Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Connecticut

The NRA Foundation provides grants to support charitable purposes in line with IRS regulations for 501(c)(3) entities. Eligible applicants include recognized nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions. The Foundation aims to promote firearms safety, education, and research, while ineligible projects include commercial ventures, administrative costs, and deficit financing. Applications must demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission to foster shooting sports and related educational initiatives.

The Elizabeth Carse Foundation, established in 1970, focuses on enhancing education and child welfare in Connecticut. It offers one-year grants to organizations that provide impactful teacher training, aiding children in achieving improved living standards. However, the foundation does not support general operating costs or capital projects and limits funding to a maximum of three consecutive years per applicant. This ensures that resources are allocated effectively to promote educational advancements.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island provides vital funding to help rural communities prepare for or recover from emergencies threatening their access to safe drinking water. Eligible applicants may receive grants for water transmission and source projects, addressing critical needs following disasters like droughts, floods, or contamination. This initiative aims to restore water supply systems and support rural development, ensuring reliable water access for residents.

The PLAN of CT Charitable Trust Grants provide essential, one-time assistance for Connecticut residents with disabilities. Established in 1990, this initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals facing various challenges due to their disabilities. Grants can fund services and resources such as home retrofitting, music therapy, and educational support. Priority is given to applicants with limited income, ensuring that those in greater need receive support to improve their independence and wellbeing.

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

The Northwest Community Bank Foundation supports non-profits that enhance community life through grants focused on education, housing, basic human services, and community impact. Eligible organizations include registered 501(c)(3) entities aligned with the Foundation's mission, serving areas across Connecticut. With an average grant size of $3,500 and a cap of $25,000 per year, the Foundation aims to foster economic success, empower youth, and provide essential services to those in need.

Meland Foundation Nursing Scholarship

The Meland Foundation grants funding for scholarships to nurses in the NJ-NY-CT-PA area with BSN degrees wishing to pursue Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and DNP degrees with a pediatric specialty and who share the vision of the Foundation.

The Meland Foundation — founded by a beloved pediatrician who built a successful family medical practice in Northern New Jersey — provides and supports inspirational and informational programs to enhance the ability of families to care for loved ones and to provide hope to patients and their caregivers.

The amount of each nursing scholarship is between $2,000 and $5,000.

Scholarships are granted annually.

About 

The National Sea Grant College Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1966 and works to create and maintain a healthy coastal environment and economy. The Sea Grant network consists of a federal/university partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and 34 programs in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium is a regional collaboration that includes 8 Sea Grant programs in 7 Northeast states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium collaborates on regional initiatives in research, education, extension, and communications—leveraging local expertise to create regional benefits and accomplishments.

American Lobster Initiative (ALI) Collaborative Research

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative is pleased to announce funding to support new collaborative research projects that closely align with emerging lobster industry and management needs. This request for proposals (RFP) adds to the substantial breadth of previous ALI-funded research by prioritizing projects that create “actionable science” (outputs and findings of the scientific process are useful to and usable by end-user communities) through the co-creation of information and/or products. 

To reach this goal, the ALI seeks to support collaborative research practices, the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources/capacities amongst the many people who comprise the American lobster industry. Projects must be developed and led by collaborative research teams that include at least one fishing industry representative, such as a commercial fisherman or a representative from a commercial fishing business, including cooperatives, dealers and processors. This call emphasizes research conducted with and for the industry, offering an exciting opportunity to support and elevate industry-research-management partnerships to address current ecological, regulatory, and socio-economic challenges faced by the American lobster fishery.

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative invites proposals for collaborative research projects to be funded from December 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028. Projects can be up to two years in duration, with a recommended duration of no less than 18 months. 

This opportunity is designed to support collaborative research conducted by those affiliated with the American lobster industry (including shoreside supply chain businesses), and any public or private higher education institution, municipal, state, federal, or tribal entity, research laboratory, or other community or non-profit institution. This opportunity is not open to single investigator proposals.

A total of $400,000 is available to support up to 8 two-year project awards. Project budgets cannot exceed $100,000 (including all direct and indirect costs), and must include non-federal cost share is required for this competition. See full RFP for guidance.

The Point32Health Foundation Grant focuses on advancing equity in aging by providing multi-year, general operating grants to nonprofits in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for older adults. Grant applications are accepted at various times, with specific deadlines for advocacy and social justice projects. The foundation seeks to honor the voices of those most affected by inequities.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

The Connecticut Health Foundation Program Grants support projects aimed at improving health equity for people of color. The foundation focuses on initiatives that influence health systems, funding innovative approaches that can lead to sustainable change. Eligible applicants include organizations with 501(c)(3) status and public agencies. Grants typically exceed $25,000 and prioritize projects that address racial and ethnic health disparities, ensuring community voices are included in policy discussions.

The Connecticut Health Foundation President’s Discretionary Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for projects that aim to improve health equity and access within communities. This grant supports innovative approaches, research on sustainable funding, and efforts to elevate community voices in policy discussions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies. This rolling grant opportunity is ideal for time-sensitive projects that address systemic health disparities in Connecticut.

Connecticut farms and agricultural cooperatives seeking to diversify operations or launch value-added products in Connecticut can access funding through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Farm Transition Grant. This Innovation and Diversification Grant offers up to US $49,999 in matching funds for market expansion projects, which may benefit educators involved in agricultural training or continuing education initiatives.

Connecticut farms and agricultural cooperatives seeking to research new products, services, or markets can access funding through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Farm Transition Grant. This Research and Development category offers up to US $24,999 with a 40% match for projects that diversify and expand value-added agricultural production in the state.

Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives seeking to expand, diversify, or transition their operations can apply for infrastructure support in Connecticut, with awards up to US $24,999. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Farm Transition Grant: Infrastructure Investment Grant provides 50% matching funds for eligible on-farm infrastructure projects with three or more years of production experience.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

Assistive Technology Grant -  Allison Keller Education Technology Program

Realizing the gains that many people with autism have achieved using the iPad, the Allison Keller Education Technology Program was created in honor of Flutie Foundation Board Member Kevin Lane Keller's daughter Allison. The goal of the program is to help fill the financial and technological gap for schools and 501(c)3 organizations that assist individuals with autism.Applications will be considered for any technology tools and/or training that improve learning outcomes or performance. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Tablets & Accessories
• Apps
• Smartboards
• Laptops
• Technology Training
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educational activities & access to STEM studies

The Flutie Foundation is seeking innovative partners who are using technology to address real needs facing the autism community. One program per public school district is eligible to be awarded an Allison Keller Education Technology grant annually.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

Nuvance Health is committed to enhancing community well-being through strategic sponsorships. By partnering with nonprofit organizations, Nuvance Health promotes initiatives that align with its mission of providing exceptional healthcare. Eligible organizations must be not-for-profit, located near Nuvance Health facilities, and support the health system's goals. However, Nuvance Health does not sponsor individuals, political events, or groups lacking direct community benefit. This commitment reflects Nuvance's dedication to fostering health and wellness in the Hudson Valley and Western Connecticut.

The ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship offers a one-year award for undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students attending institutions in ASHRAE Region I or those who graduated from high schools in the area. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific program criteria, promoting excellence in HVAC&R education. This scholarship supports future leaders in the field, ensuring a sustainable built environment.

New ERA Writers Program Goals

The New Era Writers Program aims to inspire those who seek to improve their current abilities or find a community with like-minded individuals and writers. We want to provide support and resources to writers and writing programs to help amplify their voices and improve their capabilities. Our Foundation believes that one of the most important life skills is the ability to be an effective writer and communicator. We support programs that will provide anyone with the knowledge and skills to express themselves through the art of writing and encourage higher levels of training designed to assist in delivering clear and persuasive arguments for change and equality. This program was designed to support writers as they pursue a career and love of writing.

Program Outline

The New Era program was created to encourage writing professionals, teachers, counselors, professors, and schools to start or continue programs supporting professional and creative writing career paths.

The program can support:

• Any writing genre: Journalism, Fiction, Poetry, Prose, Blogging, Novel, Autobiography, Book Reviews, Comic Strips, Diaries, Essays, Fables, etc.
• Programs can be Workshops, Writing Clubs, Curriculum Based Programs, After-school programs, Summer Programs, Retreats, etc.
• Program space that provides a safe and inspiring environment.
• Community Partnerships or On-Staff Writing Professionals or Teachers with Writing Degrees or who Minored in Writing or any Humanities, Liberal Arts or another degree that teaches or encourages writing.

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.

The Citizens Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment. Organizations applying must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific states. The foundation seeks to partner with high-impact nonprofits to create measurable community impact through innovative programs. Funding is directed towards job training, career education, and coaching initiatives, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and volunteerism.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity is a four-year renewable award aimed at high school seniors and first-time college freshmen who demonstrate exceptional innovation and creativity. Unlike traditional scholarships that prioritize academic achievement, this scholarship seeks to reward students who have solved problems creatively, whether in the arts, sciences, or community challenges. It encourages innovative thinkers from Connecticut or New York City to pursue their higher education goals.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Seminarian Studies, funded by UNICO Foundation Inc, offers four scholarships worth $1,000 each to full-time seminarians attending accredited Catholic seminaries in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and either reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor. This scholarship supports the educational journey of seminarians, reflecting UNICO's commitment to serving the community and promoting Italian American heritage.

The Connecticut Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, funded by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, aims to foster innovative conservation practices on private lands. While funding is unavailable for 2025, the program traditionally supports projects that enhance water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitats. CIG offers three annual funding opportunities: National CIG Classic, State CIG Classic, and On-Farm Trials, each targeting specific conservation priorities and encouraging agricultural producers' participation.