Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Papé Family Foundation seeks to positively impact communities where its members reside, emphasizing family unity, service, and stewardship. It funds small capital projects, building improvements, equipment needs, and operational requests for new programs (under two years old) but does not cover salaries. Eligible organizations must be within 50 miles of trustee-residing cities, including locations in Arkansas, California, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

The CFGNH Small Grants Program offers funding of up to $10,000 for small nonprofit organizations in Greater New Haven. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $7,500, supporting project initiatives, capacity building, and general operating costs. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt and operating within the foundation's twenty-town region, with a budget of $1.5M or less. This program aims to strengthen local nonprofits and enhance community impact through targeted financial support.

The Shout It Out Scholarship by Unigo invites students to express their thoughts and win $1,500 for college. Open to U.S. residents aged 14 and older, this unique opportunity encourages participants to share their messages, whether profound or simple. The scholarship aims to empower students, making their voices heard while providing financial support for their education. With a vibrant community of over 3.8 million members, Unigo is dedicated to helping students navigate their college journey.

The Sarah Tyree Good Neighbor Scholarship, provided by the Foundation for Rural Service, honors the legacy of Sarah Tyree, a champion for rural broadband. This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who exemplify humanitarianism and community spirit. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens with a commitment to returning to rural areas post-graduation. The award supports educational endeavors, ensuring that future leaders have the resources they need to thrive.

The Planning and Technical Assistance Grant Program by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation aims to support nonprofits in enhancing their organizational capabilities. With up to $10,000 available, the program encourages capacity-building projects, such as strategic planning and board development, especially for organizations with budgets under $1 million. This initiative, which has a rolling deadline until funding is exhausted, prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear needs and potential for long-term impact on community service.

The Herbert and Isabel Bitz Memorial Scholarship, established by Mr. Don Bitz, offers a $5,000 award annually to a graduating high school senior dedicated to rural America. Sponsored by a member of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, applicants must be U.S. citizens with intentions of returning to a rural community after graduation. This scholarship aims to support students who aspire to contribute to the quality of life in rural areas.

The FRS Scholarships, provided by the Foundation for Rural Service, support high school seniors from rural areas in their pursuit of higher education. Sponsored by NTCA members, these one-time scholarships aim to enhance educational opportunities and encourage graduates to return to their communities. With a mission to improve rural life through educational initiatives, this program plays a vital role in fostering the next generation of leaders in rural America.

The Edwards Community Endowment Program (ECEP) offers matching grants to support nonprofit organizations in northwest Connecticut in establishing or augmenting endowment funds. Funded by the Marion Wm. and Alice Edwards Fund, it provides $1 for every $4 raised, with a maximum match of $20,000. Organizations must raise at least $16,000 to qualify for initial matching funds, promoting sustainable endowment growth through strategic fundraising and board engagement.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The TMS Scholarship, provided by the Foundation for Rural Service, awards $1,500 annually to two deserving students from Ardmore Telephone or West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative. To qualify, applicants must be graduating high school seniors, U.S. citizens, sponsored by a member of the NTCA, and show interest in returning to rural communities post-graduation. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and support the development of rural America.

The Roger Cox Scholarship, funded by the Foundation for Rural Service, offers a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior residing in the Atlantic Telephone Membership Company service area in North Carolina, along with two $500 scholarships for rural residents of North and South Carolina. The scholarship aims to support students' educational journeys while encouraging them to return to rural communities post-graduation. Recipients are selected through a thorough review process.

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven offers event sponsorships to nonprofits for one-day fundraising events, including virtual formats and community gatherings. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least 60 days prior to their event, as the sponsorship process is competitive and typically closes by September each year. Eligibility extends to tax-exempt organizations, with a focus on local nonprofits. The Foundation aims to support initiatives that foster community engagement in the Greater New Haven area.

Stew's Cares Donation program encourages community support by providing donations via gift cards to local 501(c)(3) organizations. The Leonard family believes in giving back and has established a Wishing Well in stores to accumulate funds for charity. To apply for donations, organizations must submit requests in writing on official letterhead at least 60 days prior to their event. This initiative reflects Stew Leonard's commitment to supporting local communities and charities.

The Schwarzman Scholars program offers a fully-funded, one-year master's degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, fostering global leadership through academic excellence and cultural exchange. It seeks diverse candidates with strong leadership skills, integrity, and intellectual ability. Scholars receive comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders who can bridge cultural divides and understand the complexities of global affairs, enriching their fields and communities.

The AmericanTrucks’ Positive Payload Grant Program provides a $250 donation to non-profit charities that utilize Ford, Chevy, GMC, or Dodge trucks in their operations. This initiative aims to support organizations that rely on pickup trucks to enhance their community services. Eligible charities can apply for a grant on an ongoing basis, making it a great opportunity for those making a significant impact with their vehicles. Apply now to help your charity receive vital funding!

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts offers a Scholarship Program aimed at assisting students in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties with their college education expenses. Annually, they provide over 1,000 scholarships, totaling approximately $1.4 million. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited institutions across the U.S. Scholarships can help cover tuition, fees, and living costs, with awards up to $3,000 available for one academic year.

The Thomas J. Henry Sponsorship Requests program emphasizes community support and global outreach. With a commitment to enhancing lives, Mr. Henry has been a pivotal figure in South Texas, ensuring that his legal success translates into meaningful contributions. The program invites various organizations to apply for sponsorship, aligning with Mr. Henry’s vision of fostering closer connections through philanthropic efforts. This initiative aims to empower communities and promote collaborative growth on both local and international levels.

The New York Mets Donation Requests support non-profit organizations in the tri-state area by providing ticket donations. Requests must be submitted three weeks before the event, and only one request is allowed per organization within a year. Donations are strictly for charitable purposes and cannot be used for personal items or online auctions. The program does not accommodate requests from September 1 to February 28/29. This initiative aims to assist local fundraising efforts while ensuring fair access to resources.

Wynn Resorts offers a structured donation and in-kind request process for non-profit organizations. Applications must be submitted at least 12 weeks ahead of the event, with specific documentation required for organizations in Nevada and Massachusetts. While requests from outside these areas may be considered, priority is given to local community events. Notably, certain types of requests, including those for advertising and religious purposes, are ineligible. This ensures that contributions align with the company's community initiatives.

Rick Robinson Hotstart Scholarship

Applicants must be children or grandchildren of full-time Hotstart employees who have a minimum of two years employment with Hotstart as of the application deadline date. 

Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply, but an individual may receive an award no more than four times. 

The VCF: Responsive General Operating Support Grants provide flexible funding to nonprofits in the Greater New Haven region. Designed to support the overall mission of organizations, these grants allow nonprofits to allocate resources where they are most needed. To be eligible, organizations must serve a significant local population, have operational experience of at least two years, and maintain a profile on giveGreater.org. This initiative fosters impactful community engagement and sustainable growth.

The AAUW International Fellowships support women pursuing graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Since 1917, these fellowships have provided financial assistance, with awards of $20,000 for Master’s, $25,000 for Doctoral, and $50,000 for Postdoctoral studies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to women's advancement. The program emphasizes full-time study and requires proficiency in English, ensuring a diverse and dedicated cohort of scholars.

The American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), promotes gender equity in academia by providing $50,000 for women pursuing independent research. Open to all fields, it specifically encourages applicants in STEM and gender studies. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, hold a relevant doctoral degree, and be engaged in full-time research during the fellowship. This prestigious fellowship has supported women's academic advancement since 1888.

The CFGNH Responsive General Operating Support Grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits in the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven's twenty-town region. Grants up to $50,000 are available for one to three years, enabling organizations to direct resources to their most pressing needs. Eligibility requires at least three years of active programming and an operating budget of $100,000 or more. Organizations with current GOS grants ending after December 31, 2024, are ineligible to apply.