Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Senior Chemists Mini Grant for Local Sections, offered by the American Chemical Society, is designed to support local events that engage senior members in innovative activities. Grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and funding can be used for various events including recognition luncheons, mentoring for undergraduates, collaborative activities with younger chemists, and community support events such as science fairs.

The PhRMA Foundation's Translational Medicine Predoctoral Fellowship supports promising students engaged in advanced stages of thesis research in translational medicine. The program focuses on innovative research that translates laboratory discoveries into practical applications that enhance patient care. It provides $30,000 in stipend support per year, conditional upon the awardee's ongoing university enrollment. This fellowship seeks to foster a new generation of researchers dedicated to improving health outcomes through rigorous scientific inquiry.

The Philip J. Wyatt Award in Analytical Chemistry, established in 1947 and endowed by the Wyatt Family Foundation in 2026, recognizes outstanding contributions to analytical chemistry. Offered by the American Chemical Society, the award includes a $5,000 prize and a certificate, with up to $2,500 for travel expenses to the award presentation meeting. This award supports diversity and inclusion by being available regardless of race, gender, or background, promoting a global community in the field of chemistry.

The Burg-Coleman Iowa State 77 ACI Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in civil engineering focused on concrete structures or materials. Recipients receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, recognition in Concrete International magazine, and coverage of travel costs for two ACI conventions. Open to international students attending institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, this fellowship fosters the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry.

The National Scleroderma Foundation's Pre-Doctoral Summer Fellowship Award Program aims to support Ph.D. students conducting vital research on scleroderma. This initiative encourages emerging researchers by fostering their early interest in discovering the causes and potential cures of this challenging disease. By funding innovative research, the Foundation seeks to advance medical knowledge and improve the lives of those affected by scleroderma, reinforcing its commitment to finding a cure.

The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant, offered by the Mars Wrigley Foundation, supports projects that explore and share chocolate's rich cultural history. Launched in 2013, this grant aims to educate the public about chocolate's global significance and its impact on heritage. Projects can include research, immersive experiences, and publications. Awardees must present their findings at Heritage Chocolate Society meetings, emphasizing educational impact, equity, and inclusion in their proposals.

The Sparkplug Foundation offers Emergency Grants of up to $5,000 exclusively for current and past grantees in education or community organizing. Funding is aimed at organizations with annual budgets of $500,000 or less, supporting innovative projects with limited existing funding sources. These one-time grants address urgent needs due to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring accountability and inclusion, particularly within communities in the US and Palestine/Israel.

The David A. Evans Award for the Advancement and Education of Organic Synthesis, presented by the American Chemical Society, recognizes exceptional achievements in organic synthesis research and education. Established in 2023, this award includes a $5,000 prize and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $2,500 for the award ceremony. It promotes inclusivity, granting opportunities irrespective of race, gender, or background, fostering a diverse scientific community committed to advancing chemistry.

The Engagement Award: Capacity Building aims to enhance the skills of patients and stakeholders in patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER). With funding of up to $300,000 for projects lasting up to two years, this initiative seeks to foster meaningful participation from patients, families, and caregivers. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) anticipates distributing up to $25 million for these efforts in fiscal year 2026, emphasizing community engagement in research.

The Braslau Family Travel Grant supports degree-seeking students and early career physicists in the US to attend APS March or April Meetings. Established in 2016, it honors the Braslau brothers, both distinguished scientists. Grants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, prioritize applicants lacking financial support, particularly underrepresented minorities and women. Funds are disbursed post-meeting, contingent on required documentation. This initiative fosters professional and academic interactions crucial for emerging physicists.

The Rapoport Doctoral Dissertation Grants support PhD students conducting innovative research in American political behavior. Funded by the Rapoport Family Foundation, the grants offer up to $15,000 for survey research. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program at an accredited U.S. university and have completed all preliminary requirements. The foundation emphasizes originality and transformative potential in research proposals, aiming to foster diverse approaches to understanding political behavior.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The ASPCA National Shelter Grants Initiative offers up to $2.5 million in grants to support U.S. shelters and their communities. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $95,000 aim to enhance animal outcomes, psychological health, and access to veterinary care. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations or municipal agencies with facilities for adoptable animals, while foster-based rescue organizations are excluded. This initiative is crucial in assisting shelters during challenging times.

The Stephen J. White Prize, established by the American Philosophical Association, honors the late Dr. Stephen J. White and is awarded biennially to the best published paper by a junior philosopher. It focuses on themes central to Professor White's work, such as moral responsibility and practical reasoning. The winner receives a $1,000 monetary award and a symposium at an APA divisional meeting, recognizing significant contributions in philosophy.

The Local Section Member Engagement (LS-MEET) Grant Program, provided by the American Chemical Society, aims to enhance community engagement within local sections. With a funding cap of $2,000, this program supports initiatives that attract new members and strengthen existing communities. Eligible projects may include innovative technology use, targeted events for underrepresented local chemist groups, and activities that promote interaction among members. Applications should align with local section goals and detail specific budgetary needs.

The NSF National Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Teams program aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and marketable technologies. By providing NSF-funded researchers with entrepreneurial education, mentoring, and funding, it accelerates the transformation of foundational discoveries into viable products and services. Participants engage in hands-on customer discovery and business model assessments, leading to improved product-market fit and strategic partnerships. This initiative fosters collaboration between academia and industry, enhancing the commercialization of deep technologies.

The Corporation Associates Seed Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, provides up to $5,000 per year for innovative projects in chemical sciences education, public engagement in the chemical industry, and safety enhancements in chemistry. This grant supports one-time initiatives that align with the goals of the ACS Committee on Corporation Associates. Note that funding excludes research, equipment purchases, travel, and illegal activities, ensuring resources are allocated to impactful educational endeavors.

The Ames Tools Grant, initiated by the National Garden Club, Inc. in partnership with The Ames Companies, provides NGC member clubs the opportunity to select tools valued up to $250 for community gardening projects. Eligible projects must be conducted by NGC clubs between March 1 and September 30, 2025, and may involve collaboration with other organizations. Selection criteria include community impact, member involvement, tool necessity, and project uniqueness.

The Corporation Associates Local Section & International Chapter Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society (ACS), provides funding up to $1,000 for ACS local sections and international chapters. This grant supports industry-focused events like job fairs, résumé workshops, and networking receptions, aimed at enhancing the professional development of members employed in the chemical industry. By fostering community engagement, ACS helps empower local chapters to champion scientific integrity and advance knowledge.

The Oxbow Rescue Grant Program supports animal rescue organizations by providing financial assistance for various projects, including education, outreach, capital improvements, and operational support. With annual funding of approximately $25,000, grants are available to qualified groups that benefit small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Oxbow aims to empower these organizations by offering resources and support to enhance their rescue efforts throughout the year.

The Folke H. Peterson Foundation Grant aims to prevent cruelty to animals and enhance their welfare. It provides funding for organizations focused on animal protection, medical assistance, and food supplies, ensuring these efforts directly benefit animals. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations within the United States. Notably, the foundation will not support any organization involved in euthanizing healthy animals, reinforcing its commitment to animal welfare.

The AAG Award for Community College Program Excellence honors outstanding non-Ph.D. granting Geography programs in the U.S. It recognizes departments that have significantly enhanced Geography's prominence and reputation. Eligible programs include those offering associate, baccalaureate, or master-level degrees. The award focuses on compelling vision, pedagogical innovation, student mentorship, and promoting diversity. Nominations are carefully evaluated to ensure fair recognition of each program's unique contributions to the discipline.

The Edith J. Goode Residuary Trust Grant supports organizations focused on preventing cruelty to animals. Letters of inquiry are accepted from February 1 to May 1, leading to a formal application process for selected organizations. The 2024 focus areas include programs assisting pets of unhoused populations, domestic violence assistance that allows caretakers and animals to leave together, and parrot rescues. Grants are one-time awards based on organizational fit with donor intent and social impact.

The Natural Disaster USA Fund, established by National Garden Clubs (NGC) in 1997, supports local and state garden clubs in restoring areas affected by natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for projects that include site location, disaster nature, restoration plans, and cost estimates. Eligible applicants must be sponsored by State Garden Clubs or Member Clubs and can apply for funds to enhance damaged public spaces, including gardens and parks.

The Native Plant and Wildflower Education Grant offers up to $500 for educational programs focused on native plants and wildflowers. State Garden Clubs and similar organizations can co-sponsor symposia aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge about native flora, including endangered species and habitat management. Programs should be scheduled to coincide with wildflower blooming periods, promoting public planting initiatives and the design of native gardens.

The East and Inner Asia Council of the AAS offers small grants up to $2,000 for dissertation-level students and scholars focusing on China, Taiwan, or Inner Asia. Eligible projects include short research trips and conference organization. Preference is given to junior scholars and projects that enhance communication and curriculum development. Successful applications will clearly outline research questions and significance, and demonstrate the project's broader impact within the field. For further guidelines, visit the AAS FAQ page.

The John C. Lasko Foundation Trust Grant supports the construction of worship spaces across the nation, requiring churches to fund at least 50% of the project costs. Established by John C. Lasko, the foundation aims to build enduring churches that adhere to its mission. Grants are specifically for sanctuary construction, and applicants must own the land designated for the church. Notably, funds are not available for debt repayment or non-sanctuary areas.