Best Grants for Youth Programs in Connecticut

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

Connecticut youth-serving groups and small nonprofits in Waterbury can access funding through Connecticut Community Foundation to run grassroots projects and leadership programs; awards range from US $5,000 - US $7,000. Resident-led initiatives that build youth leadership, civic engagement, and community connections in Waterbury, Connecticut are prioritized, including workshops, organizing, gardens, public art, and similar neighborhood-strengthening efforts.

Community organizations, schools, and public agencies in Connecticut working on civic engagement can receive support to deepen understanding and participation in civic life. The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut provides mini-grants up to US $1,000 for efforts that build inclusive, just communities, including youth-focused initiatives in its 42 Eastern Connecticut communities.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New London and Windham Counties can seek funding for youth-focused education, workforce preparation, and enrichment programs, as well as related human welfare, arts, and civic initiatives. Nordson Corporation Foundation also considers general operating support for organizations that deliver measurable outcomes and help young people progress toward self-sufficiency and higher education.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) organizations integrating visual or performing arts into youth education can seek funding to enhance learning, motivate students, and support educators. Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust’s P/Arts Grant Program offers up to US $25,000 for arts-based, evidence-driven programs that address educational inequities and strengthen connections between schools, families, and communities.

Youth-serving charitable organizations in Tolland County, Connecticut can apply for Peridot Foundation grants to support children’s programs, public safety, and community programs. Funding may also assist nonprofits engaged in medical research, including cystic fibrosis, disability services, and other charitable activities that benefit the greater Hebron community.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipal entities can receive up to US $3,000 to support group domestic or international travel for youth under 21. Connecticut Community Foundation supports youth services by prioritizing trips that promote cross-cultural understanding, justice, equity, and direct engagement among young people from diverse cultures within its 21-town service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving youth development, education, basic needs, or community life in Connecticut can apply for support from the Vermont Mutual Insurance Group’s VMIG Charitable Giving Fund. Grants help build healthy lives and strong, vibrant communities and may benefit youth programs focused on leadership, life skills, enrichment, or essential services.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipal entities can receive funding for youth development, educational equity, and economic mobility initiatives through the Building Equitable Opportunity Grant. Connecticut Community Foundation supports programs in its 21-town service area, especially Waterbury, including K–12 interventions, college and career preparation, job training, and financial education that improve long-term outcomes for marginalized youth and families.

Connecticut youth-serving nonprofits and community groups hosting events or programs can access funding through Liberty Bank Foundation corporate and branch sponsorships, with awards more than US $1,000. Support is available for activities like youth athletics, school events, walk-a-thons, cultural programs, and community fundraisers in eligible Connecticut and Greater Springfield, MA communities.

Connecticut youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding for youth and family services, education, arts, housing, health, and environmental projects through Washington Trust Charitable Foundation. Eligible nonprofits in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut may request single- or multi-year support, including capital funding and specific projects that directly benefit local communities.

About NASA CTSGC

NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) is a federally mandated grant, internship, and scholarship program that is funded as a part of NASA Education. There are Space Grant Consortia in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. NASA CTSGC, in an effort to encourage broader participation in NASA research programs, was formed in 1991 by the following post-secondary education institutions: Trinity College, University of Connecticut, and University of New Haven with the University of Hartford as the lead institution.

The CTSGC Purpose

• Inspire the pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), especially within groups who have traditionally been underrepresented within the STEM disciplines
• Be the model for STEM-based professional development
• Contribute to the development of Connecticut’s economy and STEM pipeline
• Provide an environment in which all stakeholders understand and contribute to the Consortium’s mission.

Funding Opportunities for Informal Education Organizations

NASA CTSGC offers funding to museums and other informal education settings to support activities that are focused on aeronautics and aerospace and/or STEM-related activities.

Examples of Possible Fundable Projects

• Presentations at local K-12 schools on the topics of aeronautics/ aerospace and/or STEM
• Create a curriculum/an exhibit focused on NASA initiatives/activities
• Funds to develop an after-school/weekend program for youth focused on STEM

Nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and partnered groups in the Lower Connecticut River Valley can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for environmental preservation, conservation, restoration, or education projects. Focused on environmental initiatives, The Rockfall Foundation invites Connecticut organizations, including those engaging youth, to fund materials, transportation, program fees, intern stipends, and similar project costs in eligible towns.

Organizations running agriculture, forestry, or commercial fishing education and leadership programs in Connecticut and the broader Northeast can apply for Farm Credit East’s AgEnhancement grants, awarding US $500 - US $10,000 for projects with long-term industry impact. Youth-focused initiatives, such as leadership development or classroom agriculture programs, may be especially competitive.

Early-stage, fiscally sponsored nonprofits in Connecticut can access one-year capacity-building and program development support through the Emerging Grants program, focused on literacy, education, community development, and equity. New Alliance Foundation provides smaller grants to newer organizations in its Connecticut service area, which may include youth-serving programs with clear, community-centered missions.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities running youth development, environmental, women’s independence, LGBTQ+ support, or community programs may be eligible for project, capital, or limited operating support. With a mission to support charitable purposes, Anne S. Richardson Fund prioritizes Ridgefield and Fairfield County initiatives, which can include youth programs serving lower-income residents or the broader community.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering youth STEAM education can access funding via Cox Communications through the Cox Charities Community Grant Program, with awards of US $5,000 - US $12,000. Programs must serve youth in Cox’s Connecticut service areas and focus on STEAM innovation, conservation and sustainability, or inclusion initiatives.

Connecticut youth-serving 501(c)(3) public charities running evidence-informed mental health or social-emotional learning programs can access funding through Cigna Foundation, with awards of US $100,000 - US $150,000 for one-year projects. Eligible nonprofits must support youth ages 5–18, particularly in schools or related settings, and may include programming for parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies serving Branford can seek Branford Community Foundation support for youth programs, basic needs, health, education, arts, environment, and civic projects. The foundation prioritizes basic needs, mental health, child and youth development, and programs that create joy, aiming for high-impact improvements in the Branford community.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) organizations running youth-focused programs in Derby or Shelton can seek project support, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $7,000. With a mission to benefit local youth, Bruce N. Griffing Trust provides funding for initiatives in arts, education, health, and human services, with preference for early childhood development projects.

The Connecticut Community Foundation's Women's Fund Grant aims to empower girls and young women by fostering self-esteem, resilience, and advocacy through targeted programs. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Fund emphasizes collaboration among organizations to create inclusive environments, meaningful youth involvement, and positive role models. Funding projects may include planning grants for feasibility studies and core operational support for nonprofits. The initiative seeks to address low self-esteem among pre-teen and teenage girls in its 21-town service area.

Connecticut youth-serving organizations, schools, libraries, and civic groups can access funding for democracy education projects through Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; awards range from US $500 - US $2,000. Programs must serve school-aged youth and deepen understanding of democracy, including initiatives using arts or highlighting marginalized communities’ roles in civic life.

Connecticut youth-serving nonprofits, 501(c)(3) organizations, and municipalities can access funding for local environmental projects and education programs. Environmental Professionals' Organization of Connecticut offers approximately US $3,000 for activities like clean-ups, reforestation, biodiversity and watershed projects, hazardous waste collection, and youth-focused environmental education or career development initiatives that benefit Connecticut’s environment.

The Chelsea Groton Foundation, established in 1998, has awarded over $6.79 million in grants to nonprofits in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Committed to community growth, equity, and inclusion, the Foundation will implement updated grant procedures starting January 2025. Organizations must ensure prior grants are fully expended before applying for new funding, with a maximum grant request set at $10,000 to support more community partners effectively.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities offering youth services, health and human services, education, arts, or environmental programs for Glastonbury residents can apply for one-year support from the George H.C. Ensworth Memorial Fund. Grants from this fund help Connecticut youth-focused organizations and other community nonprofits run programs serving people in Glastonbury.

Nonprofit organizations with principal offices in New Haven, Connecticut can seek support for educational, cultural, human services, and health care programs serving underserved residents. With a mission to uplift New Haven communities, Anna Fitch Ardenghi Trust provides one-year grants, giving special preference to arts and youth-focused programming that benefits local children and young people.

The GrantThe Connecticut Social Equity Council (the Council) is launching the Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program, a statewide community reinvestment initiative designed to expand opportunity and strengthen communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.

Through this program, the Council is making a significant, long-term investment in Community-based organizations (CBOs) that are already doing critical work across the state. By directing funding to these organizations, the R2 Program aims to support sustainable, community-driven solutions that advance economic opportunity, promote stability, and improve outcomes for residents.

Program Priorities The R2 Program supports initiatives that align with one or more of three priority areas:

• Economic Development -  focuses on increasing access to employment and economic opportunity.
  • This may include job readiness programs, workforce development, employer partnerships, and efforts that strengthen community infrastructure and support long-term economic stability.
• Reentry Initiatives - support individuals returning to their communities after involvement with the justice system
  • Programs may include employment assistance, housing support, legal services, mental health resources, and other wraparound services that help individuals successfully reintegrate.
• Youth Initiatives - focus on supporting young people through programs that promote academic success, personal development, and long-term opportunity. 
  • This may include mentorship, life skills training, mental health support, leadership development, and career readiness programming.

Applicants should select the priority area that best aligns with their proposed program and clearly demonstrate how their work addresses the needs of the community they serve.