Best Grants for International Development in Connecticut

The Artist Fellowship Grant offers $3,000 to Connecticut artists across all disciplines to support new work and enhance their careers. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, full-time residents of Connecticut, and able to provide a Social Security Number. Recent recipients must wait five years before reapplying. This program aims to recognize and nurture artistic talent, ensuring that funds are directed towards artists with a professional body of work.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The NE-AIPG Angelo Tagliacozzo Memorial Geological Scholarship (ATMGS) supports junior and senior undergraduate geology students in the NE Section, honoring Angelo Tagliacozzo's legacy. Established in 1986, the scholarship aims to encourage young geologists to pursue careers in geological sciences. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, on track for required credit hours, and can only receive the scholarship once. This initiative fosters early engagement with AIPG, emphasizing professional affiliation and support for the next generation of geologists.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

Kiwanis Foundation of New England

The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) was established in 1953 to be the fundraising arm of the New England District of Kiwanis. Since its inception, KFNE has raised and distributed millions of dollars.The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) has as its essential mission “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”. KFNE has a long history of providing a variety of programs and community service projects that benefit the youth of New England.

Kiwanis Foundation of New England Grant Program

• The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) Club Grant Program is open to any Kiwanis Club of the New England and Bermuda District in good standing. Requesting clubs should submit a written proposal no more than three pages in length.

• The greatest consideration/weight will be given to those proposals that benefit the largest number of children.

• Additional weight will be assigned to those requests that are original or innovative in nature (i.e. a dream or something the writer/submitter has always wanted to do but was restricted due to financial constraints) vs. those that are for supplies or basic materials.

• Extra weight will be also be assigned to those projects/programs where matching funds would be used to leverage the grant that would be received.

• Awards will be limited to no more than $1,000, although the Committee reserves the right to recommend higher amounts in extraordinary circumstances. No Kiwanis Club may receive more than $1,000 in grants within a three-year period.

• The committee will bring its recommendations to the KFNE Board meeting three times a year.

The James W. Cooper Fellows program, established by the Connecticut Bar Foundation, invites nominations for outstanding Connecticut lawyers, judges, and law educators to enhance understanding of the legal profession and justice administration. Selected nominees commit to a $2,500 pledge over ten years. The program aims to improve civil justice through various grants and initiatives, reinforcing the foundation's mission of equitable legal access and education in Connecticut.

The George I. Alden Trust offers a Higher Education Grant aimed at supporting independent colleges and universities in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The Trust prioritizes capital needs to enhance the educational experience, approving grants up to $100,000 for first-time applicants. Eligible institutions must have a minimum of 1,000 full-time undergraduate students and demonstrate a commitment to educational excellence and effective administration.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Connecticut provide vital financial support to qualified organizations, enabling them to assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. Participants work collaboratively under supervision, contributing their labor while receiving technical guidance. This program fosters community development and self-sufficiency in rural areas, ensuring that families can achieve homeownership through shared effort and expert assistance. Eligible applicants include government non-profits, federally-recognized tribes, and private non-profits.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The 1772 Foundation offers Connecticut Historic Preservation Matching Grants of up to $10,000 for various preservation projects, including exterior painting, surface restoration, and structural repairs. To qualify, applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations and have completed any prior matching grants. Funding excludes schools and churches. Applicants may need to submit recent maintenance and restoration plans to demonstrate site sustainability, ensuring the longevity of these historic structures.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Elizabeth Long Anderson Scholarship

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who plan to matriculate at a Connecticut State College or University or a Connecticut State Community College. Previously awarded recipients are eligible to re-apply should they continue to attend a Connecticut State College or University or a Connecticut State Community College.

The Geological Society of Connecticut offers the GSC Student Research Grant to support undergraduate and master’s students conducting geology-related fieldwork in Connecticut. Each year, up to three grants of $500 may be awarded to eligible applicants. Students from any institution can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria related to their field of study. This initiative aims to enhance geological research and education while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources in the state.

The Survey and Planning Grants program, managed by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for various historic preservation projects. Eligible activities include historic designation reports, municipal preservation planning, and pre-development studies. Applications can be submitted anytime, and grants are awarded during monthly meetings of the Historic Preservation Council. It is essential to contact the funder to discuss project eligibility and funding availability before applying.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The Connecticut Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program provides vital technical and financial support to local communities facing urgent threats from natural disasters such as floods and fires. This program, managed by the USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service, enables swift action without the need for a formal disaster declaration. Eligible sponsors can initiate projects focused on restoring watershed health, ensuring safety, and enhancing community resilience against future environmental hazards.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) offers funding through its CERCLA 128(a) Grant Program, targeting municipalities and non-profit organizations. With a total funding pool of $750,000, applicants can receive up to $250,000 for assessment and an additional $250,000 for cleanup projects. DEEP prioritizes initiatives that enhance park space, greenways, and recreational areas, as well as properties designated for nonprofit use.

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

New ERA Writers Program Goals

The New Era Writers Program aims to inspire those who seek to improve their current abilities or find a community with like-minded individuals and writers. We want to provide support and resources to writers and writing programs to help amplify their voices and improve their capabilities. Our Foundation believes that one of the most important life skills is the ability to be an effective writer and communicator. We support programs that will provide anyone with the knowledge and skills to express themselves through the art of writing and encourage higher levels of training designed to assist in delivering clear and persuasive arguments for change and equality. This program was designed to support writers as they pursue a career and love of writing.

Program Outline

The New Era program was created to encourage writing professionals, teachers, counselors, professors, and schools to start or continue programs supporting professional and creative writing career paths.

The program can support:

• Any writing genre: Journalism, Fiction, Poetry, Prose, Blogging, Novel, Autobiography, Book Reviews, Comic Strips, Diaries, Essays, Fables, etc.
• Programs can be Workshops, Writing Clubs, Curriculum Based Programs, After-school programs, Summer Programs, Retreats, etc.
• Program space that provides a safe and inspiring environment.
• Community Partnerships or On-Staff Writing Professionals or Teachers with Writing Degrees or who Minored in Writing or any Humanities, Liberal Arts or another degree that teaches or encourages writing.