Best Grants for Museums in Connecticut

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 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 National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey advancing equitable, sustainable food systems can receive a US $10,000 unrestricted grant to support their work. With a mission to strengthen regional food justice, North Star Fund’s Community Food Funders Champions Award honors groups with strong racial justice analysis, which may include museums engaged in food, agriculture, or community food history programming.

Bob's Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation supports non-profit organizations with resources rather than individual sponsorships. They require requests to be submitted on the letterhead of a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. This ensures that assistance reaches those in need through established channels. Interested parties should provide specific details regarding their requests to facilitate the application process. With a commitment to fairness, Bob's Cares aims to effectively support community initiatives across the country.

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.

Joyce C. Willis Equity in the Arts Award

The Joyce C. Willis Equity in the Arts Award is a new competitive grant as of 2025. Similar to our Creation of New Work grant, this award is designed to: 

• Foster creativity in Greater Hartford by supporting artists of color in the creation of new work
• Foster collaborations between artists of color and arts organizations that benefit the arts, the organization and the community
• Further the foundation’s mission to support and encourage excellence in the arts in the Hartford and the immediately surrounding communities. 

We hope this new program will provide greater support for artists of color in the Greater Hartford.  

The Mabel F. Hoffman Charitable Trust, established in 1969, supports quality educational, health care, and human services programs for underserved populations, particularly in Hartford, Connecticut. Grants are awarded for one year and special consideration is given to local organizations. However, capital projects are not funded, and applicants can receive grants for a maximum of three consecutive years. This trust aims to enhance the well-being of the community through its dedicated funding.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Robert L. Howard, Jr. Scholarship, established in memory of Robert L. Howard Jr. by his wife Heidi, supports students attending a 4-year college or university. Eligible candidates are those who demonstrate good character and community service, with a preference for motocross riders and members of the Central Cycle Club in Central Village, CT. Since 1983, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to help students pursue education and rewarding careers.

Graduate and advanced-degree students in medical and related fields living in Connecticut and other eligible areas can access scholarship support for accredited programs through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. This competitive program emphasizes financial need and academic merit, and may benefit museum staff in Connecticut pursuing advanced medical or professional training degrees.

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 Sharon E. Burrows Scholarship, established in memory of Sharon Burrows, supports graduating high school seniors from New London County. Eligible students must be in good academic standing, demonstrate financial need, and pursue post-secondary studies in visual and applied arts or culinary arts. Since 1983, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, helping students achieve their educational and career goals.

The Ruben Elijah Reiser Johnson Scholarship honors a talented young artist who passed away at 16. Established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, it supports graduating high school seniors and current college students from New London County pursuing visual arts. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded millions in scholarships, fostering education and careers in the arts. This scholarship aims to empower future artists to achieve their dreams, ensuring Ruben's legacy continues to inspire.

The Rose & Abraham Lubchansky Scholarship, established by family and friends of the late community leaders, supports New London High School graduates who demonstrate excellence in civics and government. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing a bachelor's degree, fostering the next generation of civic-minded individuals. Since 1983, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, helping students achieve their educational goals and build rewarding careers.

The Davis Conservation Foundation offers grants to support environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation initiatives. They prioritize projects in Northern New England, particularly in the Gulf of Maine and the Northern Forest. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. The Foundation encourages community involvement and volunteerism, while avoiding funding for individuals, multiple-year gifts, or projects previously declined within a specified timeframe.

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.

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.

Building Resilient Youth and Communities with Prevention (BRYCWP)

RFP Purpose

DMHAS seeks to fund up to ten (10) eligible proposers to implement evidence-based prevention strategies aimed at reducing underage drinking / alcohol use and an optional second prevention priority among youth ages 12-20 in communities. Funded organizations will be required to apply the SPF to guide their work, with a focus on reducing risk factors, strengthening protective factors, and achieving sustainable, community-level impact.

Contracts may be awarded for a term of up to five (5) years, and applicants must demonstrate the capacity to lead local prevention coalitions, implement effective strategies, and evaluate outcomes using measurable indicators.

About NASA CTSGC

NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) is a federally mandated grant, internship, and scholarship program that is funded as a part of NASA Education. There are Space Grant Consortia in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. NASA CTSGC, in an effort to encourage broader participation in NASA research programs, was formed in 1991 by the following post-secondary education institutions: Trinity College, University of Connecticut, and University of New Haven with the University of Hartford as the lead institution.

Student Project Grant

The purpose of these grants is to allow students to purchase items needed for senior capstone, undergraduate research, or extracurricular club design projects including materials, electronic components, chemicals, etc. NASA CTSGC recognizes these small grants will allow students to choose projects that are beyond the normal funds allocated by departments, colleges, and universities.

Any group or individual project that is consistent with the mission of NASA as exemplified by its Mission Directorates, is eligible.

Funds may be used for supplies and materials only. Funds may not be used for travel, equipment/computers, entertainment, entry fees, tuition, salaries, fringe benefits, or indirect costs.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

About Us

In 2020, Connecticut established the Office of Workforce Strategy as an executive branch agency to serve as the staff to the Governor’s Workforce Council to provide strategic guidance and support the implementation of workforce initiatives and investments across the state.

The Governor's Workforce Council (GWC) is Connecticut's State Workforce Board. The GWC is responsible for setting strategy and policy for the state’s Pre-K through retirement workforce pipeline, and to serve as the primary coordinator for businesses, educators, trainers, state agencies, state workforce boards, non-profits, and others.

In April 2025, the Governor’s Workforce Council published an updated Strategic Plan, designed to provide a roadmap for workforce development efforts throughout the state. The Plan is anchored by three guiding values: Collaboration; Opportunity; and Impact, and aligned across three objectives: Drive Growth; Build Skills; and Expand Access.

Career ConneCT: Work-based Learning and Employment Subsidy RFP

The Bayard Long Award supports students researching plant species in the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. With a typical funding of $2000, it encourages studies that enhance understanding of local flora, including field and herbarium work. Eligible projects must include at least one native plant species, promoting both academic and practical botanical endeavors. This opportunity is available to all students enrolled in degree programs at any post-secondary institution, furthering educational and scientific exploration in botany.

About Us

Agriculture has a rich history in Connecticut and plays a major role in our state’s economy. The Department of Agriculture (DoAg) is dedicated to protecting this legacy.

Through thoughtful and comprehensive programs, we foster a healthy economic, environmental, and social climate for agriculture in CT. We manage programs to:

• Develop, promote, and regulate farms and businesses
• Protect agricultural and aquacultural resources
• Enforce laws for domestic animals
• Promote understanding of agriculture’s diversity, cultural heritage, and contribution to CT’s economy

Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant

A statewide grant program funded through S.A. 25-1 to improve local food access and agricultural supply chain resiliency. To learn more check out the press release below.

The purpose of CT DoAg’s LFPA grant program is to provide CT Grown farm products to underserved communities, at no cost to the individual, while maintaining and improving the CT agricultural supply chain resiliency. This is done through:

Establishing and strengthening partnerships across the food supply chain to ensure access to fresh, nutritious, culturally appropriate food in underserved communities.*

Purchasing from small ** Connecticut producers to build and expand market access and opportunities.

CT DoAg has a total of $1,550,000 available to award through a competitive grant process. The selected applicant pool shall be considerate of geography and reach to ensure distribution and sourcing throughout the state.

Funding for the 2026 LFPA Grant is provided by the State of Connecticut in Special Act 25-1 through the Budget Reserve Fund. 

About NASA CTSGC

NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) is a federally mandated grant, internship, and scholarship program that is funded as a part of NASA Education. There are Space Grant Consortia in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. NASA CTSGC, in an effort to encourage broader participation in NASA research programs, was formed in 1991 by the following post-secondary education institutions: Trinity College, University of Connecticut, and University of New Haven with the University of Hartford as the lead institution.

Student Travel Grant

To encourage travel to NASA facilities to use their unique resources and/or present Space Grant and NASA funded research at conferences the NASA CTSGC awards travel grants.

This award is not to attend a conference for networking or non-presenting purposes.

About NASA CTSGC

NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) is a federally mandated grant, internship, and scholarship program that is funded as a part of NASA Education. There are Space Grant Consortia in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. NASA CTSGC, in an effort to encourage broader participation in NASA research programs, was formed in 1991 by the following post-secondary education institutions: Trinity College, University of Connecticut, and University of New Haven with the University of Hartford as the lead institution.

Student-led Group Travel Grant

To encourage small groups of students to travel to NASA facilities to use their unique resources and/or present Space Grant and NASA funded research at conferences the NASA CTSGC awards travel grants. This grant is awarded on a rolling basis based on available funds.

This award is not to attend a conference for networking or non-presenting purposes.

About NASA CTSGC

NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) is a federally mandated grant, internship, and scholarship program that is funded as a part of NASA Education. There are Space Grant Consortia in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. NASA CTSGC, in an effort to encourage broader participation in NASA research programs, was formed in 1991 by the following post-secondary education institutions: Trinity College, University of Connecticut, and University of New Haven with the University of Hartford as the lead institution.

Undergraduate Scholarship

Student applicants must be full-time students at the time of application at one of the 4-year Consortium Member Institutions with a strong academic record. First-semester students are not eligible to apply as a transcript showing at least one completed semester is required with your application.  

New applicants will be given priority over recent awardees.

Students in their final semester are not eligible to apply for scholarships, as awards must be applied to the semester following award. Scholarships may not be applied retroactively.

Summary

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS) is the primary funding entity for Supported Education (SEd) services for adults with mental health disorders, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. DMHAS seeks to continue providing a highquality statewide network of SEd services. The goals of SEd are to increase integrated educational support for the target population described above.

Purpose

To continue to provide a statewide network of SEd services to assist adults with mental health disorders or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders to pursue educational goals