Best Grants for Museums in Connecticut

HOME Investment Partnerships Program - State of Connecticut

History:

Program was authorized by the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-625). The HOME program is a federal block grant program that provides funding to states and localities to be used exclusively for affordable housing activities to benefit low-income households. HOME funds are awarded as loans and/or grants to eligible applicants.

Purpose:

HOME is the largest federally-funded program administered by the DOH and is designed to create affordable housing for low and moderate-income households. The HOME program is designed to:

• Provide quality, affordable housing for Connecticut residents
• Strengthen communities
• Expand the capacity of non-profit housing development organizations and
• Leverage private sector participation

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) invites proposals for regional fire science exchanges across nine designated regions in the U.S. This initiative aims to promote the sharing of fire science knowledge and practices over a two-year period. Eligible applicants can focus on regions including Alaska, Appalachians, Great Basin, North Atlantic, Northern Rockies, Northwest, Oak Woodlands, Pacific Islands, and Southwest. Proposals must be specific to one region.

Community Development Block Grant: Small Cities

"The Key to Connecticut's Community Development Future"

 Connecticut's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, also known as the Small Cities Program, provides funding and technical support for projects that achieve local community and economic development objectives. The Small Cities Program principally benefits low-and moderate-income persons. This program is only available to Connecticut towns and cities with populations of less than 50,000.

Funding for the Connecticut CDBG program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the guidelines of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. Eligible Activities must meet one of the following CDBG program National Objectives: benefiting low and moderate-income persons, eliminating slum and blight or addressing an urgent need.

The primary focus of the CDBG program is to benefit low-and moderate-income persons. The Connecticut CDBG program receives and distributes over thirteen million dollars each year. Since the state took over the administration of the CDBG program in 1982, over $325,700,000 has been invested in Connecticut communities. Communities participate in a competitive application process annually for CDBG funds to implement their proposed community and economic development projects.  

The Department of the Interior's Wildland Fire Service Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) invites proposals for the FLAMES award, aimed at master and doctoral students in wildland fire studies. This initiative enhances research relevance by connecting students with fire management practices, providing experiential learning opportunities, and fostering mentorship. Students will gain valuable insights into management and policy, preparing them for impactful careers in fire science. The program emphasizes peer-learning and professional development in the context of wildland fire management.

The Point32Health Foundation Grant focuses on advancing equity in aging by providing multi-year, general operating grants to nonprofits in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for older adults. Grant applications are accepted at various times, with specific deadlines for advocacy and social justice projects. The foundation seeks to honor the voices of those most affected by inequities.

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) promotes and administers comprehensive, recovery-oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment throughout Connecticut.

While the Department's prevention services serve all Connecticut citizens, its mandate is to serve adults (over 18 years of age) with psychiatric or substance use disorders, or both, who lack the financial means to obtain such services on their own. DMHAS also provides collaborative programs for individuals with special needs, such as persons with HIV/AIDS infection, people in the criminal justice system, those with problem gambling disorders, substance abusing pregnant women, persons with traumatic brain injury or hearing impairment, those with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness, and special populations transitioning out of the Department of Children and Families.

Evidence Based Practices Crisis Intervention Team Training Provider

Program Overview

The State of Connecticut, represented by DMHAS, in its effort to successfully implement a comprehensive CIT Statewide Model including CIT training, collaboration and partnerships with community members, requests proposals from qualified CIT trained entities to provide submissions that effectively describe a plan to provide CIT Training statewide to law enforcement officers, first responders and behavioral health clinicians.

The statewide CIT Statewide Model and Training is designed to equip law enforcement officers, first responders, dispatch/911, mental health professionals, and other relevant stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to effectively respond to individuals in crisis.

The Wild Geese Foundation supports organizations focused on human rights, food justice, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. With a commitment to marginalized communities, they prioritize reproductive justice and sustainable agriculture in New England. Grants are available to 501(c)3 organizations, excluding those with budgets over $5 million or involved in international projects. Their mission emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where youth can thrive, ensuring a just and equitable society for all.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

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 North Star Fellowship, managed by The Mind Trust in partnership with LEAD, offers exceptional school leaders a chance to develop and launch new public charter schools in Connecticut. This program provides a competitive salary, healthcare, and personalized coaching, fostering collaboration among diverse education leaders. Fellows will enhance their leadership skills and receive ongoing support throughout the school launch process, ensuring high-quality educational opportunities for Connecticut families.

The NESOT Student Travel Award for SOT Annual Meeting supports graduate and undergraduate students who are members of the NESOT Regional Chapter. Eligible students must apply with a membership application, abstract, and a letter of support from their Major Advisor. The award offers significant prizes for the top five applicants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, promoting student engagement and research in toxicology within the NESOT region.

The New England Food Vision Prize aims to enhance local food supply chains in New England's educational institutions by awarding up to $1.5 million. The program supports innovative projects that increase the amount of regionally produced food served to K-12 and college students. By fostering collaboration among schools, farmers, and community organizations, the Prize strengthens food systems while prioritizing access for students and communities with limited fresh food options.

The NESOT Paper of the Year Award, presented by the Northeast Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding publications in toxicology by graduate students or postdoctoral fellows. Eligible applicants must be NESOT members affiliated with institutions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Papers must be published or in press in peer-reviewed journals between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025. The award includes a certificate and a $1,000 honorarium.

Mental Health Intensive Residential Program

RFP Summary

The State of Connecticut, represented by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is soliciting proposals to develop mental health intensive residential program(s) designed to transition individuals from extended stays in state facilities to the community, or to expand current mental health intensive residential programs designed to transition individuals from extended stays in state facilities to the community. These programs will be staffed 24 hours a day/7 days per week, 365 days per year, and will support between four (4) to eight (8) individuals depending on the size of the physical environment. These programs will provide residential support, community supervision, skill building, and evidence-based interventions that support recovery and successful transitions to the community. Referrals to these programs will include individuals with severe and persistent mental illness transitioning out of state facilities with a history of forensic involvement including problem sexual, fire-setting, and aggressive behaviors.

RFP Purpose

This RFP is intended to result in selection of a qualified Contractor(s) to create and manage supervised mental health intensive residential programs (hereafter referred to as the “Program”) with individualized services to assist four (4) to eight (8) adults in developing independent living skills and preparing for transition to the community following: 1) incarceration; or 2) long term stays in a state facility

The Bulkley Foundation Grant offers support for charitable organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut, with a focus on those serving Norwalk. Eligible areas include animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, community development, education, environment, health and medical research, human and social services, and religious initiatives. This grant aims to enhance community welfare and promote various programs that benefit local residents.

The One Hive Foundation Grant focuses on promoting pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture through funding research and nonprofit initiatives. Launched in 2022, the grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing environmental data, public education, and scientific collaboration. Targeting verified 501c3 organizations, the foundation emphasizes ecological practices and community engagement in Vermont and beyond, with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible applicants.

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.

The F25AS00332 Highlands Conservation Act provides competitive funding for land conservation projects in the Highlands Region, which includes Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, this program allows eligible state, county, or municipal entities to request grants covering up to 50% of project costs. The program aims to protect vital natural resources and is divided into Base and Competitive funding categories, with specific proposals invited for the Competitive Funding Round.

The Highlands Conservation Act Program, administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, supports land conservation projects in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs for acquisitions from willing sellers. The program typically allocates funds in two categories: Base and Competitive. Eligible applicants can apply for Base Funding through this Notice of Funding Opportunity, while a separate notice will address Competitive Funds.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) organizations providing SAT/ACT prep, college counseling, or trade-school and job-skills guidance can receive up to US $25,000 to support small-group mentoring for underprivileged or at-risk students. Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust funding may benefit museums that run youth education or college and career preparation programs.

The Local Preservation Partners Grant, offered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, aims to enhance collaboration among historic preservation organizations and local partners. This initiative supports activities like municipal planning, coalition building, and public outreach to protect cultural heritage and historic resources. Funded through the Community Investment Act, the program fosters community engagement and long-term preservation planning, contributing significantly to the state's commitment to economic growth and revitalization.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Connecticut provide essential funding opportunities for small and emerging businesses in rural areas. With two types of grants available—Opportunity and Enterprise—these funds can be utilized for various projects, including technical assistance, feasibility studies, and community economic development. Eligible applicants include rural public entities, such as towns and nonprofit corporations. The program aims to enhance the economic landscape while prioritizing smaller requests for funding.

The Elizabeth L Mahaffey Fellowship Grant supports Connecticut residents pursuing professional development in arts administration. Named after a dedicated mentor, this grant provides up to $2,500 for activities such as workshops, training, and consultancy. Applicants should have 2-10 years of experience in the arts and can expect 2-3 fellowships awarded annually by the Connecticut Office of the Arts. This initiative nurtures future leaders in the arts sector.

The Every Child Art Experience Grant provides $2,500 to public schools in Connecticut for out-of-school arts activities, prioritizing Alliance and Opportunity Districts. This initiative aims to enhance arts access and engagement among students. Eligible activities must involve at least 25 students and be accessible to all abilities. Schools must utilize the funds within the same academic year, promoting creativity and community strength through artistic experiences.

Connecticut individual artists creating original work can receive up to US $3,000 to pursue new projects and advance their artistic careers in Connecticut. Connecticut museums and cultural institutions may benefit when their resident artists or collaborators secure Artist Fellowship Grants from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.

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.