Best Grants for Charities 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.

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides Connecticut charities and other early-stage social impact organizations with up to US $300,000 to scale proven solutions for underserved communities. Eligible independent nonprofits and impact-first for-profits must be post-pilot, under 10 years old, operating in areas like poverty, health, education, environment, or economic mobility, with clear plans for exponential growth.

Charitable nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Connecticut can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives from State Farm Companies Foundation. Focus areas include auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–12 or higher education, including STEM and career pathways.

Cultural nonprofits in Connecticut and across the U.S. can seek funding for arts and science programs that engage youth and create measurable impact. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports established 501(c)(3) institutions such as museums, theaters, ballets, symphonies, and arts schools with program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, with awards more than US $100,000.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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.

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.

501(c)(3) charities in Connecticut can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship support to advance economic mobility and social progress. Funding may support basic needs, workforce development and education, community development, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and diversity and inclusion programs that strengthen low- and moderate-income communities.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities providing education, health services, food security, or affordable housing may be eligible for invitation-only program support in the greater Bridgeport area. The Elizabeth M Pfriem Foundation supports innovative, growth-ready initiatives that improve conditions for vulnerable children and families, with a focus on sustainable, high-impact community programs.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) charities serving low-income communities and working in areas like affordable housing, economic development, financial health, or workforce readiness can receive US $1,000,000 in unrestricted support over three years. Focused on community progress, Citi Foundation invites eligible Fairfield County organizations to apply when RFPs reopen, offering funding plus technical assistance and peer-learning opportunities.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) charitable organizations seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national funder welcomes applications from nonprofits working to respect people, life, and the environment, and may benefit Connecticut charities with aligned missions and programs.

Educational charities and 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut focused on college readiness, access, and success for underserved students can seek support for programs, research, and small capital needs. With a mission to advance higher education outcomes, Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation provides multi-year grants to New England educational efforts, including eligible Connecticut initiatives.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities serving Kensington residents can receive funding for educational, cultural, environmental, health, and human services programs. Marjorie Moore Charitable Foundation provides one-year operating or program grants, with multi-year capital support considered case by case, prioritizing organizations offering human services or health care for underserved populations.

Focused on arts and culture, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development invites Connecticut 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits to seek unrestricted support for operations, programming, equipment, or endowments. Eligible charities must be Connecticut-based arts organizations that spend most of their budget on arts initiatives and have raised over $15,000 in private donations for two consecutive years.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities working on regenerative agriculture, soil health, biodiversity, or nutrition education can access funding via Hillman Family Foundations through the Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation. Grants support projects in Litchfield County and the broader Northeast, with some funding also available for youth development, social justice, anti-trafficking, and safety-net services.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities and educational institutions in the Long Island Sound watershed in Connecticut can apply for the Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund, awarding US $15,000 - US $200,000 for conservation and restoration projects. Administered by New York Community Trust, it supports environmental stewardship, habitat protection, and resilient, sustainable communities around Long Island Sound.

With a mission to support charitable purposes, the Anne S. Richardson Fund provides Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities with project, capital, and limited operating support. Ridgefield organizations assisting lower-income residents or community-wide needs, and Fairfield County programs for women’s independence, LGBTQIA+ services, youth development, or environmental conservation may be especially competitive.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) charities and other nonprofits can seek funding for religious, educational, charitable, or scientific purposes through the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund. The fund supports program areas including arts and culture, education, environment and animals, health, human services, public benefit, and religion, with grants also available to governmental agencies across New England and New York.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) charities offering youth STEAM education can access funding through Cox Communications, with grants of US $5,000 - US $12,000. Eligible nonprofits must be in a Cox East serviceable area and run programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, or math, including youth innovation, conservation, sustainability, or inclusion initiatives.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities serving people in Glastonbury can seek one-year support for programs in health and human services, youth services, education, arts, religion, and enjoyment of the natural environment. Grants from George H.C. Ensworth Memorial Fund help local charities strengthen community well-being across these eligible program areas.

Connecticut charities serving women and girls in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott can access funding through Main Street Community Foundation to run programs and related capital projects. Grants prioritize services for senior women, confidence-building and leadership for girls and teens, and non-clinical mental health and well-being initiatives.