Best Grants for Cybersecurity in Connecticut

The OJJDP FY 2026 Internet Crimes Against Children On-Line Child Protection System (ICACCOPS) funding opportunity aims to enhance and maintain critical investigative tools for child exploitation cases. ICACCOPS provides a robust IT infrastructure to support data services, network security, and management tools for law enforcement. This initiative strengthens the efforts of the national network of ICAC Task Forces, which are dedicated to combating technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation across the United States.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program Support aims to fortify a national network of 61 multiagency task forces dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation facilitated by technology. This funding opportunity enhances training, prevention, and outreach efforts while fostering collaboration among law enforcement entities. Applications are due in JustGrants by November 9, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, ensuring timely support for critical initiatives to protect children.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) program aims to enhance the technological investigative capacity of ICAC task forces nationwide. Through this funding opportunity, the program will support the development and refinement of investigative tools and methods to combat child sexual abuse material, exploitation, and trafficking. The deadline for application submission is November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these critical issues.

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.

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.

Focused on nonprofit growth and development, Fairfield County's Community Foundation invites Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities serving Fairfield County to seek capacity-building support. Eligible organizations can request up to US $10,000 for technology and infrastructure, staff development, strategic planning, fundraising systems, evaluation, and other activities that strengthen organizational effectiveness and sustainability, including cybersecurity-related improvements.

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 Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (EPCN) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, supports cutting-edge research in networked systems, optimization, and machine learning. It aims to advance technologies in energy, transportation, and robotics, focusing on electric power systems and renewable energy integration. The program encourages innovative solutions for dynamic resource allocation and risk management, addressing challenges in consumer behavior and regulatory policies. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, inviting diverse research proposals.