Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Laura A. Lujan Autry Scholarship Fund provides financial support of $1,750 to eligible students from specific schools such as Elk Grove High and Cosumnes River College. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship encourages students with interests in nursing and agricultural programs, particularly those from single-parent households or with prior involvement in relevant activities. It aims to enhance educational opportunities within the community.

The Lillian & Warren Woodward Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students pursuing education, especially in teaching or special education. This $1,000 scholarship is available to students from eligible Elk Grove schools with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must demonstrate community service involvement and write an essay reflecting their experiences. The scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community engagement among youth.

The NARMS Cooperative Agreement Program aims to enhance antibiotic resistance surveillance in retail food specimens. Funded by the FDA, this initiative strengthens the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System established in 1996. By improving detection methods and expanding sampling sites, the program seeks to protect public health and align with NARMS objectives, ultimately combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in food commodities.

The Robert L. Wesley Award, established by the SOM Foundation in 2020, honors BIPOC undergraduate students in architecture and related fields. Each year, three students receive a $10,000 award along with mentorship from leading BIPOC professionals. This initiative aims to support the educational journey of these students, enabling them to pursue their aspirations in design without financial constraints. The award fosters a community of support, encouraging the next generation of licensed architects to thrive.

The PCORI Call for Proposals for HSII Implementation Projects invites innovative approaches to address barriers in healthcare settings. These projects should enhance practice change through active, multi-component strategies and include rigorous evaluations to measure implementation effectiveness. While developing tools to support these strategies is permitted, it should not be the main focus. Successful proposals will demonstrate their potential impact on healthcare outcomes and patient experiences.

SPARK Grant: Supporting Pediatric Neurology Advances through Research in K-Awards

For early-stage investigators who are re-applying for NIH K08 or K23 Career Development Awards

Overview

The Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation® (PERF®) is committed to advancing pediatric neurology research by supporting the next generation of investigators. In recognition of the increasingly competitive and uncertain funding landscape, PERF is pleased to announce a new bridge grant program designed to support Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs) who are initiating their research careers in pediatric neurology. This pilot program provides critical financial support to bridge the gap between initial career development (K-award) application submission and successful resubmission, enabling investigators to strengthen their proposals and continue their career trajectory in child neurology research.

The Truman Scholarship, established by the Truman Foundation, supports college juniors committed to public service. It offers up to $30,000 for graduate studies, alongside mentoring and career development opportunities. Ideal candidates demonstrate leadership, a strong commitment to public service, and the potential for success in graduate school. This prestigious award aims to cultivate future leaders dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Angie Sheldon Memorial Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Seeking a degree from a four-year college or university and demonstrate financial need.

The Valley Hospital Auxiliary has been supporting future healthcare professionals since 1961 by providing scholarships to high school seniors and undergraduate students. In 2025, they awarded $30,000 to 21 exceptional students who have shown academic excellence and a commitment to healthcare. This initiative not only benefits the recipients but also contributes to the community by nurturing the next generation of medical leaders. Eligible high school students can reapply throughout their college years, ensuring continuous support for their educational journeys.

The Immunology and Immunotherapy SMRT Grant by Pacific Biosciences aims to enhance research through advanced sequencing technologies. This grant offers free sequencing to support innovative projects in immunology and immunotherapy, encouraging researchers to apply their findings to better understand the immune system and develop new therapies. With the opportunity to utilize highly accurate long-read sequencing, winners will gain access to state-of-the-art technology that can accommodate multiple libraries, enhancing their research outcomes significantly.

The Gerald & Sybil Cohen Family Foundation Scholarship aims to ease the financial burden of college costs for students pursuing education in STEM fields. Open to U.S. citizens aged 18 and older with a minimum GPA of 3.5, the scholarship is available for public colleges and universities. Preference is given to dependents of former employees of Information Builders, Inc. Awards are not guaranteed and may vary in amount.

The CSA Elizabeth Soeder Scholarship provides financial support to deserving students from Cape May County, NJ, facilitating their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship is available for one academic year and is open to high school seniors and current college students who demonstrate financial need and academic ability, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients can reapply for funding in subsequent years, with awards not guaranteed, ensuring a competitive selection process.

The Alfred G. & Imogen M. Moss Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports Southeastern Connecticut undergraduate students demonstrating academic excellence and financial need, alongside graduate students pursuing international relations. Established in 1983, CFECT has awarded over $100 million in grants, focusing on equity and inclusivity to uplift marginalized voices and foster positive change in the community.

The Gunvor Lund Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, awards between $500 and $2,000 to students from Southeastern Connecticut pursuing studies in engineering or the sciences. Since 1983, over $11.9 million has been distributed through various funds to support students in their educational journeys. Scholarship awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, aiding students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The Adapted PE/Activity Graduate Student of the Year Award recognizes outstanding graduate students in adapted physical education and physical activity who have made significant contributions to the lives of individuals with disabilities. Sponsored by the Society of Health and Physical Educators, this award emphasizes leadership, dedication, and commitment to inclusive practices in physical education. It aims to inspire future professionals in the field while promoting excellence in adapted physical activity and disability sport.

The Beatrice McEwen Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports New London County students who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. Founded in 1983, CFECT aims to address community needs through philanthropy, focusing on equity, social justice, and inclusivity. With over $100 million awarded in grants, the Foundation works to empower youth and create lasting change. This scholarship exemplifies CFECT's commitment to uplifting historically marginalized voices and fostering a more equitable future.

The United Nations Association of Connecticut Scholarship, managed by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provides financial support ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for current high school students in Connecticut. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, engage in international issues, participate in Model UN or similar programs, and study a foreign language. This initiative aims to empower students committed to global citizenship while ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities.

The Victoria E. & Randal D. Miller Scholarship is a need-based scholarship awarded every four years, with the next award scheduled for 2026. It offers up to $1,000 annually and is renewable for up to four years contingent on maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and preference is given to students affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The Tim Considine Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, offers two $1,250 scholarships for Torrington residents who are high school seniors or vocational technical students aiming for university admission. Preference is given to those involved in organized sports and faith-based activities, highlighting academic achievement and character through community service. This scholarship is non-need-based, ensuring accessibility for dedicated students.

The Stephanie Gorsh Memorial Scholarship offers up to $800 to students in need, specifically targeting graduates from Scott County, IA. Eligible applicants must enroll in an accredited two- or four-year institution or a trade school, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum GPA of 2.25. Community service is also a key factor in the selection process. This scholarship is not renewable, making it a one-time financial aid opportunity.

The Rotary Club of Davenport offers the Scholastic/Leadership Scholarship for graduating seniors from local high schools. With four awards available, each providing up to $3,000 annually, recipients can receive a total of $12,000 over four years. To maintain funding, students must uphold a minimum 2.7 GPA and complete 24 credit hours each year. An interview is required for applicants, who must also demonstrate community involvement and a commitment to college preparatory studies.

The Bernard & Alice Chalecki Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students pursuing studies in health-related fields, including graduate education. Established to enhance educational opportunities, this scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to addressing community needs and promoting equity in access to healthcare education. With a strong focus on uplifting marginalized voices and fostering positive change, the scholarship aims to empower future health professionals in the region.

The Barrows Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2014 by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, honors the memories of Frank L. Barrows and his son, Frank II. This scholarship supports graduates of Rock Ridge High School, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and plan to attend a college or technical school immediately after graduation, fostering dreams and community development.

The C. Francis Driscoll Citizenship and Public Affairs Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from New London, CT, who demonstrate loyalty to their school and community. Candidates should exhibit qualities like perseverance, initiative, leadership, and a commitment to others. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's mission to empower youth and promote social equity, contributing to a more just and inclusive society.

The VFW Student Fellowship, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Student Veterans of America, empowers student veterans to advocate for their community on Capitol Hill. Running from October 2025 to March 2026, this program offers selected fellows the chance to collaborate on policy priorities, attend leadership training, and participate in significant conferences, ensuring their voices are heard among 500 advocates at the VFW Washington Conference. Travel expenses are fully covered.

The HHIBAC Scholarship Program, established by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, awards scholarships to graduating high school female seniors of African American descent from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, May River, or Hardeeville schools. Eligible applicants must pursue a degree at a four-year accredited institution, maintaining a 2.75 GPA, and submit a transcript, letters of recommendation, and a typed essay to qualify for this opportunity.

The Allen and Rosalind Humes Humanitarian Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high school seniors from Berlin and Deep River, CT, and residents of Winchester, NH. Eligible candidates must be active members of a faith community and average students, ranked in the middle third of their class. This scholarship aims to foster future success in humanitarian disciplines such as social work, nursing, and teaching, encouraging a commitment to serving others.