Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Connecticut

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Bumble Bee Seafood Company Foundation Scholarship 

The Bumble Bee Seafood Company Foundation Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors, current four-year, community college or trade/vocational school students
• Plan to enroll or are currently enrolled in an accredited four-year undergraduate university, community college or trade/vocational school in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• This opportunity is open to all applicants, with a focus on those furthest from opportunity and having a demonstrated financial need.

The Drops of Hope Giving Program, initiated by Vapur, aims to enhance environmental sustainability by reducing single-use plastics. This initiative collaborates with organizations to donate thousands of reusable bottles globally, promoting access to clean water. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations or those offering marketing opportunities in exchange for contributions. The program reflects Vapur's commitment to innovative, portable products that inspire active lifestyles, fostering a healthier planet.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant - Books for Ownership program supports local literacy initiatives by providing funding for diverse books and literacy resources. Established in 1966, RIF aims to foster a culture of literacy among children in under-resourced communities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to double their impact through matched funds, ensuring children have access to high-quality books that reflect their experiences and broaden their perspectives.

The AFS Travel Grant, offered by the Austin Film Society, supports Texas-based filmmakers by covering travel costs to competitive film festivals worldwide. Since its inception, the grant has provided crucial financial assistance, enabling filmmakers to gain exposure and foster industry connections. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,500 for travel, helping them navigate the financial challenges of festival participation. This initiative strengthens the local creative community and promotes diverse storytelling in the film industry.

The Gilead Research Scholars Program in Oncology supports innovative research from emerging investigators worldwide, focusing on scientific understanding and progress in cancer treatment. Launched in 2008, it offers financial support of up to $180,000 over two years to junior faculty who meet eligibility criteria. The program emphasizes diversity and aims to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups in research, fostering a more inclusive landscape in addressing unmet medical needs.

The Family Medicine Cares USA Free Health Clinic Grants support existing clinics in providing care to the uninsured. Grants of up to $10,000 are available if funds permit, prioritizing clinics with AAFP members in leadership roles. The program emphasizes the involvement of Family Medicine residents or medical students as volunteers, aiming to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities.

WindSwell Foundation: Scholarship- Additional Licensing

Managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, this scholarship opportunity is for up to $2,500 per year for any Special Educator seeking additional licensing.

The NLN Steve Cerame Nurse Educator Scholarship Award supports aspiring nurse educators by providing up to $8,000 annually for master's or doctoral students. This award honors the legacy of NLN's former CFO and aims to facilitate the education of future nursing faculty. Eligible candidates must be NLN members and have completed at least one year of their program. The scholarship focuses on enhancing the nursing workforce and advancing educational excellence in nursing.

The Winifred Goldring Award, presented by the Association for Women Geoscientists, offers a $2000 cash prize and membership in the Paleontological Society to an outstanding female student in paleontology. Named after the pioneering woman paleontologist Winifred Goldring, the award recognizes students exhibiting exceptional motivation and professional potential. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in graduate studies and provide proof of student status. This award aims to support women's contributions to the geosciences.

The Rare Disease Endpoint Advancement Pilot Program, initiated by the FDA, aims to enhance the development of novel efficacy endpoints for drugs addressing rare diseases. This initiative encourages collaboration between sponsors and the FDA throughout the endpoint development process. By fostering innovation through guidance and public workshops, the program seeks to equip FDA staff and improve evaluation methods for rare disease therapies. The pilot program is set to run until September 30, 2027, providing vital support for drug development in this area.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Awards

Excellence in Research

The Mensa Foundation’s Awards for Excellence in Research recognize researchers who are building new knowledge in intelligence.

Presented annually, these awards honor exceptional work published in peer-reviewed journals or presented at professional conferences.

Details

A prestigious recognition in the field, the Awards for Excellence in Research celebrate innovative contributions that redefine how intelligence, giftedness, and related fields are studied and applied.

Award Components

Criteria for Entry

The Veridian Credit Union Scholarship offers four $2,500 awards to high school seniors and four $2,500 awards to post-secondary students enrolled in accredited programs. To qualify, applicants must be the primary owner of a Veridian Credit Union account in good standing. This initiative, managed by the Iowa Credit Union Foundation, supports educational advancement and aims to foster financial success among its members.

The Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship, offered by Veridian Credit Union, supports high school seniors and post-high school students pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. To qualify, applicants must be members in good standing at a credit union affiliated with the Iowa Credit Union League. This scholarship aims to foster financial success and educational advancement, ensuring that students can achieve their academic goals without financial barriers.

Arnold Ventures invites proposals for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate social programs and policies. Focused on evidence-based solutions, this RFP aims to fund rigorous research that identifies effective interventions for pressing social issues. By supporting RCTs, Arnold Ventures seeks to enhance the understanding of what works in policy implementation, thereby informing decision-makers and improving resource allocation. Proposals exceeding $500,000 may require additional approval time.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Awards

Mensa Foundation Prize

The Mensa Foundation Prize celebrates exceptional achievements that redefine our understanding of intelligence and creativity.

Awarded biennially, this distinguished honor highlights transformative scientific discoveries that elevate the understanding of intelligence.

Details

One of the most prestigious honors in the field, the Mensa Foundation Prize highlights exceptional contributions that elevate the understanding of intelligence.

Award Components

Criteria for Entry

The West-Gray Scholarship Fund, established in 2014, supports undergraduate and graduate students in applied geology who demonstrate academic excellence and are members of the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists. This fund aids students conducting field studies in environmental and engineering geology particularly in the eastern United States, fostering future professionals in the field.

The Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship, launched by the First Nations Development Institute and the Henry Luce Foundation, supports Native knowledge holders and makers in their transformative work. With ten fellowships of $75,000 each, this two-year program fosters growth and collaboration across diverse fields such as agriculture, climate change, and cultural revitalization. Fellows will engage in community-building through required convenings, enhancing their leadership skills and professional networks to benefit Native communities.

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) National Grant funds innovative projects that empower youth with disabilities, enhancing their leadership and employment skills. Grants typically range from $10K to $100K per year for one to two years. MEAF seeks proposals that break down employment barriers, support U.S. youth with disabilities, and promote inclusive practices. Projects should demonstrate a plan for national dissemination and measurable outcomes, particularly benefiting young veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Rintoul Family Fund

To support students from Hampden or Hampshire County attending a two- or four-year college, studying agriculture or other related majors.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

WRF was formed in 2018 through the integration of three highly respected research collaboratives: WateReuse Research Foundation, Water Environment Research Foundation, and Water Research Foundation. Separately, these organizations focused on research to support varied segments of the water sector—water reuse, wastewater and stormwater, and drinking water, respectively. Now a One Water organization, WRF delivers the research programming the sector needs to address the most pressing water issues holistically.

5425 - Assessing and Managing Manganese Behavior in Drinking Water Distribution and Premise Plumbing Systems

Grant Information

• Characterize spatial and temporal variability of manganese (Mn) concentrations and speciation in distribution systems and potential impacts in premise plumbing.
• Investigate Mn speciation and its influences on interactions with water chemistry, corrosion control treatment, and complexing agents, and assess implications for Mn occurrence, stability, and release in distribution systems and premise plumbing.
• Evaluate the relationships between Mn stability and release, including long-term legacy deposit mobilization, in relation to chemical, hydraulic, and biological processes in distribution systems.
• Evaluate strategies for mitigating Mn accumulation and release, including corrosion control treatments such as phosphate blends, and assess operational practices such as flushing and other system maintenance activities.
• Recommend monitoring strategies to identify system-specific risks, support detection of Mn accumulation, and inform responses to anticipated regulatory changes.

The Cohen Gordon B Great Scholarship Fund honors Judy Gordon's legacy as a dedicated social worker and educator in Duluth. This fund supports students overcoming adversity, encouraging their pursuit of two-year or four-year degrees. Eligible applicants are graduates from any Duluth high school, with a preference for ESL or non-native English speakers. The scholarship awards $2,000 for one academic year, emphasizing the importance of resilience and belief in every student's potential.

The FWW Research Award supports innovative, short-term studies aimed at enhancing women's health, particularly in areas such as cardiovascular disease, female cancers, and hormonal impact on health. Eligible applicants include MDs and PhDs affiliated with accredited institutions. The program prioritizes research with direct clinical applications and seeks proposals that promise to attract additional funding for further study. Notably, sociological research is excluded from funding consideration.

The Marliave Scholarship Fund, established in honor of Elmer C. Marliave and his family, supports students in Engineering Geology and Geological Engineering. This scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement and potential contributions to the profession. Awarded by the AEG Foundation, recipients are designated as "Marliave Scholars" based on their qualifications and involvement in professional societies. The program aims to foster excellence and commitment within the field, promoting future leaders in geoscience.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Immigration and Immigrant Integration Grants aim to fund innovative research that explores the dynamics of race, citizenship, and legal status in relation to immigrant outcomes in the U.S. This initiative seeks to understand the complex interplay of policies and social factors affecting immigrants and native-born populations across various racial and ethnic groups. Researchers are encouraged to utilize diverse data sources to deepen insights into immigration integration and the societal implications of legal status.

The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience offers Scholar Awards to early-career neuroscientists focusing on learning and memory disorders. The awards provide up to $225,000 over three years, emphasizing research that could lead to significant clinical advancements. Eligible candidates must work as independent investigators at U.S. non-profit institutions, hold an Assistant Professor position for less than four years, and demonstrate their research program's potential. The program aims to foster innovative solutions in neuroscience.

The Skatepark Project Grants aim to support underserved communities in building public, free, concrete skateparks for youth. Eligible applicants include public charities and local agencies committed to designing inclusive spaces. The projects must engage local skaters in planning and fundraising, promote safety, and be open year-round without entry fees. The initiative fosters community involvement and addresses social inequalities, ensuring that all types of skatepark users can benefit from these vital recreational resources.

The World Childhood Foundation aims to eradicate child sexual abuse and exploitation through innovative programs. Organizations eligible for funding must be based in the U.S. and focus on child safety, supportive environments, and responses to abuse. The grant does not support emergency relief, orphanages, or established program costs. Interested applicants should start the process 1-2 months prior to the deadline to ensure they can fulfill the necessary requirements, including a site visit.