Best Grants for International Development in Connecticut

The Rita & Myron Hendel Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, aims to support New London residents graduating from New London High School. This scholarship targets motivated students demonstrating financial need, providing approximately $4,000 over four years to help them pursue their educational goals. With over $11.9 million awarded since 1983, the foundation emphasizes philanthropy to foster a sustainable and thriving community.

The RADM David M. Goebel, USN Leadership Award, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, recognizes New London graduates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in areas such as academics, athletics, or public service, particularly in overcoming adversity. Since its inception, the Community Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, supporting students in their pursuit of education and career goals.

The Laura B. Seder Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides financial assistance to students from Norwich attending accredited colleges or universities. Established in memory of Laura B. Seder, a dedicated lawyer and community member, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of legal studies. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to support local students in achieving their educational and career goals.

The Laura Fish-Kelly Scholarship, established by financial advisor Laura Fish-Kelly, supports female students from Windham County pursuing business-related studies at accredited colleges. It is part of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, which has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships since 1983. This scholarship aims to help students with financial need achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund, established in 1946, aims to enhance educational, human services, and healthcare programs for underserved populations in Middlesex County, Connecticut. With a focus on alleviating human distress, it favors nonprofits that serve the local community, particularly in Middletown and Middlesex County. Managed by Bank of America, the fund provides grants for one year, supporting initiatives that address vital community needs.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

The Philip A. Turner Scholarship, established by friends and family in memory of Philip A. Turner, supports New London students involved with the Rotary Club of New London's Interact organization. Eligible applicants must be planning to major in Business or a related field, maintain good academic standing, and demonstrate financial need. A secondary preference is given to Norwich Free Academy students committed to community service. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships.

The Marjory B. and Laurence P. "Jim" Smith Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, offers $12,000 over four years to outstanding students with financial need from East Lyme, Robert Fitch, Montville, New London, and Waterford High Schools. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, supporting local students in their pursuit of education and career aspirations.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Connecticut provides essential funding for rural areas to develop vital community facilities. This program supports projects such as healthcare facilities, public safety services, and educational institutions, enhancing the quality of life in these communities. Priority is given to smaller or low-income communities, ensuring equitable access to resources. Eligible applicants include public bodies and non-profit organizations, fostering local development and infrastructure improvements.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The Connecticut Recreational Trails Program Grants, established by the DEEP in 2015, provides funding for trail projects to support both motorized and non-motorized trails. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and tribal governments. Grants can cover up to 80% of project costs, with a maximum request of 1 million dollars. Key focus areas include trail construction, maintenance, accessibility for disabled individuals, and educational programs promoting safety and environmental protection.

The Connecticut Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through innovative projects. With over $6.8 million allocated to support 65 projects, the program encourages applications that address industry needs, including new priority areas focused on diversity and inclusion. Eligible specialty crops range from fruits and vegetables to honey and processed foods made from at least 50% specialty ingredients. This initiative plays a crucial role in strengthening Connecticut's agricultural sector.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program, offered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, provides essential funding for municipalities and nonprofit organizations to purchase land for conservation and recreational purposes. This program prioritizes projects that demonstrate high conservation value and leverage additional funding sources. It also supports distressed municipalities, fostering community gardens and green spaces, thereby enhancing the environment and public access to natural areas.

The Building Equitable Opportunity Grant by the Connecticut Community Foundation aims to address systemic disparities affecting low-income communities in Waterbury. By combining various grant areas, the initiative focuses on creating equitable pathways to economic mobility through education, advocacy, and job development. The program targets BIPOC families and emphasizes culturally responsive education, community collaboration, and support for underserved populations, fostering long-term economic resilience and systemic change.

The Red Sox Foundation offers event sponsorship opportunities to support community initiatives in New England and Lee County, FL. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a focus on health, education, and recreation. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the Foundation's mission to enhance the lives of children, families, and veterans. Applications for sponsorships over $10,000 are by invitation only, fostering impactful community partnerships.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The William J. McCarthy Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Mystic or Groton pursuing bachelor's degrees. Applicants must be in the top 10% of their high school class and demonstrate financial need. With over $11.9 million awarded since 1983, this scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering education and rewarding careers in the region.

The William Silva Fund for the Arts, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students pursuing studies in visual and performing arts, particularly in music, singing, photography, painting, and acting. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to help local students achieve their educational goals. This fund reflects a commitment to nurturing artistic talent in the region and enhancing the cultural landscape of Eastern Connecticut.

The CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.

The Barr Foundation's Education Program is dedicated to transforming public high school experiences across New England, emphasizing excellence and equity for all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. By supporting innovative models, investing in a skilled educator workforce, and fostering community engagement, the program aims to ensure that every student is well-prepared for their future. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships with public schools and organizations committed to these goals.

The Artists Respond Grant (CT) supports Connecticut artists in executing community-based projects, from large events to intimate gatherings. This grant allows artists to utilize the transformative power of art to engage and uplift local communities. With available funding of $3,000, artists can cover essential fees and expenses related to their projects. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older and reside full-time in Connecticut, ensuring that the projects reflect community needs and current social issues.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

Pegpetia Grant Program

The Public, Educational and Governmental Programming and Educational Technology Investment Account (PEGPETIA) grant program provides funding to (1) promote and improve public, educational and governmental programming in Connecticut and (2) support education technology initiatives of boards of education and other education entities.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority awards 50% of funding as PEG Grants to promote and improve public, educational and governmental programming on community access channels in Connecticut, and the remaining 50% is awarded as ETI Grants to support education technology initiatives of boards of education and other education entities.

Eligible Projects

PEG Grants may be awarded for investments that are designed to improve or promote PEG programming. Although funds are available to a wide variety of entities involved either directly or indirectly in producing community access programs, the award of funds to those entities is not the goal of the program. Rather the funds are intended to be used for capital and equipment costs that aid the production and procurement of public, educational and governmental programs. Accordingly, grant recipients are required to file a report with the authority, stating (a) the title, subject and duration (in minutes) of all community access programs facilitated in whole or in part by the grant award; (b) how the programs were distributed through community access channels; and (c) the protocols for ensuring that any programs produced with equipment purchased with PEGPETIA funds are made available in the applicant’s local PEG studio. Additionally, PEG grant recipients must also file a report after project completion enabled by the grant funds to ensure the funding is used appropriately.  

ETI Grants may be awarded for the support of education technology initiatives boards of education and other education entities, including both public and private schools. Accordingly, ETI grant recipients must file a report of the completed project enabled by the grant funds to ensure the funding is used appropriately.

The Connecticut Sea Grant Arts Support Awards Program offers up to $1000 to artists or groups whose work reflects the beauty and relevance of coastal and marine environments. Eligible participants include Connecticut residents or artists whose work connects to these themes, across all artistic disciplines. Funds can cover production costs, excluding self-compensation. Previous awardees must wait five years before reapplying, ensuring fresh talent and innovative projects continue to emerge.