Best Housing Grants in Connecticut

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing safe, affordable housing or related community development can seek up to US $25,000 for programs, capacity building, or capital projects. Focused on housing stability and basic human services, Northwest Community Bank Foundation invites organizations serving Northwest Community Bank communities to apply for support that strengthens local quality of life.

Connecticut nonprofits and municipalities improving housing, public spaces, transportation, and digital connections can access funding through AARP Foundation to complete quick-action livability projects. Eligible efforts include accessibility upgrades, pedestrian and bike safety, home modifications, and community resilience initiatives that benefit residents, especially people age 50 and older, through capacity-building, demonstration, or flagship grants.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on housing, community development, and related human services can seek program or project support through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, with typical awards of US $1,000 - US $15,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation provides funding in areas it serves, including parts of Connecticut.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life can seek funding for education, youth development, community programs, and basic needs, including housing, homelessness, and hunger services. Vermont Mutual Insurance Group’s VMIG Charitable Giving Fund supports organizations within its marketing territories working to build healthy lives and strong, vibrant communities.

Connecticut nonprofit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters providing supportive housing and emergency food can apply for the Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant. Focused on feeding the hungry and housing people in need, UNICO Foundation funds established programs that use 100% of awards for direct food, shelter, and basic needs services.

Municipalities, nonprofits, community housing development organizations, for-profit developers, and individuals in Connecticut can apply for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which offers loans and grants for affordable housing activities. Funding from the Connecticut Department of Housing can support rehabilitation, new construction, demolition, homeownership and rental housing, pre-development loans, CHDO operating costs, relocation, and homebuyer education.

Connecticut towns and cities under 50,000 residents seeking community and housing development support can apply for the state’s Community Development Block Grant – Small Cities Program. With a mission to advance community and economic development, Connecticut Department of Housing provides Connecticut housing and infrastructure projects with funding that benefits low- and moderate-income residents, addresses blight, or meets urgent needs.

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.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Connecticut working on equitable and affordable housing, homeownership, and community development can access funding through KeyBank Foundation, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants also support basic needs, financial literacy, and workforce and education initiatives that build safe, stable neighborhoods and economic self-sufficiency.

Government and private nonprofit organizations in Connecticut can obtain funding to provide technical assistance for mutual self-help housing construction in eligible rural areas. Grants from USDA Rural Development help housing groups supervise low- and very-low-income families building their own homes, recruit participants, and support them through loan applications and related activities.

Municipalities, nonprofits, and for-profit entities in Connecticut can seek Urban Act support for projects in economically distressed communities that include housing, community development, and related urban improvements. Grants from Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development help Connecticut housing and neighborhood projects advance community conservation, public safety, transportation, recreation, and social-service facilities in eligible urban areas.

Nonprofit organizations working on education or housing-related economic mobility in Connecticut can apply for TruStage Foundation support. TruStage Foundation provides Connecticut housing and education nonprofits with grants and sponsorships focused on K–12 literacy, mentoring, tutoring, affordable housing, homelessness services, and rental assistance, with priority given to communities near its Madison, Wisconsin and Cedar Valley, Iowa hubs but eligibility spanning all 50 states.

Nonprofit and other eligible organizations working on fair housing education and outreach can apply for funding from HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, including work in Connecticut. Awards of US $175,000 - US $2,500,000 support media campaigns and community-based programs that prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices and promote equitable, affordable housing access.

Connecticut housing and basic human services nonprofits can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation to support affordable housing, emergency shelter, and hunger relief programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities and certain public institutions within AEP’s service territory or with regional or national reach, including programs that also advance social justice, education, or environmental goals.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Homeless To Housing Program - Household Comfort Support

DVNF is dedicated to assisting disabled and at-risk veterans in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Recognizing that securing a home is a significant milestone, DVNF understands that true stability is achieved when a house becomes a home, furnished with essential items that provide comfort and functionality. We help cover essential costs related to securing and creating comfortable housing for at-risk veterans.

The H2H Program offers comprehensive support to veterans by providing: Household Comfort Support of up to $2,000 worth of essential household items to ensure veterans have a stable, safe, and comfortable living environment.

For Financial Assistance: Payments are processed through two payment cycles each month, around the 15th and 30th. For Furniture Assistance: Once the List of Items form is completed, DVNF staff will purchase the requested items, which should arrive within 7-10 business days.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

Nonprofit organizations working on equitable and affordable housing, supportive housing and shelters, or related community services in Connecticut and nearby areas can seek funding for programs or capital needs. Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation provides more than US $10,000 for initiatives in housing, social services, public health, safety, education, and financial literacy, prioritizing its general marketing area.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Homeless To Housing Program - Financial Assistance

DVNF is dedicated to assisting disabled and at-risk veterans in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Recognizing that securing a home is a significant milestone, DVNF understands that true stability is achieved when a house becomes a home, furnished with essential items that provide comfort and functionality. We help cover essential costs related to securing and creating comfortable housing for at-risk veterans.

The H2H Program offers comprehensive support to veterans by providing: Financial Assistance of up to $2,000 to cover essential costs related to securing permanent housing, such as security deposits and initial rent payments.

For Financial Assistance: Payments are processed through two payment cycles each month, around the 15th and 30th. If your payment is delayed beyond the expected date, a Promissory Note of Payment will be issued to the vendor, confirming our organization's responsibility and requesting that no penalties be applied to the applicant.

The CIF Capacity Builder Awards by Endeavor Health focus on enhancing community health through strategic investments. With over $38.5 million allocated to local partnerships, these awards aim to address critical areas like healthcare access, food insecurity, and workforce development. Designed for nonprofit organizations, the awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually for 1-2 years, fostering long-term community impact and advancing health equity in the service areas.

About

Being deeply connected to the community means more than providing access to excellent healthcare. It means understanding, and investing in, the health needs of our community.

Through our Community Investment Fund (CIF), Endeavor Health has awarded more than $38.5 million to 59 local partnerships dedicated to enhancing community health and wellbeing, advancing health equity and supporting local economic growth. Together, we’re committed to helping everyone in our communities be their best.

Award categories

Through the CIF, we will make meaningful and intentional investments through impact awards and capacity builder awards. These awards are intended to meaningfully advance the health of our community over time towards three bold aspirations through investments in five areas of focus.

We aspire to a future where:

• A person’s zip code does not determine how long they will live
• Hunger and homelessness in our communities are history
• The healthcare workforce is thriving and representative of the communities we serve

To help advance these aspirations, the CIF will invest in the following areas:

• Access to healthcare
• Behavioral health
• Food insecurity
• Housing insecurity
• Workforce development for careers in healthcare

Impact awards

• Designed for 5-year initiatives where organizations come together to drive measurable impact and longer-term change in the communities we serve by improving existing systems and innovation
• Emphasize strategic cross-sector and/or intra-sector partnerships between community-based organizations
• Uplift community members of greatest need
• Directly align with CIF areas of focus and meaningfully contribute to CIF goals
• Award amount: $1 million per year, up to 5 years

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community development, affordable housing, or supportive housing programs in Fairfield County can apply for grants of US $2,500 - US $5,000. First County Bank Foundation prioritizes projects in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, Fairfield, and Bridgeport, especially those serving low- to moderate-income residents and demonstrating clear community impact.

The OVC FY 2026 Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking program aims to provide vital housing and support services for victims of human trafficking. This initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Justice, focuses on rapid rehousing, ensuring victims transition quickly into stable, permanent housing. Organizations interested in applying must demonstrate their capacity to deliver comprehensive support aligned with federal guidelines. Applications are due by October 5, 2026, through JustGrants.

The Level 1 Fair Housing Grant, offered by the National Association of REALTORS®, supports initiatives aimed at educating REALTORS® on fair housing issues. Grants can fund classes, forums, or workshops, with a maximum award of $3,000. Starting in 2025, the grant will also support expenses related to the At Home With Diversity class to align with new training requirements. This initiative ensures REALTORS® have the resources to promote diversity and inclusion in their communities.

The Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of Realtors, aim to enhance education on housing affordability for REALTORS® and the community. Grants of up to $3,000 support various initiatives, including forums, speakers, and stakeholder meetings. This initiative encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing to address pressing housing issues and promote affordability in communities. Eligible associations can receive one grant annually, with reimbursement requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Level 2 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of REALTORS®, aim to address affordable housing challenges within communities. With a maximum award of $7,500, these grants encourage collaborations among local agencies to enhance housing access. Eligible activities include forums, expos, and studies that promote housing opportunities. Associations can receive one grant per year, and funds are disbursed via a reimbursement process, with requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.