Best Grants for Nonprofit Human Services in Connecticut

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital support for education, human services, or arts and culture programs can apply for American Savings Foundation’s ASF Capital Grants. With a mission to improve quality of life, the foundation provides up to US $10,000 for one-time capital needs, prioritizing essential direct-service projects in New Britain, Waterbury, and its 64-town service area.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides Connecticut human and social services innovators with up to US $300,000 over three years to scale early-stage, impact-first solutions for underserved communities. Eligible applicants include independent nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits operating in priority regions such as the U.S., addressing critical social or environmental problems with scalable, systems-focused models.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Connecticut can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects from State Farm Companies Foundation. Focus areas include community and public safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, food insecurity, financial literacy, and education initiatives that support human and social services.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Nonprofit human and social service organizations in Connecticut and across the U.S. can apply for Hearst Foundation grants of more than US $100,000 to support proven, direct-service solutions to chronic poverty. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help fund program, capital, or general support for efforts like affordable housing, job training, youth development, reentry, and related services.

Nonprofit human and social services organizations in Connecticut can seek funding for health, education, or community programs that improve quality of life. Focused on equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives through research and screening across the U.S.

Nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises serving urban low-income children with education, health, or family economic stability programs in Connecticut and other eligible regions can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. U.S. human services organizations may be eligible if they meet focus, location, and impact criteria.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Connecticut nonprofits and municipalities planning historic preservation projects in Connecticut can receive US $5,000 - US $20,000 for surveys, planning, and pre-development studies. Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development supports work such as historic designation reports, municipal preservation plans, and structural, feasibility, or condition assessments for registered historic resources, which may benefit organizations managing community or human services facilities in historic buildings.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing human and social services, housing, workforce development, or basic needs can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship support to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities. Funding may support programs in community development, food access, shelters, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, or diversity and inclusion efforts across the U.S., including Connecticut.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects can apply for this grant. Connecticut human and social services organizations may be eligible if their programs align with these areas, with funding provided by the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation to advance positive change and respect for people, life, and the environment.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving human and social services needs in Connecticut can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants supporting basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Eligible organizations must be within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office and meet mission alignment and nondiscrimination requirements.

Educational nonprofits and public entities in Connecticut working on college readiness, access, and completion for underserved students can seek support for programs, research, and small capital needs. With a mission to advance post-secondary success, the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation provides multi-year grants to educational organizations serving New England, which may include human services components.

Nonprofit human and social services organizations in Connecticut can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs and facilities. With a mission to strengthen vital services, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for youth, seniors, disability services, clinics, life-skills training, and related community programs.

Emerging, early-stage nonprofits in Connecticut working under a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor can access capacity-building and program development support through New Alliance Foundation’s Emerging Grants. These one-year awards help newer organizations in the foundation’s service area, including New Haven and New London Counties, test innovative ideas in literacy, education, community development, and human services.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support human and social services programming. Organizations in Connecticut may be eligible if they serve U.S. clients, fit these focus areas, demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability, and ideally engage Ameriprise employees or advisors as volunteers.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Human and social service nonprofits in Connecticut that are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $1 million can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support humanitarian, child welfare, education, or basic needs programs. Organizations serving children, vulnerable populations, or poverty alleviation efforts may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit human and social service organizations in Connecticut addressing economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation funds U.S.-based 501(c)(3) community-benefit programs in areas such as hunger, homelessness, mental health, literacy, and access to care where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in northwest Litchfield County providing essential human services like food, housing, health care, childcare, and immigrant support can seek US $5,000 - US $7,500 for urgent needs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation supports projects and operations that stabilize and expand critical services in Connecticut’s Northwest Corner.

Connecticut nonprofit organizations providing educational, human services, or health care programs for underserved people may be eligible for one-year grants, with a focus on relieving human distress and suffering. With a mission to strengthen vital community needs, the Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund prioritizes programs serving Middletown and the wider Middlesex County area.