Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The EPOC Grant Program provides funding to non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, as well as community-based organizations, for local projects that enhance the environment. Eligible projects include property clean-ups, reforestation, biodiversity initiatives, and environmental education efforts aimed at youth. Applications will be evaluated based on the environmental benefits they propose, with a focus on improving Connecticut's ecosystems.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The FCB Annual CommunityFirst Grant Program, established by the First County Bank Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations focusing on community development, affordable housing, and educational enrichment in Fairfield County. With over $10 million awarded since 2001, the Foundation prioritizes agencies benefiting low-to-moderate income populations. Grants range from $2,500 to $5,000, with a commitment to addressing community needs and ensuring fiscal responsibility. The Foundation's contributions reflect its dedication to community well-being.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

Sanofi Philanthropic Donations support non-profit organizations aligned with Health Equity, STEM Education Equity, and Local Communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review process of 8 to 16 weeks. The initiative focuses on improving healthcare access, fostering innovation, and addressing social determinants of health. Sanofi emphasizes collaboration and sustainable solutions, advocating for equal opportunities in health and education, and nurturing future talent to tackle medical challenges.

The VMIG Charitable Giving Fund aims to enhance community quality of life in regions served by Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. This fund supports non-profit organizations focusing on education, youth development, community building, and basic needs such as housing and hunger. Eligible organizations must operate within specific states and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status. The fund reflects a commitment to fostering healthy, vibrant communities through meaningful financial contributions.

Sustainable CT's Community Match Fund is a unique funding initiative that empowers individuals and informal groups to engage their communities in sustainability projects. With no traditional application process or deadlines, it offers dollar-for-dollar matching for crowdfunding efforts. This program supports diverse initiatives, including green spaces, renewable energy, and community gardens, fostering a more equitable and vibrant environment. Participants can receive assistance in developing campaigns to turn their innovative ideas into reality.

The Ludcke Foundation

Guidelines

To identify and support charitable endeavors that provide needed resources and services to children and families, with an emphasis on emotional and physical health, education, and social development.

The Foundation devotes its grants to the fields of education, health, and human services. The trustees have a special interest in programs that focus across two or three of the foundation’s areas of interest and in partnering with other donors with similar objectives to enable more ambitious projects.

Current Grantmaking Preferences

Job training for systems involved young people, job training for adults facing significant barriers, and limited support for innovative approaches to helping children in underserved New England communities overcome significant and often overlapping barriers to educational success.

Access to health programs for all ages, and behavioral health services for children and teens in underserved communities or otherwise facing significant barriers.

Homelessness prevention, housing assistance, food security, legal assistance, holistic family support, support for young people at risk, and support for victims of domestic violence.

Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund 2026 RFA

About the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF)

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is a partnership among Restore America’s Estuaries, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Partnership. The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities for addressing environmental issues and to improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Technical assistance will be provided through LISCIF and is available to communities/organizations even if one does not submit a proposal for funding.  

This is the third round of LISCIF funding. Up to $1,200,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut. Project proposals must incorporate Actions of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).  

For LISCIF, the geographic region refers to the Long Island Sound watershed area within New York and Connecticut.

Funding Priorities

LISCIF’s funding priorities are aligned with the CCMP themes and Actions. For 2026, LISCIF’s main funding themes are:

• Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds  
• Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife  
• Sustainable and Resilient Communities   
• Informed and Engaged Public  

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund aims to build capacity for organizations located in communities affected by environmental and human health risks. The Fund seeks to provide technical assistance for communities and support proposals which ultimately improve access to the Long Island Sound, while reducing overall environmental health risks. Eligible projects and activities will be community-driven and address one of the funding priorities below:   

Funding is available for:   

• Projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention or reduction.   
• Restoring habitat within the Important Coastal Habitat Types targeted by LIS Partnership.  
• Projects that foster a diverse balance and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife.    
• Public engagement, knowledge, and stewardship.  
• Projects that enhance community resilience and sustainability.   
• Planning and design that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects, eligible habitat restoration projects and resilience projects.   
• Community-based science projects.  
• Data management and integration projects.   
• Other similar activities that the applicant proposes, and EPA approves, that are consistent with Section 119 of the Clean Water Act.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Impact100 Global Veterans Awards empower women to make a significant difference by awarding grants up to $100,000 to nonprofits that serve veterans. Focus areas include art and culture, education, health and wellness, environment, and family initiatives, promoting the well-being and support of veterans across the United States. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including tax-exempt status, and are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize funds effectively within two years.

Liberty Bank Foundation

Established in 1997, Liberty Bank Foundation extends Liberty Bank’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities we’ve proudly served for over 200 years.

Grants

We support 501(c)(3) organizations whose work aligns with our funding priorities and creates meaningful local impact. We encourage applicants to review our Grant Guidelines to learn more about eligibility, focus areas, and the application process.

Our Focus Areas and Intended Impact

Our grantmaking is rooted in Liberty Bank’s mission to improve the lives of our customers, teammates, and communities for generations to come. Through the Foundation, we invest in nonprofit partners working to strengthen local communities and expand opportunity for the people and places we serve.

Our funding priorities focus on areas where community investment can create lasting, measurable impact:

• Education, Workforce Readiness, and Support for Small Business: Supporting programs that help students and adults build the skills, confidence, and pathways needed for future success.
• Affordable Housing: Supporting efforts that increase housing stability and help individuals and families access safe, affordable places to live.
• Food Security: We offer a limited number of grants to support the primary food pantry or soup kitchen in communities where we operate. Our primary means for addressing food security is through our Liberty Bank Rotary Club Thanksgiving Drive. 

Across these focus areas, we look for clear community need, strong nonprofit partners, practical plans, and outcomes that help individuals and families become stronger, more stable, and better positioned for the future.

Strategic Impact Grants

Nonprofits interested in Strategic Impact Grants should begin by completing a Letter of Interest (LOI). The LOI should provide a brief overview of the organization, the proposed project or initiative, the community need addressed, expected outcomes, alignment with the Foundation’s funding priorities, and the amount of funding requested.

Liberty Bank Foundation

Established in 1997, Liberty Bank Foundation extends Liberty Bank’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities we’ve proudly served for over 200 years.

Grants

We support 501(c)(3) organizations whose work aligns with our funding priorities and creates meaningful local impact. We encourage applicants to review our Grant Guidelines to learn more about eligibility, focus areas, and the application process.

Our Focus Areas and Intended Impact

Our grantmaking is rooted in Liberty Bank’s mission to improve the lives of our customers, teammates, and communities for generations to come. Through the Foundation, we invest in nonprofit partners working to strengthen local communities and expand opportunity for the people and places we serve.

Our funding priorities focus on areas where community investment can create lasting, measurable impact:

• Education, Workforce Readiness, and Support for Small Business: Supporting programs that help students and adults build the skills, confidence, and pathways needed for future success.
• Affordable Housing: Supporting efforts that increase housing stability and help individuals and families access safe, affordable places to live.
• Food Security: We offer a limited number of grants to support the primary food pantry or soup kitchen in communities where we operate. Our primary means for addressing food security is through our Liberty Bank Rotary Club Thanksgiving Drive. 

Across these focus areas, we look for clear community need, strong nonprofit partners, practical plans, and outcomes that help individuals and families become stronger, more stable, and better positioned for the future.

Local Impact Grants

Local Impact Grants offer smaller grants for short-term projects that can move quickly and make a clear community impact. These grants are designed to be simple, accessible, and responsive to nonprofit partners whose work aligns with our Foundation’s funding priorities.

This grant is the best fit for short-term, clearly defined projects or programs with a practical plan and clear community benefit. Projects should generally be completed within 6–9 months.

Requests greater than $5,000 but less than $10,000 should be submitted through the Local Impact Grants application; awards generally will not exceed $5,000. Applicants requesting more than $5,000 should understand that the Foundation may award partial funding.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

The AWG Geoscience Idea Scholarship supports women from under-served communities to pursue careers in Earth Sciences, a field known for its lack of diversity. It offers $2,500 to three upper-division and $500 to one lower-division undergraduate student, along with a one-year AWG membership. Recipients can also be matched with mentors, enhancing their educational journey and career prospects in geoscience disciplines. This initiative aims to promote inclusion and diversity in the geoscience workforce.

The TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.

The Biophilia Foundation Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands, focusing on systemic change through community engagement. The foundation encourages organizations to submit letters of inquiry detailing their mission, tax status, funding requests, and intended outcomes. They prioritize private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and innovative policy initiatives, especially in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay regions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts available for established partnerships.

Cell Signaling Technology’s Environmental Grants support initiatives aimed at ecosystem protection, wildlife research, and environmental education. Priority is given to action-oriented projects with at least 70% of funding allocated to those directly impacting the environment. Applications are accepted annually until May 1st, with a focus on organizations in Massachusetts, particularly the North Shore of Boston. Non-profit status is required, and discriminatory projects will not be funded.

The Davis Conservation Foundation offers grants to support environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation initiatives. They prioritize projects in Northern New England, particularly in the Gulf of Maine and the Northern Forest. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. The Foundation encourages community involvement and volunteerism, while avoiding funding for individuals, multiple-year gifts, or projects previously declined within a specified timeframe.

The Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants offer up to $20,000 for environmental art projects led by women-identifying artists in the U.S. and territories. Focused on themes like regeneration and eco-social engagement, the grants encourage projects that address ecological issues through ethical engagement. For the 2025 cycle, over $520,000 will be distributed, doubling previous funding. Eligible applicants must be 18+, lead artists, and not enrolled in degree programs during the grant term.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The GSA Graduate Student Research Grants provide essential funding for master's and doctoral research in geological sciences for students in North America and Central America. In 2024, approximately $800,000 was awarded to 316 students, averaging around $2,500 each. The program aims to enhance the geoscience workforce, promote career development, and support diversity within the field. Applications require an appraisal from a primary advisor, and participation from underrepresented communities is encouraged.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant supports educational programs that enhance community quality of life. Focused on fostering self-sufficiency and job readiness, the Foundation values strong relationships and employee engagement. By funding diverse non-profit initiatives, it aims to ensure that all children have access to quality education and that communities thrive through enhanced educational opportunities. Currently, applications are invited only, aligning with their commitment to impactful community partnerships.