Best Grants for Cybersecurity in Connecticut

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering a grant of up to $500,000 to support a national Cyber Certification Program aimed at enhancing cyber resources for SBA Resource Partners. This initiative seeks to foster collaboration among various partners, including Small Business Development Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers, to improve cybersecurity awareness among small businesses. The program prioritizes innovative strategies and practices that empower resource partners in delivering effective assistance to entrepreneurs.

State, tribal, and local government agencies in Connecticut and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can apply for the Office on Violence Against Women’s cybercrime enforcement grants, with awards up to US $750,000 to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cybercrimes against individuals. Funding may support cybersecurity-focused law enforcement efforts addressing harassment, stalking, extortion, intimidation, and nonconsensual distribution of intimate images.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing college or trade school studies in cybersecurity, accounting, emergency services, or skilled trades may be eligible for the Eugene Curfman Foundation Scholarship, including students from Connecticut. Offered through the Community Foundation of Carroll County, this award supports tuition and books for students in qualifying technical and vocational fields.

Connecticut research institutions and interdisciplinary teams working on AI-driven cybersecurity and energy-related technologies can access funding through the United States Department of Energy for projects that accelerate scientific discovery and R&D workflows. Awards range from US $500,000 - US $16,000,000 for Phase I small teams and Phase II large teams across areas including computer science, AI, and energy.

Nonprofits, academic institutions, and individuals working on AI-related cybersecurity and other existential risk projects, including those in Connecticut, can apply for US $1,000 - US $500,000 from the Long-Term Future Fund. With a mission to support long-term future projects, Centre for Effective Altruism provides flexible funding for research, up-skilling, seed organizations, and movement-building efforts.

Cybersecurity and open-source ecosystem teams in Connecticut working on safety, security, and privacy improvements can apply for National Science Foundation funding, with awards up to US $1,500,000. With a mission to strengthen open-source ecosystems, NSF provides support to address technical and socio-technical vulnerabilities and enhance risk management capabilities.

Graduate-level students and researchers in cybersecurity and related fields from the U.S. or Australia can receive up to US $40,000 for study or research between the two countries. With a mission to support advanced security, technology, and diplomacy studies, American Australian Association provides funding for tuition, travel, living, and associated educational or research costs.

Graduate-level PhD and postdoctoral researchers in defence, space, or cybersecurity with affiliations to South Australian or U.S. universities can receive up to US $40,000 for tuition, travel, living, and research costs. Connecticut cybersecurity scholars may be eligible if they meet citizenship and institutional affiliation requirements for this American Australian Association scholarship.

Graduate-level students and researchers in cybersecurity and related emerging technologies in Connecticut and across the U.S. and Australia can receive up to US $40,000 for tuition, travel, and research costs. Focused on security, technology, and diplomacy, the American Australian Association invites applicants pursuing Masters, Ph.D., or Postdoctoral work between the two countries.

Minority-serving institutions in the U.S. seeking to strengthen STEM doctoral programs and research capacity, including in cybersecurity, can apply for National Science Foundation CREST-RISE awards of US $100,000 - US $2,000,000. Connecticut MSIs with graduate programs in areas like AI, data science, cybersecurity, and related STEM fields may benefit from support for students, research, and equipment.

Nonprofit organizations running cybersecurity or technology-enabled workforce programs in Connecticut and other eligible countries can apply for Kyndryl Charitable Foundation grants to expand skills training and job placement for underrepresented learners. With a mission to power human progress, the foundation supports future-forward education, inclusive economies, and climate-related innovation through data-informed, long-term partnerships.

Connecticut cybersecurity and technology-focused organizations using real-time 3D can access funding through Unity Technologies for impact-driven projects aligned with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal. Grants support games, XR, film, or other RT3D solutions addressing social, educational, environmental, health, humanitarian, or related issues, with awards up to US $500,000.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) institutions working on cybersecurity and related global challenges can access funding through the Japan Foundation’s Japan–U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program. This prepaid grant supports Japan–U.S. collaborative, policy-oriented research and dialogue projects involving universities, think tanks, and nonprofits addressing issues like cyber security, AI, digital transformation, and resilient, inclusive societies.

Graduate-level U.S. citizens studying cybersecurity or related STEM fields at accredited U.S. institutions, including those in Connecticut, can receive AFCEA’s Shrader Graduate Scholarship to cover tuition and required course expenses. Awards of US $3,000 support full-time students in at least their second semester with a minimum 3.5 GPA whose majors align with AFCEA’s mission.

Schools and youth-serving organizations in Connecticut planning teen technology competitions in areas like cybersecurity, software, robotics, or AI can seek funding for program design and implementation. Glenn W Bailey Charitable Trust supports STEM-focused Teen Tech Competitions across the U.S., offering up to US $25,000 for events that foster creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

The Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (EPCN) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation, fosters innovative research in multi-agent systems, resource allocation, and machine learning. It focuses on applications in energy, transportation, and robotics, while emphasizing the integration of renewable energy into power systems. EPCN also explores advanced power electronics, cybersecurity for grids, and the development of adaptive systems. This program encourages groundbreaking advancements in energy-efficient technologies and promotes collaboration in addressing complex challenges.

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to transform open-source research into sustainable ecosystems that tackle national and societal challenges. This initiative promotes innovation across various sectors, including AI and cybersecurity, by fostering strong governance and broad user engagement. PESOSE invites proposals to establish and enhance open-source ecosystems, ensuring their safety, security, and effectiveness in meeting emergent needs.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Capacity Fund

The NAFC Capacity Fund supports investments that strengthen clinic and pharmacy infrastructure and organizational effectiveness. This funding is designed to help NAFC members build the systems, tools, and capabilities needed to operate more efficiently, improve quality, and expand their ability to serve patients over time.

The Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund is a pioneering initiative empowering youth and intergenerational organizations to shape the responsible technology movement. With $1.5 million in funding, it offers grants between $25,000 and $200,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities. The fund focuses on enhancing human rights, addressing social issues through tech, and ensuring equitable access, while encouraging innovative and equitable solutions from youth-led initiatives.