Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes cutting-edge research on innovative devices utilizing electronics, photonics, and magnetics. The program aims to enhance micro-, nano-, and quantum-based technologies across diverse fields such as healthcare, energy, and communications. EPMD emphasizes the importance of novel materials and energy-efficient designs, fostering advancements that ensure improved functionality and reliability in future applications.

AGC Education and Research Foundation

Thanks to visionary volunteer leadership of AGC industry leaders, the AGC Education and Research Foundation, founded in 1968, has for 50 years made good on its commitment to support the future of our industry through its robust scholarship program and innovative projects.

AGC Graduate Scholarships

The AGC Education and Research Foundation offers undergraduate and graduate level scholarships to students enrolled in ABET , ACCE and some ATMAE-accredited construction management or construction related engineering programs.

The National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (U54) aims to enhance worker safety in the construction industry through innovative research and intervention strategies. By fostering partnerships and focusing on evidence-based solutions, the Center will address critical safety and health challenges faced by construction workers. The initiative aligns with NIOSH's strategic objectives, promoting collaboration among academic institutions and organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce the occupational health burden in this vital sector.

AGC Education and Research Foundation

Thanks to visionary volunteer leadership of AGC industry leaders, the AGC Education and Research Foundation, founded in 1968, has for 50 years made good on its commitment to support the future of our industry through its robust scholarship program and innovative projects.

Research Initiatives

The AGC Education and Research Foundation directly responded to needs identified by AGC members and our partners at the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) and American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). The Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Fund and the Klinger Case Study Fund provide construction faculty nationwide with the resources necessary to support tomorrow's constructors in the classroom.

Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Program

Industry residencies are created through partnerships between an educational institution, an AGC contractor, and the AGC Education and Research Foundation. In total, 65 industry residents have been sponsored by the foundation since 2011.

Each educator spends several weeks on site with a construction company with the intent of gaining field experience to bring back to their students. All educators are supported equally by the AGC Education and Research Foundation, their host AGC member company, and their institution. 

On the application, the faculty member must: identify the specific skills and knowledge to be gained during the residency; identify an AGC construction firm or affiliated organization that has agreed to provide the requested professional work experience and financial support; and obtain support from the faculty member's institution. The selected faculty member(s) will document the residency experience in a post-residency report describing the experiences, learning outcomes and the value the residency will bring to his/her classroom.

Participating in this program is an investment in the future of the construction industry, providing valuable current professional experience that can be shared in the classroom. Professional residencies also benefit the host company by providing quality help on projects and if desired, feedback on management processes. 

AGC Education and Research Foundation

Thanks to visionary volunteer leadership of AGC industry leaders, the AGC Education and Research Foundation, founded in 1968, has for 50 years made good on its commitment to support the future of our industry through its robust scholarship program and innovative projects.

Research Initiatives

The AGC Education and Research Foundation directly responded to needs identified by AGC members and our partners at the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) and American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). The Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency Fund and the Klinger Case Study Fund provide construction faculty nationwide with the resources necessary to support tomorrow's constructors in the classroom.

James L. Allhands Student Essay Competition

The James L. Allhands Essay was established by the late James L. Allhands, one of the founding members of AGC and a prolific writer of construction related works. The award recognizes a student essay on a specific topic that is deemed to be beneficial to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the construction industry.

The competition is open to any senior–level student in a four or five–year ABET or ACCE–accredited university construction management or construction–related engineering program.

Both the recipient and sponsor are invited as guests of the Foundation to the AGC Annual Convention. The topic for the 2027 Allhands Essay Competition is: "Promoting Effective Collaboration during Preconstruction ".

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Alfred P. Corral Endowment Fund

Scholarships for Hispanic students, with a preference for students from Mexico with a preference for students enrolled at DACC

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Carol Troeller Second Chance Scholarship Fund

To support students with emergency financial needs with a preference for a female student in business fields of study

The BioLEAP Classroom Grant, funded by the National Anti Vivisection Society, provides educators with up to $1,000 to purchase humane anatomy models, replacing traditional animal dissection methods. This initiative supports the use of innovative learning tools like 3D digital models and synthetic specimens, enhancing educational experiences while promoting ethical practices in science education. Eligible applicants must be U.S. educators teaching an anatomy lab in the upcoming school year.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

CFSNM Student Success Scholarship

To award outstanding academic students from Doña Ana County in Southern New Mexico

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Clarence H. Fielder Memorial Scholarship

To support African American students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Dr. Robert Palmer Scholarship Fund

To make awards for one or more students from Luna county.

KaBOOM! Multi-Sport Courts provide innovative playspaces designed to meet the needs of older youth. These customizable sports courts allow communities to engage in various sports such as basketball and volleyball, addressing the lack of play opportunities. With guidance from KABOOM! Project Managers, applicants can fundraise and collaborate with community members to create an inviting space for active play, ensuring sustainable maintenance and ownership post-project completion.

Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania Scholarship

The mission of Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania, Inc. (Kids’ Chance of PA) is to provide scholarship grants for college and vocational education to children of Pennsylvania workers who have been killed or seriously injured in a work-related accident resulting in financial need.

The hardships created by the death or serious disability of a parent often include financial ones, making it difficult for deserving young people to pursue their educational dreams. That's where we come in - helping those dreams become a reality!

We are dedicated to supporting the higher education of the children of seriously injured or killed Pennsylvania workers. Since our inception in 1997, we have provided over 1,150 scholarships totaling more than $3.2 million to deserving students! If you are one of these children, we encourage you to take the time to fill out this application. Additionally, if you receive a KCPA scholarship, you may be eligible to receive supplemental grant money through an agreement with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency/Pathways to Higher Education (PHEAA/PATH) Program

Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and must be reapplied for each year. 

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest, co-hosted by Inside Edge Safety Surfaces, offers two all-expenses-paid awards for Life Floor safety surfaces, aimed at enhancing community splash pads. The Need-Based Award targets municipalities and non-profits demonstrating financial need, with design options including planks, bubbles, and geometric shapes. Grant values range from $50,000 to $65,000, depending on project size, ensuring safety and accessibility for all users.

The Find Your Light Foundation is committed to providing every child with access to quality arts education. By focusing on direct support for exceptional programs, along with education, advocacy, and outreach, they aim to highlight the importance of arts in youth development. Grants are awarded to arts education initiatives in low-income areas across North America, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, with awards issued in the Summer and Winter each year.

The Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER) program is a 20-year Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) by the US Air Force aimed at advancing innovative aerospace technologies. This initiative encourages white papers and proposals for research and development to enhance technology readiness levels. It is designed to provide the warfighter with a decisive advantage through transformative technology solutions. Multiple awards are anticipated, allowing for a range of project durations and funding values.

The 1772 Foundation, in collaboration with the National Preservation Partners Network, is opening its 2026 grant cycle for Historic Property Redevelopment Programs (HPRP). This initiative aims to support nonprofit organizations in the U.S. focused on historic property revitalization. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) designation and be NPPN members. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $75,000, promoting sustainable practices that address community revitalization and heritage conservation.

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers. 

Special Giving Program

Throughout her life, Ann B. Zekauskas supported numerous nonprofits and charitable endeavors. She especially had a fondness for organizations that worked to rescue and rehome abandoned animals — and her house was always home to a dog, a cat, and, for a very long time, a set of parakeets. 

In honoring Ann’s complete legacy, each year our trustees contribute to select causes which are of special personal importance to them and fall beyond our three main areas of giving. These include supporting educational institutions; local community groups and projects; athletics programs; animal rescues; and more.

AΩA is committed to preparing future leaders in medicine and health care. Leadership is about making a positive difference and can be developed through education, observation, experience, and by working with leader mentors. Service learning provides excellent opportunities for students to develop as servant leaders. Only one team from each school may be nominated.

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a State of Oregon agency and Commission working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. We coordinate funding and policy, and convene partners across the public and private higher education and workforce landscape. 

Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program

The Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program (also know as the Chafee Grant) provides funding to help current or former foster care youth with postsecondary education and training.

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.

Cornwall Conservation Trust Scholarship

Academic Focus: Ecology, environmental studies, forestry, FFA, and/or biology

Preference: Cornwall residents

Taka Domingo HLP Vocational Scholarship

The HLP Hamakua Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed to benefit the people of Hamakua. Taka Domingo was one of the original board members when HLP was established after the closure of sugar. He was an electrician and County Councilman representing the Hamakua District. The Taka Domingo HLP Vocational Scholarship was established after his death in August 2016. 

Individual award amount: $2,000. 

Possible trades include: welding, tourism, fire science, electrical, early childhood education, agriculture, auto body, auto mechanics, diesel mechanics, carpentry, culinary and others not listed.

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.

Earle R. Julian Scholarship

For past graduates of St. Anthony School, in Winsted, who plan to pursue a career in accounting.

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.

Friends of John Ponte Memorial Scholarship

For graduating seniors from Lewis S. Mills High School and Torrington High School who exemplify, through their participation in athletics, the qualities and interests of the late John Ponte, including leadership skills and exemplary character.

 High school participation in athletics.

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.

Marion WM. Edwards Scholarship

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who are planning to continue in Italian studies, planning to teach or planning to study literature or journalism.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving offers Resident Engagement Grants aimed at nonprofits and community groups to enhance civic participation and trust within communities. This program supports projects that foster social issue awareness and allyship with marginalized populations through activities like community meetings and workshops. Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000 and are available for initiatives addressing various social justice issues, including housing and education.