation directly.  

Merrily Jane Lloyd Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior residing in the greater Albion area with plans to attend a two- or four-year institution as a full-time student. Concord, Homer, Marshall, Marshall Opportunity, Marshall Academy, and Springport High Schools may each nominate one student whom demonstrates the characteristics that Merrily embodied: dignity, class, grace, compassion and selflessness. The committee will then select a recipient from this pool of nominees. Financial need and involvement in co- and extra-curricular activities such as, but not limited to, employment and student organizations, may be determining factors. Personal interview with the committee may be requested.

The OREF/John W. Brown Early-Stage Investigator Grant supports innovative research in musculoskeletal health, encouraging early-stage investigators to submit proposals utilizing enabling technologies. Established by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, this grant honors John W. Brown's contributions to orthopaedics. With a maximum funding of $100,000 over one or two years, the grant aims to enhance clinical practice and improve patient outcomes through groundbreaking research.

The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, a private foundation established in 1992, is dedicated to enhancing the Jewish community by awarding grants that foster inclusivity and vibrancy. The fund invites proposals from organizations committed to combating antisemitism and supporting progressive initiatives such as climate action and reproductive rights. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status and can submit one request per year, focusing on projects in the San Francisco Bay Area or nationally.

Jack Sherman Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a two- or four- year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades and show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant’s field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. .

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks' American Patriot Scholarship offers a $5,000 grant to high school seniors or undergraduates with a parent or grandparent who is an honorably discharged veteran or active-duty military personnel. This renewable scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrollment in at least 12 credit hours, and a commitment to attend an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, FAFSA-SAI form, essay, letter of recommendation, and a description of community service involvement.

The Barbara Hodgdon Award, presented by the Shakespeare Association of America (SAA), honors exceptional scholarship in the field of Shakespeare and Performance. Established in memory of Barbara Hodgdon, this award encourages innovative research across various media and time periods related to Shakespeare's work. Eligible submissions must be authored by SAA members and published two years prior to the award presentation. This recognition promotes new discussions and insights within the realm of Shakespearean performance studies.

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports innovative research to enhance physical therapy practices. By fostering early career researchers, the grant aims to build a strong evidence base in physical therapy. Over the past 46 years, this initiative has created a sustainable pipeline for research funding, benefiting patients and healthcare professionals alike, while advancing the profession's evidence-based practices.

The DefIANt Scholars Program, initiated by the Erie Community Foundation, provides scholarships aimed at students with disabilities. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 deserving students to support their pursuit of post-secondary education. This initiative emphasizes breaking down barriers and misconceptions within educational environments, with a preference for applicants from Erie County, fostering inclusivity and opportunity within the disabled community.

The Dr. Michael J. Relihan Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, awards deserving graduating seniors from Erie County high schools who have been accepted into accredited post-secondary institutions. In 2023, over $800,000 was distributed in scholarships to support more than 500 students in their pursuit of higher education and vocational training, empowering the next generation to achieve their academic and career goals.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers the Alternative Education Scholarship, providing a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors currently in foster care or experiencing homelessness. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, aimed at students maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation to qualify.

Tom and Betty Herold Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of Thomas M. and Elizabeth L. Herold.

The Herold Scholarship is to be awarded to high school graduate(s) from a Randolph County, Indiana high school. The scholarship is awarded annually to one of the high schools on a rotational basis in the following order (or in the school consolidated), and then repeated: Randolph Central School Corporation (Winchester Community High School), Randolph Eastern School Corporation (Union City Jr./Sr. High School), Randolph Southern School Corporation, Monroe Central Jr./Sr. High School, Union School Corporation. Students must be pursuing a two- or four- year secondary degree.

Achieve Your Community’s Economic Vitality Goals

Generously sponsored by U.S. Bank, Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street courses center the real challenges of entrepreneurs and equip Main Street leaders with invaluable insights and practical tools needed to respond. 

Building Your Local Business Ecosystem helps Main Street leaders understand and strengthen the network of people, organizations, programs, and resources that support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Across three connected virtual classroom sessions, you will map your local business ecosystem, identify strengths and gaps, and develop practical ways to improve coordination and turn shared insights into action.

Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street is a recurring learning offering, available twice each year. Each session explores a distinct, timely topic shaping Main Street economies, allowing practitioners to gain tools, knowledge, and strategies to meet the immediate needs and long-term economic vitality goals of their community’s entrepreneurs.

What You’ll Get

• Three interactive virtual learning sessions
• Dynamic curriculum developed by subject matter experts
• Access to a peer network of Main Street economic development leaders
• Curated suite of templates, resources, and customizable tools that you can use right away
• A practical entrepreneurial ecosystem-mapping and action-planning process that you can apply in your own community
• Eligibility for credit toward the Main Street America Revitalization Professional credential and AICP certification 

Why It’s Worth the Investment 

Many community leaders are driving critical economic development initiatives on tight budgets — so how do you justify the expense of this course to your Board or leadership team? Here’s what you and your community will receive from this investment:

• Practical tools for understanding and mapping your local business ecosystem
• Strategies for identifying gaps, overlaps, and opportunities within the local support system
• Approaches for strengthening coordination among business-support partners
• Evergreen resources that support continued implementation after the course
• Professional credentials
• National peer networking

Price, Registration & What's Included

• Rates: $275 Member, $350 Non-member

The VAC Veterans Memorial Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for McHenry County, provides financial assistance to children and grandchildren of active-duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans. Applicants must be Illinois high school graduates with a minimum 2.5 GPA and provide proof of military connection. This scholarship not only supports educational pursuits but also honors the legacy of service to the country, fostering the next generation of leaders and scholars.

The Jennifer Samson Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Community Foundation for McHenry County, honors the memory of a talented artist and advocate. It provides annual awards to graduating high school students in McHenry County who have actively participated in musical theater. This scholarship not only supports educational pursuits but also continues Jenn's legacy of love for the arts and her commitment to equal rights and community service. Applicants must demonstrate involvement in musical theater during their high school years.

The Jake Arndt Memorial Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation for McHenry County, supports students dedicated to the Woodstock community pursuing higher education. This scholarship honors Jake Arndt, a beloved individual known for his kindness and community involvement. Applicants must demonstrate community engagement and may receive preference if they have athletic backgrounds or financial need. In total, CFMC allocates $50,000 annually in scholarships to empower local students in their educational pursuits.

The Crooked Stick Endowed Scholarship, established by Crooked Stick Golf Club, aims to support students from Central Indiana pursuing post-secondary education with a strong interest in golf. Funded by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes academic promise, character, and financial need, ensuring that recipients are well-rounded individuals dedicated to their education and the sport they love. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering talent in the golfing community.